John Glenn High School celebrates the class of 2023
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Family and friends filled the halls and gymnasium of John Glenn High School to watch and cheer on the 150 graduates of the class of 2023 on Friday.
The band and orchestra kicked off the ceremony with a performance of "March of the Olympians," a fitting choice for the impressive graduating class. As the students walked in to "Pomp and Circumstance" some waved and smiled, while others nervously searched the crowd for a familiar face.
The five students who have made military commitments − Kody Clendenning, Adam Crawford, Owen Headley, Rosco Johnson and Gregory Smith − joined staff and administration onstage to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Remarks came from the class salutatorian, Hannah Beane, and valedictorian, Arden Wells, who encouraged her classmates to lead a life full of kindness.
Senior Megan Morrow addressed the class, giving the senior reflection before performing two numbers with the choir, "Lean On Me" and "Fly Away Home," in which she had a solo along with Riley West.
John Glenn High School principal Scott Carpenter spoke next, giving the advice to "keep doors of opportunity open, so you can make decisions about your future, rather than other people deciding for you. That way you decide what doors you walk through instead of being told what you have to do."
East Muskingum Superintendent Dave Adams then presented the class of 2023 before handing out diplomas to the new graduates. As they made their way off stage, a sense of relief washed over many faces, as this was the freshman class of 2020, who had their lives turned upside down during the pandemic. The class has seen a high school career like no other, from a tumultuous, uncertain start to walking for graduation in front of a massive crowd along with their classmates.
The turning of the tassels signified the final act of their high school times. Caps were thrown and tears were shed as the band played the recessional and graduates left to face their futures.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: JGHS graduation honors class of 2023
