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The Class of 2022 says farewell to Loy Norrix one final time Chloe Rathbun and Hannah Locke

The Loy Norrix class of 2022 walked into Wings Event Center on June 1st as KPS students and walked out as KPS graduates. Family, friends, and peers gathered to watch the ceremony and cheered them on as they took the first step towards life beyond high school.

Ruby Hernandez-Torres and Kiara Guy. Saul Segovia-Perez and Jacob Velasco-Stout
August Crothers and Isabela Neves-Cordeiro Kelisha Davis and Liam Denney

The ceremony began with seniors rounding the rink to the “Pomp and Circumstance March” by Sir Edward Elgar. They greeted their cheering families and friends and walked to their seats in front of the main stage.

After the students were seated, speeches began with opening remarks from Principal Christopher Aguinaga.

In his opening remarks, Principal Aguinaga congratulated the Class of 2022 and connected the futures of the graduates to what they've learned throughout their high school careers.

"So many lessons you have learned about in your classes over your four years in high school and your entire PreK through 12 education," Aguinaga said.

He focused the majority of his speech on the graduates' lives beyond high school and offered them sound advice.

"Take what you have learned in the last four years and add them to your tool belt. but remember that you, ultimately, are in charge of your future. and I see nothing but success for the class of 2022," Aguinaga said, finishing his speech with a final congratulations.

Aguinaga's remarks were followed by the LN Master Singers performing the National Anthem and Lift Every Voice.

Justine Blackwood welcomed students to the graduation with a speech about the "unprecedented" challenges, experiences, and futures of the class of 2022.

"You are unprecedented because you are a high school class that has done something never done before," Blackwood said, reflecting on the class's tumultuous years of virtual learning and the COVID-19 pandemic.

She related to her classmates by expressing her fear for the future but also offered hopeful advice to her peers.

"Instead of being sad that it’s over, you should be happy that it happened, because no moment, no minute, no second in this life is guaranteed, and you get the opportunity to experience something so beautiful: unprecedented."

With a final congratulations, Blackwood was followed by another musical selection.

The Master Singers performed the classic, “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. Soloists included graduating seniors Alexandro Ostos, Celia Baublis, Isabella Woods, Emma Atkinson, and Kendyl Kirshman.

The next speaker was Shatonio Anderson who brought forth a personal story for the commencement speech.

"I am a product of this school system, I have been here K-12. I’ve faced many hurdles throughout my KPS career," Anderson said.

The graduating senior went on to tell attendees about the struggles he faced throughout his KPS career, whether they were with his family, in his classes, or on the streets. Despite these obstacles, Anderson was able to reflect on the unique skill set he developed.

"When I was away from school I loved hanging out at the corner stores...I look back on those times not realizing I taught myself basic math, life, social skills, and I also learned how to adapt to many different situations and environments."

Anderson finished up his speech by acknowledging the immense impact that teachers and administrators had on his journey.

"There are so many teachers, administrators and adults that work in many roles that’ll help you and I be successful if you're open-minded and show that you care about your future,'' Anderson said.

After finishing his personal anecdote, Anderson gave the floor to Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri. Dr. Raichoudhuri kept her speech short, assuring the graduates that she knew of their eagerness to greet their families and begin their futures beyond high school.

"Whatever course your future takes, it is my sincere hope that you will look back on your years here as having prepared you for both the challenges and successes that life will present," Raichoudhuri said.

She finished up her speech by pronouncing the class of 2022 graduated and the handing out of diplomas commenced.

Once all the students had received their diplomas, they were led by Class President Chanel Wilson in the Turning of the Tassel Ceremony. Wilson began her speech with an iconic recitation of her familiar morning announcements greeting.

"Good evening. Today is June 1st, 2022, and your girl Chanel Wilson has come through with a legendary Loy Norrix speech for who? You. I know that’s right," Wilson said.

In a unique turn, Wilson then led the graduates and commencement attendees in a brief sing-along of "ABC" by the Jackson 5. She went on to connect the success of Micheal Jackson to the futures of her classmates.

"His [Micheal Jackson] purpose was to bring people joy and bring people together through his music…His purpose was unique to him," Chanel continued, going on to assure the graduates that one day, they too would find their purpose. "As I look into the class of 2022 graduates I see a fusion of purposes. In these next few chapters of your life take those risks, take those leaps of faith. Find your purpose and hold onto it no matter what other people may say or think."

Wilson completed her speech and the ceremony with congratulations and led her classmates in the turning of their tassels.

Valedictorian Claire Beougher (left) and Salutatorian Dominic Frost (right) receive their diplomas from Principal Aguinaga.

The familiar voice that we hear every morning on the announcements of Jaelynn Smith, jokes with Principal Aguinaga as she receives her diploma. Smith was the Secretary of the Executive Board.

Bianca Hobson joyfully walks off the stage after receiving her diploma. Hobson is a successful student-athlete and will be attending Southwestern Michigan College to play volleyball.

Hollis Masterson flaunting his senior award medallion and several other braids representing his academic success at Norrix. Masterson will be attending Kalamazoo College in the fall.

Speaker Chanel Wilson walks off stage after receiving her diploma. Wilson will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.

Football and basketball star Kevin Lucas secures his diploma with a smile. Lucas is committed to Albion College to play football.

Knight of Honor Grant Kahler showed off his diploma to the crowd with a grin. Kahler is an advocate for the environment through Green School Club and participated in several different art programs at Norrix.

Donovan Wilson celebrates receiving his diploma with an excited smile before giving English and journalism teacher, Tisha Pankop, a big hug. Wilson was a Knight Life reporter, a student-athlete and he also participated in many school theatre productions. He committed to Olivet College to play football.

Claire Goodwin-Kelley, leader of the student section and two-year varsity soccer captain shakes Aguinaga's hand after posing for a picture. Goodwin-Kelley will be attending the College of Wooster as a student and playing on their soccer team.

Giulia Camba departs from the stage after receiving her diploma. Camba is one of two foreign exchange students who graduated: she is from Italy.

Kahwaun Franklin shakes Dean of Students, Erin Anderson's hand after getting his diploma from Aguinaga. He will be attending Southwestern Michigan Community College in the fall.

Many students in this year's graduating class had parents as teachers. Each faculty member was allowed to give their child's diploma to them personally.
Students switch their tassels from the left side to the right side to signify the completion of their senior year. Telise Clemente (bottom left) walks back to her seat after receiving her diploma. Gina Bello (bottom right) gives her teachers a round of applause.
Gina Bello and Shatonio Anderson's respective families congratulate them on their recent graduation by showering them with gifts. The Bello family surprised Gina with flowers and signs with each letter of her name on them.
President of the Key Club Rosely Ventura Amates (left) hugs a family member after the commencement. Jackson Bergan (right) flaunts his graduation cap and his future at the University of Oregon. Go Ducks!

The entire event was livestreamed on YouTube at this link here.

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