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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington seniors reach the finish line
School celebrates the 114-strong class of 2021 Sunday
WASHINGTON — The Washington Class of 2021 received their diplomas on Sunday afternoon, completing an academic milestone at the sunlit football field.
The weather was a stroke of luck after days of cold and rain in the forecast.
“I have been asked at least three or four times today if I ordered up this weather,” Principal Erik Buchholz joked at the start of the ceremony. “Not at all. This whole thing is student-granted.”
The commencement marked the end of an uncertain endeavor, and each speaker touched on the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would be willing to bet that almost everyone here was placing bets on whether we would get through the school year,” Superintendent Willie Stone said to the graduates. “You, as a senior class, persevered through this and led our student body to some amazing things, whether it be on the athletic field, the auditorium stage or in the classroom. I do thank you for that.”
Student speakers echoed Stone’s sentiments.
“2020 was a very chaotic and confusing year for everyone, not only here in Washington, Iowa, but across the whole world,” student speaker Cameron Westphal said in a speech. “It was a situation that none of us wanted to be in, but we all pulled through.”
Valedictorian Anna Miller said overcoming so many challenges was a badge of honor for the graduate class.
“Some of us have lost loved ones, failed to accomplish life-changing goals or have been so overwhelmed with responsibilities and current events,” she said in her speech. “In this room, I see a class of some of the most resilient people I know, and that trait is going to lead us to great places.”
Despite their tumultuous experiences, the commencement was tinged with a touch of nostalgia.
“We were able to make it through with the support of each other,” valedictorian Hunter Rarick said. “This ceremony is also about remembering the times that brought us closer together.”
The graduating class boasted six valedictorians and one salutatorian, a total that Principal Erik Buchholz said was “probably the highest number of valedictorians (and) salutatorians this school has ever had,” also noting the class’ extracurricular achievements.
“Class of 2021, I’m going to leave you with this last piece,” he said at the ceremony’s end. “Go accomplish great things. Make a name for yourself. And may God bless the class of 2021.”
Washington produced six valedictorians -- students with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages -- and a salutatorian. They are, from left, valedictorians Hunter Rarick, Anna Miller and Kellie Dallmeyer; salutatorian Taylor Brinning; valedictorians Sydney Cuddeback, Josie Tanner and Roy Carter. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Ayden Frazer reads his diploma after receiving it at the Washington High School graduation ceremony on Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Washington High School graduate Emmy Geyer laughs after retrieving her mortarboard, which she had thrown in the air at the conclusion of the ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Senior Hunter Rarick: "I've come to realize that this ceremony is really so much more than just receiving that "stupid" piece of paper." (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Senior Cameron Westphal: "How do you say goodbye to the friends we've known for all our lives?" (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Senior Anna Miller: "Look at what we have accomplished -- what you have accomplished -- and feel strong." (Jim Johnson/The Union)
The Washington High School seniors proceed into the football stadium at the start of the graduation ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
The Washington High School seniors proceed into the football stadium at the start of the graduation ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Graduates pose for a photo prior to the Washington High School ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Olivia Marek, center, and Hannah Rees admire Cloe Telleen's artwork on her mortarboard at the Washington High School graduation ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Hannah Rees, right, laughs at the Monopoly board mortarboard created by Cloe Telleen for their graduation from Washington High School on Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Graduates pose for a photo prior to the Washington High School ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Valedictorian Hunter Rarick poses with his mom, Courtney Paul (left), and Kara Williams after the Washington High graduation ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Washington High School principal presents the Class of 2021 at the graduation ceremony Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
The Washington High School choir performs during the graduation ceremony on Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Jonathon Runaas leads the Washington High School choir during the graduation ceremony on Sunday. (Jim Johnson/The Union)
Graduates, prompted by Principal Erik Buchholz, face the audience to wave at and thank their parents. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Superintendent Willie Stone gives a few parting words to the Class of 2021. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
