Girard grads fete tradition, excellence

By SHAIYLA B. HAKEEM

news@vindy.com

GIRARD

Cellphone selfies and emotional parents were all the eyes could see as new Girard alumni celebrated by turning their graduation-cap tassels from right to left, signifying the end of one chapter in life and the beginning of one yet to be written.

Girard High School’s 134th annual commencement Sunday honored 130 students in the school’s gymnasium.

For the past 12 years, William L. Ryser Jr. has served as a principal in the Girard school system, 10 years of which have been at the high school. He described the graduating seniors as a “throwback class” and thus deemed the theme for their academic school year as “For Tradition and Excellence.”

“In a very intangible way, they have returned the ways and traditions within the halls of the school to a level of decorum of years gone by,” Ryser explained, “The school is defined by the students in it, and we are defined by tradition and excellence.”

Of the 130 graduates, more than 85 achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or above. The class included three valedictorians, one salutatorian and 16 students receiving an honors diploma.

Ryser said they have set the standard for academic achievement and portray the essence of a true Girard Indian through their leadership, commitment to learning and overwhelming pride for their school. They have upheld the school motto, “Setting the pace.”

“We felt they [students] were very in touch with generations-gone-by of Girard Indians and also had the capacity to achieve very highly,” Ryser explained, “They’ve made us proud.”

During the commencement, Girard’s band was on hand to play Edward Elgar’s, “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates proceeded to their seats.

Our Nation’s colors were presented by the Color Guard from the Civil Air Patrol’s Youngstown Air Reserve Station Composite Squadron. Members included four high school students, Cadet Carissa Hartley, Cadet Brandon Holk, Cadet Joon Kim and Cadet De’Von McNeely.

Standing ovations and sounds of cheer could be heard while diplomas were presented to the graduating seniors by Mark Zuppo, Board of Education president. Each student took time to bask in the glory of making the transition from student to alumnus.

In his cap and gown, while sporting a pair of black sunglasses, Gregory Bass took pictures in front of his now alma mater. He aspires to become a Girard police officer when he turns 21.

“I’m a little excited right now; it still hasn’t hit me yet that I’m graduating,” said Bass. “I’m going to miss the teachers, especially the principal, because they all pushed us [students] to do our very best.”

Graduating senior Cody Workman said he was nervous about the infamous graduation walk across the stage but is looking forward to starting a career in cosmetology.

Enthused class president Nicholas “Nick” Hall said it has been an honor to be a part of the graduating class. He said his class is a close-knit group and has always been able to rely on one another during hard times. Hall plans to keep contact with the class through social media platforms and says he will coordinate the class’s 10-year reunion in 2027.

“The future is in your hands now, it is now on you for where you go in life,” Hall said.