WALL TOWNSHIP — Wall High School hosted its 63rd annual commencement ceremony on Friday, June 16, celebrating the graduating class of 2023 with speeches recognizing the resilience of students during a challenging four years.
“I’d like to consider this day a love letter to the tumultuous times we’ve experienced together. Without those hardships over the last four years, we would not be the same determined and resilient people that are graduating here today,” said senior Ashlynn Wells in the welcoming address.
Classmate Nina D’Apolito, announcing the senior awards, said, “Together, we fought through a pandemic, extreme political elections, a near economic recession, overseas wars and devastating community events, all while trying to enjoy high school. However, we still managed to prosper.”
“Remember your past, remember your struggles and use them to your advantage to become the best person you can be,” she said.
The graduates, gowned in the traditional WHS colors of red and white, had entered the high school auditorium to “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Wall High School Band, directed by Leslie Hollander.
The salute to the flag was led by Alex Lee, Cadet Commander of the high school’s National Navy Defense Cadets Corps [NNDCC] program, who was recognized by WHS Acting Principal Peter Righi for his achievements in leadership and service. Mr. Lee was a member of the pre-engineering academy and service leadership academy through the NNDCC at WHS as well as being an Eagle Scout recipient. He will attend the Illinois Institute of Technology this fall, where he will major in engineering.
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