WHS: 'We Made It!'

Secondary Principal Michael Jones said to the packed crowd during the Williamsburg Class of 2021 commencement exercises at the gym, "We made it!"

"Not just you guys," he said, referring to the members of the graduating class. "We all made it." Jones gestured to the crowd and teacher section.

Jones then thanked the lone retiree of the district for the 2020-21 school year – Ms. Rebecca Smith. She began teaching at the district in 1998 as both an art teacher and a Bon Voyage Yearbook advisor.

"[Smith] contributed in extraordinary ways to our district; we will miss her color and creativity throughout the district," Jones said.

Jones then announced the recipients of the valedictorian and salutatorian awards.

Garrett Nicewonger was announced as 2021 valedictorian. Garett is the son of Lorie Nicewonger and the late Shawn Nicewonger. He was the President of the National Honor Society, member of the Quiz Bowl, PA Math League and Band/Chorus. Nicewonger will continue his education at Seton Hill University majoring in psychology.

Madalyn Whitaker was named salutatorian; she was a member of Band Front, National Honor Society and Creative Compassions. She is the daughter of Malissa and Scott Whitaker; she will be furthering her education at Penn State University majoring in Biology.

Both winners received a medal, certificate and a scholarship sponsored by the school board.

Nicewonger joked with crowd that his mother couldn't help "with my math homework after elementary school."

He also spoke on the persistence of the class of 2021 – "never quite on the face of adversity," and encouraged "even in the coldest of winters, there will always be a bright spring ahead."

Whitaker told the crowd that each member of the class of 2021 "should be blessed to be connected through our Blue Pirate spirit," and "that the ties that bind us are strong ones."

Class President Taylor Uplinger shared some memories with the crowd.

"The weeks leading up to this, I was asking my classmates about memories," she said during her speech.

Some of the memories shared were Hannah Brenneman doing the worm in Mr. Lingenfelter's class; Garrett Nicewonger's finger getting stuck in a flute minutes before a band performance and the recent accolades of all of the sports teams topped her list.

"We made the best of it," Uplinger said. "We know not to take anything for granted, small things count."

She also encouraged classmates to take a look at those in attendance.

"Those are your best supporters and your biggest fans."

Class Vice President Kassidy Post echoed that same sentiment, "this night belongs to us, but to you (families and friends) as well."

Jones then called up Superintendent Lisa Murgas to present honor students with honor cords. Those recipients maintain a 93 percent average in ninth through 12th grade.

The following were recipients: Olivia Aurandt, Hannah Brenneman, Kelsie Butler, Allee England, Josey Fetters, Makayla Kipe, Marcella Lynn, Gabriel Mingle, Hayley Morgan, Garrett Nicewonger, Kassidy Post, Alonna Somers, Taylor Uplinger, Anna Ward and Madalyn Whitaker.

"I didn't want to acknowledge the pandemic," said Murgas. "I want to pretend these challenges never happened, but they did."

Murgas took note of the class's "resilience – whether it be one-way hallways, virtual learning, and social distancing."

"I am proud of each and every one of you," Murgas said.

According to Murgas, some of the colleges that graduates will attend are Penn State, Juniata College, IUP, University of Pittsburgh, Seton Hill and Elmira. Others would be joining the work force or heading to a trade school.

Murgas then presented the class to Dr. Barry England for graduation.

The 2021 class officers are as follows: President Taylor Uplinger, Vice President Kassidy Post, Secretary Marcella Lynn, and Treasurer Makayla Kipe.

The class song is "The Nights" by Avicii. The class colors are blue, white, and black. The class motto is "Memories are what we leave behind, dreams are what we seek." The class flower is the iris.