Whiteford High School Graduates 72

There were 72 students in Whiteford High School’s 51^st graduating class.

The Class of 2010 said farewell to Whiteford Agricultural Schools during commencement exercises Friday evening while it eagerly greeted the future.

The exercises were highlighted by great musical performances from the school’s men’s and women’s ensemble, the senior ensemble members, the high school band, and a duet by graduating seniors Jacob Berry and Abby Deisler.

Remarks were made by Superintendent Larry Shilling, who is completing his first year as the district’s chief administrator. His comments often drew laughter of from the audience. He congratulated students for graduating, noting that a typical student has spent about 16,380 hours in school. Then he estimated that the graduating students can look forward to more than 40 years, or 88,000 hours of work.

“I guess knowing that, school wasn’t all that bad,” Shilling said. “And remember, starting tomorrow, no more fog delays or snow days.”

“There’s only one person you will have to answer to, and that is the person you will see every morning in the mirror,” he said, advising students to find something they love to do. “Do what you love, and you will never work another day in your life.”

He also advised the graduates to aggressively take on opportunities.

“If you spend all your time waiting around for something just right, you’re probably not going to do much of anything at all,” he said.

He reminded students to never take family and friends for granted, and to be sure to thank them along the way.

He also advised the graduates to set lofty goals.

“Michaelangelo said the greatest danger for most of us isn’t setting goals high and falling short, but setting our aim too low and achieving our mark,” Shilling said.

His last bit of advice was to challenge graduates to be good citizens.

“This country did not become the greatest country on the face of the earth by having citizens sit idly by and letting government make all the decisions for them. Question things. Speak out for what you believe in,” he said. “For this country to remain the greatest place on earth, it will require a responsible and involved people.”

High school principal Kelli Tuller certified and presented the class of 2010 before the awards were presented by school board president Holly Bunge. Then the Class of 2010 led the audience through the singing of the Alma Mater before the graduating class exited the building during the recessional.

 Graduate Abby Deisler said she was excited to graduate, but said the day was bitter sweet.

 “Especially singing with Jake. It was our last time singing together,” said Deisler, who starred with Jake Berry in the spring musical during the last two years. “And I don’t know if we’ll see each other a lot after graduation, so it’s pretty said.”

 She said her favorite memory was being a member of the basketball team in her senior year. Deisler plans to study nursing at a Christian college.

Graduate Jake Bunge said it felt good to graduate.

 “High school was fun, but it’s time to move on. I’m going to miss Whiteford and life is going to be hard, but it’s time, you know?” said Bunge, who said he felt prepared to start the next chapter of his life, which includes studying mechanical engineering at University of Toledo.