Graduate friends Ericka Thomas, left, Jada Harrison and Alexia Daugherty huddle inside the entrance to WesBanco Arena before Wheeling Park High School’s commencement drills on Sunday.
WHEELING – Wheeling Park High School now has 342 additional alumni after its 44th start on Sunday.
The Class of 2022 and their friends and family gathered for ceremonies Sunday afternoon at WesBanco Arena, with many graduates having plans for post-secondary education.
In total, the Wheeling Park High School Class of 2022 received $5,535,831 in scholarships, Principal Meredith Dailer announced. Additionally, 76 of the 342 seniors qualified for the West Virginia State Promise Scholarships.
Dailer congratulated the students and their parents for their accomplishments.
Class Secretary Towne Moores led the Pledge of Allegiance and Vice President Kaden Cunningham welcomed the audience.
picture by: Photo by Joselyn King
Senior graduate Cecilia Demasi pauses at the entrance to WesBanco Arena before Wheeling Park High School’s commencement drills on Sunday.
Speaking as valedictorian of the class, Abigail Barki praised her classmates and their achievements.
She explained how, in their four years at WPHS, they have seen both good times and academic challenges brought on by teacher strikes and COVID.
Barki said she hopes the past four years have been unforgettable for them and that they have made memories in high school that they will cherish.
Class salute Harper Aulick introduced ‘Outstanding Alumnus’ of 2022 Kim Klug-Miller, a member of the Class of 1998. Today she lives in London and is Head of Community Partnerships at Historic Royal Palace – the charity group that oversees Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, Hills Castle and the Tower of London.
Klug-Miller addressed the students via a recorded message, telling them she never imagined where she would be or the job she would have when she sat in their place 24 years ago.
picture by: Photo by Joselyn King
Senior graduate Devon Rayford waits to carry his class banner in WesBanco Arena before Wheeling Park High School’s commencement drills on Sunday.
She encouraged students who so far “hid their potential” that they still had plenty of time to fulfill themselves.
Class treasurer Gracie Schehl announced the class giveaway, which consists of benches to be placed in WPHS’ future Patriot Lounge.
The graduates received their own gifts, as each of them received Dell Chromebooks via a donation from Comcast.
Ohio County School Board members David Croft, Molly Aderholt, Christine Carder, Pete Chacalos and Grace Norton took turns handing out diplomas.
Class President Charles Ihlenfeld gave the closing speech at the graduation ceremony.
Photo of Joselyn King | Senior graduates Eliza Aulick, left, and Devon Rayford wait to carry their class banner in WesBanco Arena before Wheeling Park High School’s commencement drills on Sunday.
Photo of Joselyn King | Senior graduates stand to attention during Wheeling Park High School commencement drills on Sunday.
Photo of Joselyn King | The Wheeling Park graduate Patriots stand to attention for the Pledge of Allegiance during WPHS kick-off drills on Sunday.
Photo of Joselyn King | Senior Class Vice President Kaden Cunningham addresses those attending Wheeling Park High School’s commencement drills on Sunday.
Photo of Joselyn King | Valedictorian Abby Barki speaks to people attending Wheeling Park High School commencement drills on Sunday.
Photo of Joselyn King | Wheeling Park Patriots graduates line up to accept their diplomas during WPHS commencement drills on Sunday.
Comments are closed.