GHS hosts commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 on Sunday

Grayling High School hosted a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 on Sunday, June 4, at Viking Stadium, celebrating the accomplishments of a group that had more than 4,600 community service hours and earned more than $900,000 in scholarship money.

The Grayling High School band played music during the ceremony and choir members from the school sang the National Anthem. The event featured speeches by valedictorian Lauren Hartman and salutatorian Kris Snyder.

“Welcome to this momentous occasion where we gather to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of knowledge,” said Sarah Allen, Grayling High School Principal. “Today, we come together to embrace the future, honor the past, and, above all, cherish the power of hope.”

“As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our lives, it is natural to feel a mix of emotions: excitement in anticipation of new beginnings; sadness in leaving a place that has nurtured you for 13 years; apprehension in contemplating what lies ahead; for some, there will be regret for what could have been, and for others, joy and satisfaction for what has been achieved thus far. However, in times like these, it is hope that becomes our guiding light, illuminating the path to our dreams and aspirations. It is hope that propels us forward, empowering us to overcome challenges and strive for greatness,” Principal Allen said.

“Nelson Mandela, a symbol of resilience and inspiration, once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ As graduates, armed with the knowledge and wisdom we have acquired, we hold the power to shape the future and create a better world for all. Let hope be our driving force as we embark on this transformative journey,” Principal Allen said.

According to Grayling High School, the Class of 2023 had: 21 honor roll graduates, wearing gold cords, GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.499; seven Cum Laude graduates, wearing green cords, GPA ranging from 3.5 to 3.699; six Magna Cum Laude graduates, wearing red cords, GPA ranging from 3.7 to 3.899; and eight Summa Cum Laude graduates, wearing purple cords, GPA of 3.9 or higher.  

“In total, these 42 students represent 55 percent of the class graduating today with  high academic honors. Twenty-eight students here today are in our AP Society.  Of these 28 students, 10 graduates took five or more AP classes and wear orange cords to signify their Virtuoso status. Thirty students here today took a career and technical education course. Of these 30 students, 16 graduates were completers of their course and wear light blue cords,” Principal Allen said.  

“The Class of 2023 has 77 graduates. (Sixty-six) of these students are going on to some type of post-secondary training: (four) into military service; (thirty-one) to two-year colleges or vocational training, and (thirty-one) will be attending four-year colleges and universities. They have a wide range of interests; their career plans include business, engineering, aviation, nursing, education, medicine, law, conservation, wildlife management, welding, electrical work, speech pathology, cosmetology, construction, music, cardiac sonography, biochemistry, interior design, criminal psychology, and more,” Principal Allen said. “They have contributed, in total, more than 4,661 community service hours.”

“This year’s students have earned over $841,968 in scholarships from colleges, and $86,400 in local scholarship funds, for a total of over $928,368. Well done, Class of 2023,” Principal Allen said.