An energetic collection of administrators, teachers, parents and students gathered in Kasdorf auditorium on May 26 to say a last farewell to Loy Norrix High School.
Administrators and teachers kicked off the graduation festivities by giving the graduating seniors a series of awards, to commemorate their time at Norrix.
The program began with a series of speeches from counselors Rebecca Learner and Becky Parsons, the Dean of Students. Stephanie Perry and Principal Christopher Aguinaga.
"We see a bright future ahead because of you," Interim Superintendent Cindy Green said addressing the departing seniors in her speech. "You've had to be very resourceful these past four years... and you've been resilient... you will carry that for the rest of your lives."
The awards ceremony began with teachers Adam Hosler and Ryan Allen calling each seniors’ name as they walked into the auditorium. Then, Perry called the names of students who made the Dean's List (4.0 GPA or above), Knights of High Honor (3.5-3.99) and Knights of Honor (3.0-3.49).
The National Honor Society, advised by Matthew Porco and Ryan Allen, then awarded their chapter's student president, Nina Molitor, with the NHS award.
The next awards were the Community Service Award, School Service Award, Top Student Athlete Awards, Knight of Honor Award and the Outstanding Leader Award.
Social studies teacher James Johnson awarded Clara Moss with the Sveri Stromsta May Award for Citizenship & Social Studies. Moss walked on the stage and embraced Johnson in a heartfelt moment. She was awarded this due to her success in academics, as well as her community service work in the Young Democrats Club and others.
Perry, who started a the "AP Shoutouts" tradition on the morning announcements, awarded two students the AP Scholar Recognition award.
Following the same theme of success in math classes, senior Helen Hallett received the award for "Senior in Multiple Math Classes."
Theater teacher Dan Lafferty then took the stage and gave two awards to three students: the Outstanding Thespian award and the Backstage Award.
A series of awards then followed, presented by Perry, that highlighted the important virtues of a knight: the virtues of hope, generosity, nobility, faith, mercy, courage and justice.
Administrators closed out the awards with Principal Aguinaga introducing the valedictorian Guthrie Harris and salutatorian Benjamin Whitsett to the audience.
Finishing off the ceremony, the Loy Norrix Master Singers, led by choir teacher Marisa Bergh, sang "Non Nobis Domine." The seniors then went to the senior luncheon where they enjoyed catering from Qdoba and many snacks and activities.
Credits:
Chloe Rathbun