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Southwestern Seniors Told To ‘Embrace This Exciting Period’

Clad in matching navy robes with crimson piping, the signature colors of their alma mater, the 99 members of the Class of 2023 gathered for the 76th annual commencement for Southwestern High School on Friday in the district auditorium.

Following a processional to "Pomp and Circumstance" performed by the high school concert band led by teacher Jamie Sigler, senior class co-vice presidents Nathan Lewis and Gannon Moore welcomed the audience of proud loved ones.

After the concert band performed the "Star Spangled Banner," Lewis and Moore introduced the guests before senior class co-presidents Paiton James and Erin Keppel gave the class officers' address.

Salutatorian Julia Meyers is going to study music technology at New York University. She admitted finding it difficult to process the fact that her time at Southwestern is up and the familiar faces she and her fellow graduates have known their whole lives will be scattered in various directions.

"We should embrace this exciting period and take advantage of the freedom that comes with a fresh start," Meyers said. "Some people will stay close, others will venture far away, but everyone's next chapter is unique and full of possibilities."

Meyers credits each graduate's sprawling network of support -- families, educators and friends -- for guiding their way toward a successful future.

"The bonds we have made at Southwestern will serve as our torch that will light the way as we step into the unknown," Meyers said. "It is difficult to let go of the hands that have guided us through adolescence, but now it is our turn to live up to our role models."

Valedictorian Madison Cresanti is going to study animal science/pre-vet and equine studies at the University of Findlay in Ohio. She struggled to write her graduation speech before settling on reflecting on similarities among the Class of 2023.

"While our journeys to get to this stage have been very different from one another, our goal has been the same," Cresanti said. "Everyone here has had someone supporting them along the way. Teachers making a difference, coaches pushing to try your hardest, friends supporting friends, all of us have had people putting effort to make our atmosphere better. All these people have shaped us into who we are, and who we will grow to be in the future."

She concluded by acknowledging the people who put in effort to make the Class of 2023 the best versions of themselves.

"Our families, friends, teammates, mentors actively choose to help us be better. The same way people have contributed to us is how I hope everyone contributes to others. I hope everyone recognizes the impact our people have had on us throughout our lives, and that it is our responsibility to contribute to others' lives as well," Cresanti said. "Many times, people don't think what they say or do could have any impact on those around them. But it does."

Principal Scott Cooper spoke of the Class of 2023's legacy of leadership, its passion to have fun and promote positive change. His message to the graduates focused on practical life skills with a tinge of humor.

"Embrace the uncertainty that goes along with a major life transition like going to college, entering the service, or entering the world of work," began Cooper in listing his Top 10 tips for Trojan life while encouraging them to be happy and have fun. He concluded by advising them to heed their intuition. "Trust your gut and honor the message that it's sending. Listening to your intuition, it will allow you to make better decisions."

The awarding of diplomas was led by Cooper with assistance from director of instructional services Molly Moore; secondary principal Matthew Kindberg; director of pupil personnel services Amy McCloskey; and school counselors Alexis Crytzer and Chelsey Winchester. Also assisting was Superintendent Maureen Donahue, who told the graduates they will always hold a special place in her heart. Donahue took a moment to recognize outgoing Board of Education president James Butler for his 18 years of dedication to the district.

After all the diplomas were distributed, Donahue led the Class of 2023 in the change-over of tassels from right to left, symbolizing their hard-earned status as graduates. The evening concluded with a whole-class, cap-tossing photo opportunity outside the Southwestern gymnasium coupled with a punch-and-cookies reception in the cafeteria and multipurpose room.