Wheeling Park High School Class of 2021 Graduates 331
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WHEELING -- Not even a global pandemic could keep the Wheeling Park High School Class of 2021 from making high achievements and fond memories during the past four years.
The class held its commencement ceremony Sunday at WesBanco Arena with 331 seniors receiving diplomas.
Valedictorian Isabella Abernathy said she learned that after the awards, accolades and achievements are over, what matters most is how people treat each other.
"Kindness and gratitude go a long way," she said.
Abernathy said she was going to miss her friends and coaches, but knows her class has much more to do.
"I have no doubt we will achieve unbelievable things," she said.
Scott Petticord, vice president of the senior class, said despite having to face obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic the class "came out victorious in the end."
"This is one of our most victorious moments. We were the class that faced absolute uncertainty," he said.
Petticord encouraged his classmates to never stop planning or caring.
"There's no telling what Wheeling Park High School and the city of Wheeling can achieve. When the world stopped, we didn't," Petticord said.
Photo by Shelley Hanson
Wheeling Park High School's Class of 2021 waits patiently to receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony on Sunday at WesBanco Arena. The Patriot Choir sings "Thankful" in the background.
The guest speaker for the graduation was Bryan Michaels, a business teacher at Park and a 1987 WPHS graduate. Michael talked about making the most of one's "dash" -- that is one's life, the time between birth and death. The choices people make, good and bad, make up that dash. But new chapters can be written.
"Focus on today … live your dash to the fullest," he said.
Other speakers included Principal Meredith Dailer; Class of 2021 Treasurer Reed Miller, who presented the class gift of a new, handmade wooden emblem for the cafeteria podium; and Ohio County Board of Education President David Croft.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tyler Faulstick, secretary of the senior class. Closing remarks were made by Joel Mendelson, class president. Music was provided by the String Orchestra and Patriot Choir.
In addition to Croft, board members Molly Aderholt, Christine Carder, Pete Chacalos and Grace Norton also were in attendance.
It was noted during the ceremony the WPHS Class of 2021 was awarded a total of $5,775,126 in scholarships.