School history to be made as four OHS valedictorians to graduate
by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor
Onaway High School seniors are ready for the start of a new chapter of their lives. Senior exhibitions are finally in the rearview mirror and the countdown to the last school day is over. All that is left is graduation day.
That will take place Sunday for 33 students during the school’s annual commencement exercise scheduled for 2 p.m. in the high school gym. Joining the Class of 2013 will be one student from the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Intermediate School District.
The ceremony beings with the processional and the Cardinal band with the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates enter the gym. They will take their seats in front of the stage, where principal Marty Mix will welcome those in attendance.
He will be followed by superintendent Rod Fullerton to the podium, to officially open the ceremony.
The Class of 2013’s highest-ranking students will then deliver their speeches, starting with honor student Madison Nash. Salutatorian Chester Winfield will be next, followed by four valedictorians.
It is the first time in school history four students are graduatiing at the top of their class. They will take the stage in alphabetical order startin
Following the speeches, another tradition continues, as the band will play the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Senior members will join their band mates one last time in their caps and gowns. They also will play the Phantom of the Opera.
Incoming senior class president Mariah Ehrke will have the honor of reading the name of each graduate before he or she steps onto the stage to receive a diploma from members of the board of education.
Megan Estep will introduce the senior slide show before the seniors can turn their tassels.
That’s when seniors become graduates and they can check off the final “moment they have been waiting for” from their list, and leave the school building with a well-rounded education and new beginnings.