Graduation day is a day devoted to celebrating an important point in students' lives. It's something they've dedicated many years of hard work to achieve. For now, the exams are finally over and normal school attire is replaced with fancy clothes while parents, grandparents, and other relatives come to admire the children in their family for crossing the finish line of a thirteen year long marathon. It's now time to for the graduates to put on their classy attire and walk across the stage for one of their greatest accomplishments to date.
Class president Collin Czilli stated, "I am very sad to leave Portage High School. I am leaving behind so many things that I helped to start that it is hard to say goodbye. This ceremony is so special for our class because this school year was so successful for our school in sports and other areas. Our graduation even made national news because Prince, our comfort dog, is graduating (retiring) with our class. I am very excited for the next chapter in my life."
Czilli spoke to his classmates during the graduation, as did valedictorians Tyler Demko and Cody Spoolstra.
Graduate Rachel Stewart shared thoughts of her time at Portage High School. “Moving across state borders my sophomore year was extremely challenging and part of me wishes I was sitting next to my childhood friends on this exciting day. I've learned in my three short years here that it doesn't matter what high school name is on my diploma on graduation day, it's the irreplaceable memories and success that I've experienced here that really matters.”
“This day symbolizes what we have all been working towards and looking forward to for the past thirteen years of school. I'm definitely going to miss a lot of my classmates because we've grown so close, but I'm so excited to start a new chapter in my life at college in the fall,” said Eric Mesarch, Portage graduate and 2013 Outstanding Young Man winner.
Another graduate Claire Tokash added, “I've had a great four years at Portage High School. Even though I'm graduating and leaving, I'm not sad! I'm psyched for college and my future.”
"I'm the most fortunate parent in the world. Everything Rachel has done and accomplished at PHS has been because of her ability to adjust to change and her genuine caring attitude. I've tried to teach her that staying true to herself is the key to success- not only in life, but in her own opinion of herself. At the end of the day when her head hits the pillow, I wanted her to rest easy knowing she had done all she could to better her world. I could not be more proud of her accomplishments, and cannot wait to watch the world outside of PHS open its doors and welcome her to a new chapter in her life. Thanks to Portage High School and the opportunities you have given my daughter. She is prepared to step into the world with confidence and belief that anything is possible," said senior mom Chris Broughman.
Parent and Portage High School teacher Cyndee Tokash stated, "I am so impressed with the graduating class of 2013! The students are absolutely outstanding: in academics, athletics, and fine arts. It is especially exciting since my daughter, Clarissa, is graduating. I am thrilled that my first year at PHS was spent meeting such fantastic future leaders!"
At the graduation, officials' speeches make everyone glow, students beam with self-fulfillment, parents realize that their assistance—both financial and emotional—was worthwhile, and the faculty have the satisfaction of assisting another graduating class. Graduation is an extremely large milestone to meet and with it comes great responsibility for the graduates.
With bigger and better opportunistic things around the corner, it's time to wish our Portage High School 2013 graduates the best of luck in all their future endeavors as they close one chapter and start another.