Posted June 4, 2023
Plymouth High School held Commencement Exercises for the 181 members of the Class of 2023 on June 4 at Plymouth City Park with hundreds of family and friends in attendance.
The Commencement Band, directed by PHS band director Cody Wisman, performed the processional and recessional. The Senior Choir, directed by Amanda Smith, sang the Imagine Dragons song “I Bet My Life.”
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Carson Schwartz, Senior Class vice-president. Sarah Welsch, vice-president of the PHS National Honor Society, welcomed those gathered and later directed students to shift their tassels.
Ava Stroessner, Student Council president, announced the new inductees to the Plymouth High School Alumni Hall of Fame: Ron Nicolaus of the Class of 1963 and Gina Grapentine Krueger of the Class of 1984. (See separate article.)
PHS Principal Joe Brandl explained the school’s cum laude system and the different color stoles worn by students: orange for cum laude, silver for magna cum laude, and gold for summa cum laude, the highest recognition. He later congratulated the Class of 2023 and recalled their many great feats – “wonderful musicals, countless performances, state participants, car shows, culinary competitions, scholarships galore, countless memories, and friendships to last a lifetime.”
“You leave Plymouth High School as young adults with the necessary tools to be successful after you receive your diploma,” he said. “It is now time for the next chapter of your life. Whatever that brings, make all of us, your immediate family, your Plymouth Panther family, and yourself proud! Make the choice to do great things.”
Mr. Brandl introduced the class exemplar, National Honor Society President Molly Trepanier, chosen by a panel of adults to represent the Class of 2023 based on stellar academic work, extensive extracurricular involvement, and leadership skills.
Molly built her remarks around the words of the school song:
- Here’s a toast to Plymouth High School: “This is a toast to us, the senior class of 2023,” she said. “With countless hours spent at practice and competitions, late nights doing homework and studying, and so much more, we have worked hard to get to where we are today. Graduating is a big deal, and we all deserve this.”
- To Plymouth good and true: “We thank the community of Plymouth. We would not be where we are today without the support of the community around us,” she said, thanking people for coming to performances, cheering at sporting events, and supporting fundraisers. “We hope we made you proud.”
- Here's a toast to Plymouth High School: “Our high school experience would not have been the same without all of the opportunities we are offered by PHS,” she said, listing various classes and extracurriculars. “These opportunities were incredibly special, and we are so grateful for them as they set us up for success in our futures.”
- We raise your hats to you: She thanked teachers, coaches, parents, guardians. “Thank you for your support, for your help, for believing us, for pushing us, for helping us succeed,” she said. “There is no way we would be where we are today without all of you.”
- Ever may our hearts be loyal: “No matter where we go, no matter how far we travel, we will always be Panthers in our heart,” she said. “I'm sure we're all going on to do amazing things with our lives; just remember where it all started.”
- Without a peer we stand: “Soon you will be on your own, but don't worry, you're ready for it. Thanks to your time here at PHS, you're prepared for the future, you're ready to go out into the world and leave your mark. So do it.”
- Here's a toast to Plymouth High School: “One of the most important things that PHS has given us is the memories,” she said. “All of your memories, the happy ones, the sad ones, the funny ones, they are the most important thing PHS has given you. They are what you will have for the rest of your life, no matter what.”
- It's the best school in the land: “PHS really is the best school in the land, and we are the ones who made it that way. The current students, the future students, the past students, and us,” she said. “We are ready for our future, we are ready to do amazing things, and we will always look back on our years at PHS fondly, remembering the countless memories we've made and lessons we've learned.”
Superintendent Dan Mella echoed Molly’s sentiment that the graduates will always be Panthers, despite their different backgrounds and different paths. “It’s amazing that you all end up in this same place together,” he said.
One common trait shared by the seniors is curiosity, Mr. Mella said. “When you’re curious, that leads to questions, that leads to discovery. Being curious will lead you to all kinds of things,” he said. “Your curiosity will be the thing that allows you to find your path.”
Mr. Mella introduced the commencement speaker chosen by the senior class, PHS business teacher Todd Williams, who offered an analogy comparing life to the components of a ham sandwich:
- Bread slices: comfort zones, rules, conformity. Understand the social norms and choose you battles wisely, but challenge boundaries and step into the unfamiliar. “It’s time to do whatever you want! Become a professional bubble-wrap popper, maybe start a pirate-themed bakery; whatever you want to do, do it.”
- Ham: the essence of adventure. Embrace new experiences and take risks. “Whether you want to become the first person to skateboard on Mars or raise llamas in your backyard, don't let anyone kill your dreams. Embrace them, chase them, and watch them unfold in the most unexpected and mind-blowing ways.”
- Cheese: adding flavor and diversity. “Just as different cheeses bring unique flavors, exploring diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas enriches our lives,” he said. “So, instead of getting caught up in the daily grind, fill your life with joy, laughter, and a sense of adventure! Breaking free from a monotonous routine and embracing life to its fullest allows us to experience the world in all its vibrant hues.”
- Lettuce and tomato: balance and wellbeing. “Nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health is crucial to maintain that balance while pursuing challenges and taking risks. Finding harmony amidst the chaos helps us lead more satisfying and purposeful lives.”
- Mustard and mayonnaise: taking risks and experimenting. “Embracing creativity and innovation enables us to leave a lasting impact on the world around us,” he said. “This is the moment where you can shed your caterpillar skins and transform into the big, bad, beautiful butterflies you are meant to be.”
- Final assembly: a fulfilling and vibrant life. “By blending the ingredients of adventure, diversity, balance, and risk-taking, we create a life that resonates with purpose, meaning, and joy. Striving for personal growth, embracing challenges, and rejecting boredom allows us to savor the fullness of life.”
Nick Shircel, 2023 Class President, noted in the closing remarks that no journey is ever straight or smooth. “My advice for you this afternoon is to embrace those bumps and learn to enjoy each day as it comes,” he said. “Regardless of where your path might lead you, I know that the experience you have gained and the memories you have made will help propel you into the future. Good luck, and congratulations to the Class of 2023!”
Learn more:
• View the Class of 2023 Senior Slideshow, created by the Quit Qui Oc yearbook staff.
• Read a profile of this year’s class exemplar, Molly Trepanier.
• Learn about the 2023 PHS Academic Scholars.
• See a list of scholarships awarded to members of the PHS Class of 2023.
• See a list of PHS grads entering the military and the trades.
• See which Panther athletes will be continuing their sports careers in college.
• Explore the Post-Graduate Success section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how each Plymouth High School graduate is well-prepared for his or her next step, whether it be college, technical school, the military, or the workforce.
