CHS Class of 2022 Remembered for Grit, Game and Greatness

Central High School wished the Class of 2022 good luck as 149 seniors graduated June 2.

Taking place at the Spring Cove Varsity Football Field, family and friends gathered to commemorate the achievements the seniors have completed over their time with the Spring Cove School District.

When describing the class, Principal Stephanie Thompson used three words: "Grit, game and greatness."

"All of these students transpired in the world over the past few years," she said. "Even when times were tough, they persevered."

Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker also cited the students' ability to persevere as they were the first kindergarten class of Spring Cove Elementary.

"Their ability to merge reassured the adults and erased the lines that originally separated them," she said.

In "game," Thompson said the students continued to show "outstanding" skills and abilities. Some examples she cited were two patented inventors, several students signed to college athletics and three Future Farmers of America (FFA) Keystone degrees.

"That is the highest honor bestowed to FFA members at a state level," she said.

Greatness from the class came in the form of their work in the community, with some putting many hours into community service.

The class also has three students enrolling in the military. Draven Ahern is entering the United States Navy; Dylan Cope has enlisted in the United States Army; and Julie Nagy has enlisted in the Air Force.

The year's foreign exchange student Olivia Mooij also spoke, reflecting on her year at CHS.

"A lot of people ask me why I chose to come here," she said. "I really didn't get a choice, but I would not change it."

Originally from Sweden, there have been a lot of new experiences for Mooij. She joked about how, though some people said she would get used to the smell, she never did.

Mooij said graduating meant "thankfulness" to her.

"I was scared at first, but even though I wasn't sure how things would turn out, I was thankful," she said. "I will keep everyone in my heart."

Class president Cayden Wright told the audience and class why he chose the class motto – "Mens et manus" – which means "mind and hands."

"I discovered it during cross country after a meet where I didn't run to expectations," he said. "The next day, Coach [Lacey Ceschini] said 'I wish I could sprinkle you with fairy dust to make you faster, but I can't. It's up to you.'"

Wright said, with mind and hands, it is each person's own work and drive that will determine life's course.

"It's about drive, it's about power," he said. "Stay hungry and devour."

Before ending his speech, Wright brought back one last memory before commencement ceased.

He asked fellow student Nate Garver to the podium, "tagging" him.

"A small group of friends, including me, have been playing a very long game of tag," Wright said. "Whoever was tagged before we received our diplomas this evening owes the others lunch."

With this in mind, Wright said Garver was then not allowed to tag anyone else for the rest of the ceremony.

Valedictorian Luke Knisley also looked back on a challenging time.

As part of CHS' Unified Bocce team, he remembered they had gone to the finals with five wins and one loss. Once there, CHS lost by one point.

He then felt a teammates hand on his shoulder, when he turned, he saw the teammate was smiling.

The teammate told Knisley that he was happy to have just had the chance to play that day.

"That's when it hit me. Life is just like a game of bocce," Knisley said.

He said that there are great times, such as winning, among the hard times of losing. However, either way, he said everyone must stand back and appreciate the fact that they had the chance to live.

"Real life isn't perfect and we will all face hardships and rough times," he said. "But we need to celebrate our accomplishments."

Thompson said the class had a lot of accomplishments to celebrate, with 56 students receiving over $78,000 in scholarships and 400 dual college enrollment credits completed.

The ceremony also included a memorial candle lighting to remember those the class lost in their lives, as well as a song performed by the senior members of CHS' choir.

The members chose to sing "No One is Alone" from "Into the Woods" to remind the class that they have people standing with them at all times.

After receiving their diplomas, the class celebrated, throwing their caps into the air just as the rain began to sprinkle.

Thompson said the Class of 2022 left their mark on CHS.

"The future belongs to the beauty of those who dream," she said. "Your greatness gives much to celebrate. Go on, be great."