Alder grads continue the journey

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

 

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”

 

With this quote from Christian theologian John Wesley, Jonathan Alder High School Principal Phil Harris sent the 2012 graduating class into the world beyond Plain City and Madison County.

Diplomas went to 164 graduates on Saturday afternoon, June 2, during Alder’s 56th commencement exercises. Fourteen classmates were also siblings, including two sets of triplets and four sets of twins — a first in the school’s history.

Harris said this year’s graduating class also set new school records in academic and athletic achievements. As a group, they earned an all-time high dollar amount of college scholarships; among the highest scores on college entrance tests and fielded a record number of scholar-athletes.

More members of the class of 2012 were tapped to compete in college sports than any class in Alder history, Harris added.

Eight class members are headed to military careers, while 73 are off to colleges and universities all over the country with full or partial scholarships.

It was standing room only in the high school gymnasium for Saturday’s ceremony. Class president Bianca Troyer led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance as a retractable American flag — the class gift to the school — descended from the ceiling.

Salutatorian Daniel Kellett provided brief remarks, as did valedictorians Sean Branam, Casie Jameson, Conner Longworth, Kara Seidenstricker, Zachary Snively and Davis Troyer.

The high school band performed selections from “The Lion King” and “Phantom of the Opera.” Show choir members performed “Amazing Grace” and “Friends.”

It was all over in about 90 minutes as graduates, along with their friends and families, stood for a final rousing rendition of the school’s alma mater.