The Sto-Rox Class of 2023 Graduates!
The Sto-Rox Class of 2023 graduated Friday night in a commencement ceremony at the Jr./Sr. High School stadium. This graduating class, 80 students strong, was able to celebrate in front of hundreds of their family and friends as they received their diplomas from Superintendent Megan Van Fossan and Principal Raelyn Day, along with other teachers and staff.
“Seniors you are resilient, brave and kind,” said Superintendent of Schools Megan Van Fossan during her remarks to the students. “What you do matters. All of it.”
She went on to speak about the class’ resilience and perseverance in dealing with so many things, including the COVID-19 pandemic, community violence, and other issues.
“This class is remarkable in so many ways,” she said. Van Fossan spoke about one senior who, during a basketball game this season, invited a new student - who was all alone - to come over and sit with his friends. When she asked the senior why he did that, he told her, ‘That is just what we do.’ Van Fossan lauded that as part of the community Sto-Rox School District is trying to make stronger every single day.
The Salutatorian of the Class of 2023 was Josh Jenkins, star quarterback who is going to Holy Cross to learn and play football. Jenkins spoke about his upbringing in Hays Manor, seeing violence in his community and dealing with his own anxiety.
“I think about all this class has been through - from Covid, to multiple principals, to things no other class should have to go through,” he explained. “As we look back on our time together, we realize how far we have come.”
Jenkins closed by summing up the class’ attitude toward school and the future.
“School wasn’t hard for the Class of 2023,” he said. “It was life.”
Finally, Valedictorian Evelyn Nagel, who will go on to study veterinarian medicine, delivered her address.
“If you can make it through high school, you can make it through anything,” she said. “We are going to make a difference in this world, and the world really needs us.”
She gave advice to her classmates as they move from one phase of life to the next, including to never neglect your mental health, and surround yourself with positive people. She also made plain that students should ‘do what makes them happy,’ saying her classmates have the freedom to choose their path, whether it’s college, a trade school, going into the workforce, or something else.
“You will always remain important and we ware going to make a difference,” she said in closing. “Congratulations to us, the Sto-Rox Class of 2023!”
Music was provided by the Sto-Rox Senior High School Band under the direction of Suellen Engelhard. Flag bearers were Amere Hibbler and Haley Corcoran, while Natalie Moore and David Taravella served as Marshalls. Hibbler also delivered the Pledge of Allegiance, while Isiah ‘Zay’ Davis delivered Welcome Remarks. Mallory Key provided the Class Reflection and Sto-Rox School Board President delivered the Closing Remarks. Thanks to everyone who showed up to salute the Class of 2023. We’ll see you in the fall!
