Resilience of 2022 graduates celebrated at Salina Central commencement

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·1 min read
Members of the Salina Central High 2022 graduating class prepare for their commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon at Tony's Pizza Events Center.
Members of the Salina Central High 2022 graduating class prepare for their commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon at Tony's Pizza Events Center.

The graduating class of 2022 has been through a lot, and those celebrating the Salina Central High School students who have made it this far made sure to let them know.

This class saw the COVID-19 pandemic first-hand and, in the process, battled through the many changes it caused to learning.

"You are better prepared than any previous generation because of the skills you learned during the pandemic, such as perseverance and flexibility," said Matthew Brungardt, the school's principal.

The students at Central went through difficult times and uncertainty, but Rashada Smith, one of the graduate speakers during the ceremony, said there were many things to be proud of as a Mustang.

"I want to personally congratulate every single one of you for your patience, dedication and focus for these past few years," Smith said.

Rashida Smith, a 2022 graduate, addresses her class during the Salina Central High School commencement Sunday. Smith spoke of how proud she was to be alongside a resilient group of students.
Rashida Smith, a 2022 graduate, addresses her class during the Salina Central High School commencement Sunday. Smith spoke of how proud she was to be alongside a resilient group of students.

One person who knows well what it was like for these students was this year's commencement speaker, USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline.

Exline, a Central alumna, was appreciative of how much these students did to make sure they could finish strong.

"You masked up, you unmasked, you went to school half-time, you went to school full-time," Exline said.

Not only have these students succeeded to this point, Exline said, she looks forward to how much they will succeed in the future.

"I know your parents and families are incredibly proud of the young adults you've become," Exline said. "The Central teachers and staff are undoubtedly excited to see where life takes you."

Superintendent Linn Exline, a Salina Central High alumna, was the main speaker during the school's 2022 commencement ceremony. Exline said she and everyone else who were celebrating were excited to see what was in store for the future of the graduates.
Superintendent Linn Exline, a Salina Central High alumna, was the main speaker during the school's 2022 commencement ceremony. Exline said she and everyone else who were celebrating were excited to see what was in store for the future of the graduates.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Central High graduates of 2022 celebrate for their resilience