Watersmeet graduates eight in class of 2017

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

news@yourdailyglobe

Watersmeet - The Watersmeet Township School District held a commencement ceremony for the class of 2017 on Friday night.

The graduates, dressed in their class colors of blue and silver, took their places on stage as the school band played "Pomp & Circumstance."

Graduate Keaton Caudill gave a welcome speech to the audience. "For the last 13 years, we have waited for this day to arrive. Although it seems like a lifetime, we actually have our whole lives ahead of us," said Caudill.

Following the welcome, graduate Trace Gragnon, delivered the salutatory address. "We have waited for so many years for this day to come and now it is here," said Gagnon.

Class valedictorian Owen Ryskey spoke to the audience about the value of perseverance, outlining his own struggles throughout the years of having an accident in 2010, being in a coma and having to learn to walk, talk and read again. "Perseverance is when life throws you all its got to destroy you but you rise up and overcome those obstacles," said Ryskey.

Ryskey then introduced his sister, Watersmeet graduate Abigail Ryskey, who gave a speech on what lies ahead for the students. "You can either learn to fail, or fail to learn," said Ryskey.

The Blue and Gold band then followed with a rendition of "Hannah Montana in Concert."

Each student then received their respective diplomas, before the showing of the 2017 class movie, which featured various photos of the seniors throughout the year.

The band then played the school song, followed by graduate Dylan Grosso thanking friends and family for attending the event.

The graduates then gathered to shake hands with family and friends.