Let the Commencement Commence
WHS graduation May 30

By Caroline Monday

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines commencement as “the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas,” but ask anyone who has graduated from high school, and they will tell you that commencement is about more than receiving a diploma.

For many, high school graduation marks the beginning of adulthood. Whether it is to college, the armed forces or their first jobs, these new adults are expected to strike out on their own, start making decisions for themselves and begin their lives as individuals.

Watauga High School is preparing to honor about 300 students who will graduate this year with a series of events and ceremonies.

Graduation itself will be held Friday, May 30, at Appalachian State University’s Holmes Convocation Center. The ceremony will start at 7:30 p.m.

This year’s valedictorian is Jeffrey Geldmeier, and the salutatorians are Alex Placentra and Robert Hunt. Student body president Ben Vollmer and senior class president Sarah Shields will also be speaking at the ceremony.

There are several scheduled events leading up the graduation. The annual Capping Ceremony and school-based awards ceremony will be held in the WHS gymnasium on Friday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m. and will last until 3:30 p.m.

The junior and senior prom will be held at ASU’s Panhellenic Hall on Saturday, May 17.

The Baccalaureate Service will be held at Boone United Methodist Church on May 18 at 5 p.m.

The Senior Scholarship Ceremony will be held in the WHS auditorium on May 20 at 5 p.m.

Following graduation on May 30, all graduating seniors are invited to attend Project Graduation, an annual celebration to be held at ASU’s Student Recreation Center.

Project Graduation is offered as an alternative to house parties or other private celebrations where students might participate in underage drinking or drug use.

“It’s a safe drug and alcohol free environment where the seniors can hang out and celebrate their success,” event organizer Claire Homeire said. “It’s a way for them all to be together.”

At Project Graduation, the new graduates will be able to take advantage of all the activities the recreation center has to offer, including use of the climbing wall and other sports facilities. There will also be games and door prizes available.

Each year the event is made possible through donations from community members. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the Friends of Watauga High School at 400 High School Drive in Boone.

Homeire asks that all donations be labeled as for Project Graduation. For more information contact her at homeirec@watauga.k12.nc.us

Norman Creek of Toyota Scion of Boone is annually a major supporter of Project Graduation. Recently, he invited the community to come to the car dealership to enjoy refreshments and help raise money for the event. Prizes at the event included a new riding lawn mower.