Diploma Presenter

I cannot believe that it is the end of June. I hope that you are all having a great summer! I have been thinking a lot about the fact that my seniors (Class of 2025) are all preparing for all the great adventures ahead of them. 

I love many of the traditions that we have at WKHS and none more than the fact that Kilbourne students get to select who they would like to present them with their diploma during the graduation ceremony. I believe that this personal approach and having the person hand you your diploma be someone you know vs a stranger from central office or a school representative that you don't know well makes the ceremony much more meaningful and memorable.

This year I had 14 seniors allow me to have the honor of presenting them with their diploma. 14!!! That is CRAZY to me that I was able to share in that moment with so many different students. And here is what I can tell you, for each of these individuals, I felt pride and remembered different moments and had different feelings of excitement for them related to what they have overcome and the incredible opportunities coming up for them in the future.

Pictured above are the students who I had the honor of giving their diploma at graduation. From left to right - (Front Row): Riley Douglas, Roslymar Carrero Ramirez, Ava Casper Welty, Jimmy Alvarado Dominguez, Johnny Chan, Mason Cottle, (Back Row): Mohamed Aden, Logan Baker, Juan Bermudez, Nathan Bradley, Dmytro Chubenko, Maksym Chubenko, Brady Baringhaus, and (not pictured) Mahmoud Ahmad.

To Mohamed, Mo, Jimmy, Logan, Brady, Juan, Nathan, Rosly, Ava, Johnny, Dmytro, Maksym, Mason, and Riley - First, I am so proud of you and excited for you! Thank you for allowing me to have the honor of being a part of your graduation day. Graduation is a quick moment in time but it represents all that you have worked for over the last 18 years. You have overcome struggles (big and small), you have achieved goals (short and longer term), you have learned and grown and taught others (like me) lessons along the way. I hope that you will always know that you have made a difference in my life and that I am thankful to have been able to be a part of your high school journey. Good luck with all that is ahead of you in the future! Love, Miss Abbott

Lots of Reminders

How lucky are we to get 2 cold days on top of our long weekend? I hope that you are cuddled up inside with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate and a good book or shows to watch.  But, I have lots of reminders for you because this week also kicks off registration for next year's classes and more.

- For seniors, don't forget that Friday, January 31st is the deadline to order your cap and gown! Graduation is coming that fast.  You will order it online at https://buckeyescholastic.com/worthingtonkilbourne/

- For all students who are even remotely interested in participating in CC+ next year, the information night for you and your parents/ guardians is still on tomorrow night at 7pm in the WKHS auditorium.  This is a night for both WKHS and TWHS families so anticipate a full crowd.  All of the area colleges are also planning to be there for individual conversations specific to their schools as the formal presentation in the auditorium wraps up.

- Registration information was supposed to kick off tomorrow, but the modified 2A/B/C schedule will be pushed to Thursday so know that you will be under a very different bell schedule when we return on Thursday so taht all of the students in grades 9-11 hear the information about selecting your classes next year.

- Junior students and parents - I sent out an email over the weekend to "my" student's parents inviting you to sign up for our 1:1 junior meeting.  Every counselor will meet with their junior students for individually scheduled 30 minute meetings.  I also invite parents to join in on those sessions if interested.  If you are a junior or the parent of a junior, please use the calendar link I sent this weekend to the parent email address to sign up for your session.  I will explain more about those meetings durnig the registration presentation on Thursday.

- Remember, EVERY student will meet with me 1:1.  We will see freshmen out of your English classes and sophomores out of your History classes.  Juniors are the only ones who will need to schedule individual meetings on their own based on their off periods.

Enjoy your cold day tomorrow and of course, stay home, stay warm and stay safe!

Cap & Gown Orders

Seniors, don't forget, the deadline to order your cap and gown at the discounted rate is October 31st.  You will go to Buckeye Scholastic's website in order to place your order.

Buckeye Scholastic has a ton of options that students can select of various specialty items such as announcements and frames.  I have had many students ask me what is REQUIRED to be ordered - that would be the Cap, Gown and Tassel package.  (No keepsake tassel required.)  So the total cost for that package is $37.90.

If you have a cap and gown that a sibling wore in the last few years that is the right size for you to wear, that is totally fine!  All you need to do is order the package that is the graduation tassel and stole.

It's so wild that it's time to be taking care of all of these official graduation related tasks!

Diploma Presenter

I took the month of June off from posting on my blog.  With it being summer break and the craziness and stress of finishing out the end of the year, it was a chance to catch my breath and decompress... something we all need every now and then.

But is July now... and my brain is starting to gear up for the new year.  And yet, I can't possibly move forward without pausing for a moment to look back at graduation and the accomplishments of the Class of 2024!

I am so proud of the students in the Class of 2024.  The idea of entering high school as a remote student and then an every other day blue day/ green day student is a freshman year that is hard to imagine as the introduction to high school.  But you overcame all of those challenges.  You drew together as a class during the course of your 4 years together.  You learned together.  You competed in sports together.  You accomplished goals you had set for yourself.  You created beautiful music and art.  And you touched my life in a meaningful way.

As you may know, all students participating in the graduation ceremony are given the option to select someone to present them with their diploma at graduation.  This is, by far, my favorite Kilbourne tradition.  I love watching as students share that moment on the stage with the adult they have chosen.  And, when I have the chance to be the one presenting a diploma to a student, there is nothing better than locking eyes with them as we meet on stage when I immediately think about all the times we have shared together during the previous 4 years, hug, and I get to whisper my words of congratulations.

This year, I had the honor of presenting a diploma to 13 of my students.  They are pictured in the photo above and include (Left to Right) Back Row: Tai Crump, Alex Beyke, Zach Beck, Lily Banner, Rachel Baughman, Ugochi Anaraodo, Keidy Bueso Dominguez and Front Row: Marissa Dolciato, Alissa Azevado Santana, Bianca Ceron Leal, Isabelle Borchers, Alliyah Ahmed, and Thalia Weis.

To Tai, Alex, Zach, Lily, Rachel, Ugochi, Keidy, Marissa, Alissa, Bianca, Izzy, Alliyah, and Thalia - first, thank you for the honor of being able to share in your graduation day.  It meant so much to me to be able to hand you your diploma and be the first to congratulate you as a graduate of Kilbourne.  You have all had very different paths throughout your high school years with some of you attending Worthington for your whole education and some for just a few months.  No matter what your journey was that led you to Kilbourne, you were able to make the most of your time at WKHS and you have even better dreams and goals in front of you!  No matter what your future holds - work, college, or gap year, I hope you know that I am proud of you and wish you the very best of luck in the future!  I am thankful that I had the luck and honor of being able to work with you as your school counselor and I want to remind you that although you may no longer be my student, you will always be important to me!  Love, Miss Abbott

Baccalaureate & Graduation Reminders

Baccalaureate service is the kickoff for graduation weekend and I absolutely LOVE it.  The ceremony is sponsored by the Activity Club and is held annually to celebrate the accomplishments of the WKHS seniors.  I love that this event honors the impact seniors have left on the school and community, and wishes them good luck as they move on in life toward the exciting activities and adventures ahead.

This year, Baccalaureate will be held in the Kilbourne Auditorium at 7:30pm tomorrow night, Friday, May 26th.

Many students are working with the Activity Club to plan this inspirational service.  I hope you enjoy the evening and all of the baby pictures!  

Sunday is the main event! The Commencement Ceremony will be at the Battelle Grand in the Greater Columbus Convention Center at noon.  (Doors open for families to enter at 11:30.)  

One of the most important details that seniors need to remember to pass along to parents after the rehearsal is which side of the stage you will be on at the commencement ceremony. Why does it matter since you will cross the whole stage?  It is because where you are seated determines which side you will march into the Battelle Grand and around until you reach your seat on that half of the center aisle. Trust me, your parents will be disappointed if they end up being on the "wrong" side and don't have a good view of your special day.

Don't forget that you need to dress up beneath your cap and gown and that you must be sure to bring your cap and gown with you to the ceremony.  You need to be there at 11:15am to check in.  Remember, our staging area is the Union Station Ball Room.

For what it is worth, don't forget to iron your gown - especially if you are just taking it out of the package today.

Perhaps the best recommendation that I can give to you and your families is to pick a place where you will meet up after the ceremony is complete.  I realize that most of you haven't been to the site of the ceremony, but after the ceremony you will want to meet with your family and friends for photos and to celebrate. I can assure you that in years past the most chaotic (worst) place to be as soon as the ceremony is over is anywhere near the bottom of the escalator because everyone who attended the graduation ceremony will be trying to leave and coming off the escalator to try to find and meet up with their families and friends. 

It is going to be a great weekend and I cannot wait to see all of you enjoying and celebrating your accomplishments of the last 4 years at WKHS.  Congratulations, I am proud of you!

Diploma Presenter

I am still thinking about Sunday's graduation ceremony.  I loved being gathered with you all and the nervous anticipation as you waited in the holding room ahead of the ceremony.  I loved hearing one of my students, Emma Browning, sing the National Anthem and watching as another one of my students, Owen Chilcoat, gave his speech and was then among those inducted into the Hall of Fame.  I loved seeing all of the families and groups of students gathered together before and after the ceremony ended hugging, laughing, and celebrating.  But, most of all, my favorite part of graduation was the smile and hug I got to give to students just seconds before I handed them their diploma.

Kilbourne has lots of cool traditions and allowing seniors to have the option of who they want to have hand them their diploma is, undoubtedly, my favorite one of all.  I love the fact that students will be able to look back years from now and say x is who gave me my diploma because in so many districts that isn't the case.  To me, it is the ultimate recognition of how important the student/ staff relationship is to our school and district.

Each year that I have been asked to hand someone their diploma I am deeply touched and honored.  This means so much to me because my students mean so much to me.

Pictured above from left to right: Emma Browning, Natalie Cox, Stefany Flores Campos, Jerald Addison, Rachel Auborn, Brenna Burrell and Kahlida Abdul Qadir.  (I also was able to present diplomas to Noah Adams and Broderik Curry.)

Each of these individuals are talented in all different aspects and my life is better because of knowing them.  When I think about the experiences some of these students have had to endure to be able to walk across the stage - wow, it truly takes my breath away.  And so to Emma, Natalie, Stefany, Jerald, Rachel, Brenna, Kahlida, Noah and Broderik - I want to to say thank you for allowing me to have the honor of presenting you with your diploma.  Thank you for the positive impact you have had on my life and on WKHS as a whole.  I am so fortunate that I had the chance to get to know you and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the future!  Congratulations and Good Luck!  Love, Miss Abbott

What a Weekend!

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!  You are all now officially alumni of Worthington Kilbourne High School and I am proud of you and loved celebrating with you all this weekend.  

It all started with Baccalaureate on Friday night where we had the chance to pause and reflect on your talents and accomplishments, hear reminders of approaching the world with curiosity, and, best of all, seeing your baby pictures and how far you have come to today.  I love Baccalaureate and many of my students were involved in the planning or had roles during the day or artwork featured.  A huge shout-out to the Activity Club and "my" students involved including: Ben Ambler, Kya Angle, Emma Browning, Brooke Carter, Meara Couvillon, Linclon Glaros, Owen Chilcoat, Jude Abuzeide, Caleb Anderson, Toby Bomser, Lily Aschenbrand, Alyssa Berger, Sopha DePizzo, and Mirabel Domecq - you all planned and put on a beautiful evening.

And then to today's graduation ceremony!  It was the big celebration of your class and recognition of how much you have learned and grown since you first started school in Kindergarten and especially over the last four years of high school.  A special congratulations to Owen Chilcoat who was inducted into the Kilbourne Hall of Fame - such a deserving honor!

It was truly a great weekend!  But now it is back to the real world... and for all of the other grades, tomorrow starts exams.  So, good luck, I hope you had a weekend full of studying.  And I hope that I will get to see you all before summer break... which means I would love to have you pop by and say hi/ bye before the end of the year.  (Lexi would love that too!)

Cap & Gown

Seniors, you have another important deadline coming up in less than 2 weeks!

You need to order your cap and gown!  WKHS works with Buckeye Scholastic for the cap and gowns as well as announcements if you are interested in those.  You can order your cap and gown directly off of their website which is: https://buckeyescholastic.com/worthingtonkilbourne/  All students should order their cap and gown by January 31st.  You must wear a cap and gown in order to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Graduation is just 4 months away and it will be here before you know it!  :-)

Catching Up

It's been over a month since I have posted.  Which also means we are more than a month into summer break!  Hard to believe as it feels like school just ended (for me at least).  I started my summer with COVID and so that wasn't fun, but I am recovered and relieved.  I had been so thankful that I never had to personally contend with COVID and I remain grateful that I didn't have to miss out on time with all of you at school to recover.  But I will admit that it wasn't the start of summer I had hoped for!  

Because right after COVID and finishing up the extra work days that I have as a counselor, I went on vacation to visit my sister's family in Kentucky, I simply never hopped back on my blog to point out that I don't post as much in the summer.  I assume that is obvious to you by now.  But I do have some things I want to share and reflect on...

1. Diploma Presenter: I love so many traditions we have in Worthington and the fact that students are allowed to select who they want to have hand them their diplomas is one of my favorites.  Not only does it make the day more special for you as graduates, but it is a huge honor to those who are allowed to give you your diploma at graduation.  I was lucky enough to hand out diplomas to 4 students who selected me as their diploma presenter.  (I actually was fortunate to end up giving out 8 diplomas because in addition to the 4 students who selected me as their diploma presenter, there were 4 other WKHS students in my portion of the alphabet who shared that they didn't care which staff member gave them their diploma and so, our procedure is that their counselor will hand them their diploma.)  Pictured below (L to R) are the 4 students I was selected to present with their diploma: Samantha Darby, Zach Colombini, Nimo Abdi, and Shaylin Bentley.

To Sam, Zach, Naiima, and Shay- It is hard to believe that you are no longer "my" students. Whether I have known you for 1 year or 4, I want to say what a joy it was to be able to walk alongside you during high school. Each of you has had successes and challenges during your high school years including navigating the COVID craziness. I cannot wait to see the difference you will make in the world. I wish you nothing but the best in the future! Thanks again for allowing me to have the honor of presenting you with your diplomas!  

2. June ACT Scores:  For those students who took the ACT in June, your test scores are now available online.  Be sure to log in and check your scores.

3. Final Transcripts: This has probably been the number one question I have been receiving emails about so far this summer.  When you completed the mandatory senior information form, you indicated where you were planning to go to college so that we could send your final transcript.  Mrs. McDaniel, the WKHS Registrar, has sent out your final HS transcript to all of those colleges.  If you didn't indicate a college on that form and have since decided to attend a college, please reach out to Mrs. McDaniel in the Counseling Center to be able to request for her to send your transcript.  

For more of the students though, it has been realizing that you still need to submit your CC+ transcripts.  We do have the links to both CSCC and COTC on the Counselor Website so that you can easily access the places where you will request those transcripts to be forwarded to your intended college.  That extra step MUST be completed by the student - it is not something we are able to do for you.  Go to www.wkhscounselors.com to find the CC+ Transcript info - I currently have it at the top of the home page for your easy access.

4. Summer School: Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed summer school through Worthington this past month!  I know that some of you are still working on some classes through Worthington or TRECA or a different provider so keep focused and finish strong so that you earn the credits.  If you didn't pass the class(es) you had planned to take this summer, please be sure to email me so that I can make the adjustments to your schedule.

Clearly, when I have this much to say it is a good reminder that I should post more often... so I will try to share updates a little more frequently in July.  But, before I close I just want to wish you all a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend.

Congratulations Class of 2022

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!  Today was a great celebration and I am excited for all that is ahead of you in the future. I wish you all the very best of luck in all of your endeavors as you leave Kilbourne behind and now start chasing new dreams.  I hope you will look back on your high school years with pride for all you have accomplished.  

Senior Reminders

Seniors, tomorrow is your LAST DAY of high school!  I have a few quick reminders about things you need to be sure that you take care of before graduation rehearsal on Friday.

Actually, I should probably start there.  You have graduation rehearsal at WKHS on Friday at 10am. You will be done around noon. This is mandatory if you plan on participating in the commencement ceremony on Sunday.  You do not need to dress up or where your cap and gown to the rehearsal.  I will be honest, the rehearsal isn't anywhere near as exciting as the actual graduation ceremony will be, but it will be worth it when everything goes well during the real event Sunday.  Because the practice can get boring, I suggest bringing something to help keep you occupied in your seat.  (Fully charged phone, book to read, etc.) 

Other events this week include Senior Teas at your elementary schools on Thursday.  Senior Recognition Night for those students who have earned awards/ scholarships/ recognitions.  If you will not be attending, please be sure to let Mrs. McDaniel know by stopping to see her in the Counseling Center or sending her an email to kmcdaniel@wscloud.org so that she knows you will not be there to pick up your recognition materials and can make arrangements to get them to you separately.  Baccalaureate is on Friday night at Worthington Christian Church and this is open to all seniors students and families and is always an awesome night each year.  And then, there is also this big event down at the Convention Center on Sunday at noon - GRADUATION!  :-)  It's going to be a busy and fun few days.

* Fees/ Fines: Some students still have outstanding fees and fines that you owe to the school. It may be a very small fee for an overdue library book or it could be a much larger fee for a lost textbook, but either way, please make sure that all of your debt is paid this week so that you will be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

* Textbook/ Library Book Returns: You will need to turn in all of your textbooks as well as any library books that you still have. You can return your books to Mrs. Dominach in the Counseling Center or book room.

* Scholarship Thank You's: If you received a scholarship, don't forget the importance of writing a thank you note to the individual, group or organization who is providing you with the scholarship.

* Iron your gown: Ok, this isn't a requirement, but I'm hoping you have at least taken your gown out of the package already so that some of the wrinkles have fallen away.  But I do strongly suggest you consider ironing your gown because you will look much nicer in pictures if you're not a wrinkled mess.  (And, I say that fully acknowledging that I pretty much iron once a year and that is for this exact event to iron my gown for the ceremony each year.)

* Set a post-graduation ceremony meeting place: This is my many years of experience being down at the Convention Center for graduation giving this suggestion... I realize that most of you haven't been to the site of the ceremony, but after graduation you will want to meet up with your family and friends for photos and to celebrate.  Having a place where you know to go to find your family identified ahead of time will help more than you can imagine.  I can assure you that in the past, the worst place to be as soon as the ceremony is over is anywhere near the bottom of the escalator because everyone who attended the graduation ceremony will be trying to leave and coming out at the escalator.  So consider picking some other area where you can meet that is NOT near the escalators.

* Stop by and see me: Selfishly, I would like to also add this to your list as I would love to have a few more minutes with you while you are still in high school. And, I haven't received any senior pictures this year, so please know that I would still love to have one! :-)

Diploma Presenter

Graduation was more than a month ago and yet, in some ways, part of it still feels like yesterday.  I loved being at the Schott for graduation with all of the students being shown up on the big screen so family members could easily see.  I loved the excitement of students lined up in the hallways under the arena anxious to get moving and celebrate the accomplishments after a trying year.  I loved hearing one of my students, Ella Brown, sing the National Anthem and watching as another one of my students, Brady Cloyd, was among those inducted into the Hall of Fame.  I loved seeing all of the families and groups of students gathered together outside after the ceremony ended hugging, laughing, and celebrating.  But, most of all, my favorite part of graduation was the hug I got to give to students just seconds before I handed them their diploma.

Kilbourne has lots of cool traditions and allowing seniors to have the option of who they want to have hand them their diploma has to be my favorite one of all.  I love the fact that students will be able to look back years from now and say x is who gave me my diploma because in so many districts that isn't the case.  To me, it is the ultimate recognition of how important the student/ staff relationship is to our school and district.

Each year that I have been asked to hand someone their diploma I am deeply touched and honored.  This means so much to me because my students mean so much to me.  And this year, the Class of 2021, I was able to hand out more diplomas than I ever had in the past.  But, for me, it wasn't about the number it is about who each of these people and how much they mean to me.

Pictured above from left to right: Alex Estrada-Ibanez, Aerial Davis, Courtney Earhart, Ella Bally, Blair Andrews, Emily Cline, Zach Bailey, Emma Blanton, Joseph De La Torre, Paveli Diaz Avalos, and Andrew Bickell.  (I also was able to present diplomas to Kaiden Bevelander, Twan Bentley, and Jorge Carbajal who weren't able to make it for the photo.)

So let me take a moment to tell you about these students... they are STRONG, COURAGEOUS, and CARING!  Those three words represent each of these individuals.  Over the last four years, they have faced their own battles, accomplished great moments, chased after their dreams, and worked really hard.  I have asked them to help me and not one ever turned me down when I needed their help... even though it was supposed to be me helping them.  ;-)  They spoke to groups, they encouraged other students, their shared insights with administrators, and, quite simply, they made a difference.  They are talented in all different aspects - some love sports, others are gifted at music, many are incredible students, they are extraordinary artisits, they are passionate about their futures and what path they will take to get there, and they are remarkable encouragers and friends.

Alex, Aerial, Courtney, Ella, Blair, Emily, Zach, Emma, Joseph, Paveli, Andrew, Kaiden, Twan and Jorge ~ Thank you all for allowing me to have the honor of presenting you with your diploma.  Thank you for the positive impact you have had on my life and on WKHS as a whole.  I am so fortunate that I had the chance to get to know you and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the future!  Congratulations!  Love, Miss Abbott

Graduation Details

I have been working a lot on helping get everything ready for graduation tomorrow night at the Schottenstein Center and I am so excited for the graduating seniors!  After a quick trip to the Schott today we were able to get some additional details that I believe will be really helpful to senior students and parents.  I just posted them all on the counselor website so that people who don't get my blog will have access to them... so I'm going to copy it all directly here as well.

Parking map for the Schottenstein Center.  This map shows the area in blue if you have a handicap placard and green where most families will park.  Please remember that in the envelope students received at graduation rehearsal on Friday there is a red parking ticket.  You can use that for 1 car to park for free.  If you have more than 1 car, you will need to plan to pay $5 to park.

Entrance map.  Graduates will enter the building separate from families.  Seniors will be coming into the building from a door on the long-side of the building that is in between the Northeast Rotunda and the Team Shop where the bronze Brutus the Buckeye statue is located.  You can look for an OSU staff member at that entrance to allow you in the building at 6pm.  (Door is to the left of the Brutus Statue on the side of the building that you will be walking towards from the parking lot (North side).  All families have their tickets electronically and you will use the e-ticket to enter the building.  Families will enter through one of the 4 rotundas and your ticket specifies exactly which rotunda you will be allowed to enter through so double check before waiting in the line.

Parent guide to graduation at the Schott.  The Schottenstein Center has VERY specific guidelines and requirements for students and families.  Some things won't be a surprise - they want masks worn at all times, but others are more specifically detailed such as no purses or bags.  (Wristlets no larger than 5x8x1 are acceptable.)  You will want to read through the full details of all of their guidelines and expectations just to be sure you know what to do and expect.

The other big suggestion I have for you is to make plans for where to meet outside after the ceremony is over.  Seniors will exit directly outside... and that is a great place for lots of pictures with family/ friends, but you'll want to have a vicinity to try to find one another easier.  

It's going to be an exciting day...

Diploma Presenter

Graduation this year was different in just about every way imaginable.  There was no long, procession through the Convention Center, no need for students to try to search and scan the audience in an effort to figure out where their families were, and sadly, no group moment of tossing caps in the air and knowing that together the class was done with high school.  But, there were so many other moments that were incredibly special... families celebrating together with cars decorated, joy as each family got their up-close and personal view of the graduate on stage accepting the diploma, and somehow a feeling of appropriateness (at least for me) that you were able to celebrate completing your high school journey at the high school.  You stepped onto the stage just steps away from where you entered the building for the first time as Kilbourne students 4 years ago.  It has been quite the journey and it was an important celebration that I was excited to witness.

One of the aspects that was very different was what is always one of my favorite Kilbourne traditions... this year the seniors were able to select their diploma presenters, but that presenter didn't get to share in the moment of handing you the hard-earned diploma.  I was incredibly touched and honored to have been selected by 7 of my students to present them with their diploma.  This always holds such deep meaning to me because students can pick anyone from Kindergarten through 12th grade to be their diploma presenter.  Because it is such a special experience, if you are in my office you will see that I have pictures of each group of kids that I was able to present with their diplomas over the years hanging prominently on my wall.  This year's picture couldn't be in person, but somehow a zoom photo felt appropriate since their senior year ended with online connections and classes.

Congratulations to (L to R - Top): Sasha Estice, Paige Tomasi, Ryan Connolly, (Bottom): Sydney Zulich, Sasha Bomser, and Evan Anderson as well as, not pictured, Misaki Campbell.

In all honesty, I am still hoping that I will be able to find a time later this summer where social distancing restrictions are less concerning where I can see all of these students, get a "normal" group picture of them, and hug them in person and tell each of them how proud I am of them.  But, there is a part of me that can't help but smile when I see this zoom picture.  And the effort it took to get it... all I can say is that thank goodness these kids are patient with me and are way more tech savvy than I am so that I could get this photo at all.

Sasha, Sydney, Paige, Sasha, Ryan, Evan and Misaki,
I didn't get to celebrate graduation day in person with directly handing you your diploma, but in my heart, I was a part of that experience.  I hope that you know how much you mean to me.  Each of you have a bright future ahead with your varied paths and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish.  Thank you for the time you shared with me over the last four years.  I still can't really believe that when I go back in the fall you won't be coming back to WKHS too... I definitely missed getting those typical good-bye moments with you, but perhaps that is better because it means we don't really have to say good-bye and we will just continue to look forward to each new moment when I can see you and catch up on all that is happening in your lives.  Thank you for touching my life in a meaningful way.  I will miss you very much!  Love, Miss Abbott (and Lexi loves all of you too...)

Diploma Presenter

If I was forced to pick my favorite tradition at WKHS it is the fact that our graduating seniors are given the opportunity to select what person they want to have hand them their diploma during the Commencement ceremony.  This individual has to be someone who has been a part of their educational career during their years in Worthington... so for students this gives them a wide range of people to select.  And, this year I was unbelievably honored to have 6 of "my" students allow me to have the honor of handing them their diploma.

Pictured Left to Right are the students I was able to present with their diplomas this year:  Jack Corcoran, Nicoly Anicio, Lily Burhenne, Tori Blake-Lounsbury, Erika Diaz-Avalos, and Demetrius Barlow

I love the fact that students are able to share that moment when they officially become graduates and receive their diploma with someone that they know.  But for me, my favorite moment actually comes before we are on stage together.  I love the moment when I am on stage and lock eyes with the student whose name is about to be called.  The smile the students give and the excitement and pride just makes my heart so happy.

Jack, Nicoly, Lily, Tori, Erika and Demetrius,
What an honor and a joy it has been to know each of you!  You each had very different experiences as you worked through your 4 years of high school and I could not be prouder of you for all that you have worked through and all that is ahead of you in the future.  Thank you for allowing me to share in your graduation day!  Love, Miss Abbott

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!  Today was a great celebration and I am excited for all that is ahead of you in the future.  I tried to get a picture of all of "my" kids, but that wasn't possible... but here are a large number of "my" students from the Class of 2019.

And, for all of the underclassmen who have exams tomorrow, don't forget - you have 2nd, 5th and 8th periods exams tomorrow!  I hope they go well!

Baccalaureate & Graduation Reminders

Baccalaureate service is the kickoff for graduation weekend and I absolutely LOVE it.  The ceremony is sponsored by the Activity Club and is held annually at a local church to celebrate the accomplishments of the WKHS seniors.  I love that this event honors the impact seniors have left on the school and community, and wishes them good luck as they move on in life toward the exciting activities and adventures ahead.

Many of my students were a part of last night's inspirational service.  Gracie Burford served as one of the emcee's, Alanah Spencer and Robbie Fadley both sang beautifully, and Jack Ellis introduced the Keynote speaker.  It was amazing to look at the baby pictures and the pictures of each senior now and think about how far you have come and all you have been through.  Thanks to Alanah who also helped put the slideshow together.  As if all of that was not enough, Kelly Baumgardner, the parent of one of my students, (mom of Jill who also introduced her mom) was the parent speaker and she gave a wonderful and touching talk.  I loved her encouragement for you to take care of your mental health too!  It was an insightful and meaningful message from a passionate, caring and dedicated mom.

The whole evening was made possible because of the Activity Club and their student planning committee which included some of my students: Gracie Burford, Alexa Burke, and Alanah Spencer.

Tomorrow for the Commencement Ceremony we will be at the Battelle Grand in the Greater Columbus Convention Center for commencement.  If you didn't give your parents the information sheet that was distributed at yesterday's practice, please make sure you find it and hand it to them.

One of the most important details that seniors need to remember to pass along to their parents after the rehearsal is which side of the stage you will be on at the commencement ceremony. As a general rule, assuming you are one of my students, you will be on "Stage Right" which means that if you are standing on the stage you are on the right side or, put another way, looking at the stage you will be on the left side. This is the side where you will march into the Battelle Grand and around until you reach your seat on that half of the center aisle as well as the side where you will go up the stairs to receive your diplomas. Trust me, your parents will not be happy if they end up being on the "wrong" side and don't have a good view of your special day.

Don't forget that you need to dress up beneath your cap and gown and that you should be sure that you bring your cap and gown with you to the ceremony.  You need to be there at 3:00 to check in.  Check in and staging will take place the "A pod area" which are rooms across from Ballroom A.

For what it is worth, don't forget to iron your gown - especially if you are just taking it out of the package today.

Perhaps the best recommendation that I can give to you and your families is to pick a place where you will meet up.  I realize that most of you haven't been to the site of the ceremony, but after the ceremony you will want to meet with your family and friends for photos and to celebrate. I can assure you that in years past the most chaotic (worst) place to be as soon as the ceremony is over is anywhere near the bottom of the escalator because everyone who attended the graduation ceremony will be trying to leave and coming off the escalator to try to find and meet up with their families and friends.  

It is going to be a great day and I cannot wait to see all of you enjoying and celebrating your accomplishments of the last 4 years at WKHS.  Congratulations, I am proud of you!

Diploma Presenter

One month ago today, May 21st, was graduation day.  I cannot believe how quickly the last month has gone by and yet I haven't talked about my absolute favorite part of graduation.

I believe that one of the best traditions at Kilbourne takes place each year as a part of the commencement ceremony when students have the option of selecting someone from their educational career (teacher, coach, counselor, etc.) to present them with their diploma. I was touched and humbled that 4 of "my" students selected me to be able to share in their graduation ceremony by giving them their diplomas.  Throughout my years at WKHS I have had a chance to hand out over 60 diplomas and I can honestly say that each and every single one is special and meaningful to me.  There simply are no words to explain what a huge honor it is to be able to give a hug and offer my congratulations as I presented each of these students with their diploma.  It is a memory I will cherish.  Pictured above (L to R) are the 4 students I was able to present with their diploma: Kaity Bryan, Maddie Case, Justin English and Adam Cruz.

To Kaity, Maddie, Justin and Adam- It is hard to believe that you are no longer "my" students. I have enjoyed being able to get to know you, to listen to your stories, celebrate your successes, and hopefully help when you have had to deal with disappointments. Thank you for making me smile and for letting me share in your lives. I cannot wait to see the difference you will make in the world. I wish you nothing but the best in the future and I hope you know how much I will miss you! Thanks again for allowing me to have the honor of presenting you with your diplomas - I will never forget it!

Congratulations Graduates

I love celebrating the success of students and there is no way I can let the year end without sharing pictures of students from graduation.  I tried to get all of my students, but unfortunately that wasn't possible - in part because of my off-alpha kids and in part because I just couldn't get everyone, but here are most of my students...

Congratulations again to all of you!  I am so proud of you and hope that fact that you are now Kilbourne Alumni makes you proud too!

A letter to my seniors on graduation day

Dear Seniors,

I often hear people say that “high school is the best time of your life.”  And I adamantly disagree.  I hope for all of you that you will leave Kilbourne with wonderful memories of time spent with friends, of learning and growing, and of experiences that helped to shape you into the wonderful young men and women that you are today.  But now as you prepare to leave Kilbourne behind, I want to remind you that the best is ahead of you!  You have so much potential and so many opportunities open in your future.  That path will be different and unique for each of you and I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish in the years to come.  

I want to remind you that I am proud of you, that I believe in you and I am always here if there is ever anything I can do to help you.  In just a few short hours you will walk across the stage and become graduates of Worthington Kilbourne High School and step boldly into your future.  I hope that it is a moment you will cherish forever.  

Congratulations!  I am so proud of you!

Love, Miss Abbott

I also offer one last piece of advice before you graduate... pick a place where you will meet your family after the ceremony has finished.  (And do not select the bottom of the first set of escalators leaving the Battelle Grand...)  I realize that this is tough since you have probably never been down there, but when you and your family are arriving to line up, make a plan about where you will meet before heading in your separate directions.  It is CHAOTIC after the ceremony ends and everyone is anxious to leave to get food, to get water, to take picture with friends, to see their extended family and this is just one more added stress that can be managed by deciding ahead of time where you are going to go to try to find one another.  Each year too many people are trying to get on their phones to call to find people and the noise and the craziness just seems to make that a much more difficult task than it seems like it would be so trust me on this one and just decide up front where you will meet.  :-)