Mead Hall class of 2023 celebrated for academic excellence

ERIN WEEKS, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

May 27—The graduating seniors of Mead Hall's class of 2023 were recognized for their hard work on Friday at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church.

Graduating senior Olivia Cato gave the senior address.

"Today we gather in the sanctuary to close the chapter that began here on August 8th 2019. In the four years between, we have piled in these pews, roughly every Wednesday, to worship together, each week growing into the people we are today," she said. "Today symbolizes the culmination of an academic journey and new beginnings as we open a new chapter in our lives."

The graduating class is made up of 18 students. These students are Olivia Rae Cato, Arein Tauro Delariarte, Hunter Wyatt Dixon, Margaret Donna Elliott Sawyer, Wyatt Andrew Geitner, Erin Paige Grandy, Virginia Watson Gwinn, Jason Shawn Leonard, Maria Elisa Reyes, Isabella Marie Shappell, Charles Robert Stanley, Ashton Hunter Stroud, Sarah Elizabeth Taylor, Owen Patrick Velie, Tess Elizabeth Westafer, Benjamin Thomas Wiederman, Meredith Gabrielle Windham and Oscar Joseph Zeller.

Across this class, there have been 100 college acceptances to 60 different universities and a total of $3,194,872 awarded for scholarships.

"Good luck with all your aspirations after high school, and I truly hope you achieve them," said Salutatorian Virginia Gwinn to her classmates. "Life is absolutely beautiful if you focus on the right things and continue to strive for your dreams."

Several notable awards were given out to graduates during the ceremony. The Presidential Volunteer Service Award was presented to Margaret Sawyer and Owen Velie; The American Legion Award was presented to Chuck Stanley and Arein Delariarte; The Episcopal Character Award was presented to Meredith Windham; The Headmaster's Award was presented to Wyatt Geitner; and The Palmetto Award was presented to Olivia Cato.

A new award was also introduced this year in memory of former Mead Hall trustee Rich Waugh. This award, which included a $1,000 scholarship, was awarded to Benjamin Wiederman

Valedictorian Joseph Zeller reminded his peers to push through any hardships that may arise in the future.

"Every experience, no matter how grand, comes with difficulty," said Zeller. "When the tide comes crashing in, be the rock which the water crashes against. Only you can decide what shatters you."