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!