Bedford North Lawrence High School hosts graduation ceremony for class of 2022
BEDFORD — On Friday, Bedford North Lawrence High School hosted a commencement ceremony for their graduating class of 2022.
This year’s class had 297 graduates.
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The first to speak during the ceremony was NLCS Superintendent Ty Mungle, who noted some of the unique challenges faced by the graduating class of 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic including virtual learning, separate lunchrooms and quarantining. Mungle told the class that despite the difficulties of these circumstances, he felt that they ultimately brought the students closer together.
“You, the students led by example. You attended school. You follow the new guidelines, even some you didn’t agree with, but always embraced the opportunity to be at school, to be with your classmates and to make the most of your high school experience. As I look back, that is the thing I will remember most about your class,” Mungle said. “Thank you, class of 2022 for the many ways you shared your love of Bedford North Lawrence High School.”
He was followed by president of the class of 2022, Emily Zhang, who called back to the slogan for her class, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough,” as she discussed the importance of accepting change, instead of being fearful of it.
“This brings up the question. What is doing life right? Doing life right goes hand in hand with change, one cannot happen without the other. When entering a new phase, whether that be higher education, joining the workforce or the military, embrace the change and discover what doing life right means to you,” she said.
Next to speak were the co-valedictorians of the class of 2022, Merritt Callahan and Allison Loper.
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Callahan spoke about growing up in a small city like Bedford and the sense of community that it brings, before challenging her fellow classmates to do great things after leaving BNL, referencing a quote that had inspired her throughout the past school year.
“We are a community of ordinary people, but I believe we have the potential to make ordinary into extraordinary, both in here this community and also as we reach out to the four corners of our great nation. So, I challenge you with one last thing that someone very special said to me every day this past year that I try to achieve daily. Go be a great person who does great things,” she said closing her remarks.
Loper encouraged her classmates to reflect on their journey to graduation as they celebrate the special day.
“In order to celebrate today, I ask that you make it meaningful. Reflect on your past, your memories, good and bad. Be proud of yourself for all you have done and all you will do. Take the time to thank those who are beside you along the way. When you look at your diploma, think of it not as just a piece of paper, but as a token of your life and the people in it. Go, go and do well. But most importantly, be thankful, be generous and be kind,” Loper said.
Class salutatorian Crystal Webb closed the speaking section of the ceremony by talking to her classmates about the importance of the support systems that have helped them get to this point, as well as the need for their continued support of others moving forward.
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“From first grade to senior year, our schooling has led us to this moment and I guarantee none of us did it alone. We had the help of our teachers, families, coaches and friends. Whether we are continuing in our schooling, entering the workforce, or joining the military, we should continue to seek support from those around us,” she said.
Noah Dalton is a reporter in Bedford, IN. He can be reached at ndalton@tmnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: Bedford North Lawrence graduates 297 students in class of 2022
