News Release

WARSAW — On Friday, Warsaw Community Schools celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2025.

Held indoors in the Tiger Den, the ceremony honored students’ years of hard work. The WCS Board of School Trustees, administrators, faculty and families came together to mark this important milestone in the lives of graduating seniors.

Guided by the class motto, “The best way to predict the future is to create it” by Peter Drucker, the Class of 2025 embraced a message of vision and perseverance. Under the leadership of Principal Troy Akers, WACC Director Ben Barkey, Senior Assistant Principal Tim Devlin and Senior Counselor Sarah Roberts, the class made its mark on Warsaw Community Schools.

Commencement began with a multimedia presentation created by Emily Elliott and Abigail Lee, featuring highlights from the students’ journey. The Warsaw Community High School Band, under the direction of Mark Ziegler and David Knouse, performed “Pomp and Circumstance” for the processional. The WCHS JROTC presented the Colors, and the Combined Bands performed the National Anthem.

Student Body President Lillian Chaney welcomed guests and opened the ceremony with a message of gratitude, recognizing the administrators, counselors, teachers and families who supported the Class of 2025 throughout their journey.

Principal Troy Akers followed with remarks focused on the class’s persistence through challenge and change, recognizing their achievements across academics, arts, athletics and service. He encouraged students to carry that same perseverance into the future as they write the next chapters of their story.

A Moment of Remembrance honored Ayden Adee and Drake Price. During the tribute, family members Cadence Sauer, Kourtney Jaworski, and Charity and Miles Price lit a candle in their memory, offering a heartfelt pause in the evening’s celebrations.

The Festival Choir, under the direction of Marilyn Mason, performed “I Was Here.” Senior Class President Abigail Lee reflected on the past 13 years, highlighting moments of growth and shared memories. She encouraged her peers to step into their next chapter with confidence—reminding them that it’s okay to feel anxious, but to remain excited for what lies ahead.

Commencement speaker Jaslene Juarez delivered a message focused on gratitude and resilience, acknowledging the many family members, staff and mentors who played a role in shaping the Class of 2025. She emphasized the importance of hard work and credited those around her for their help in reaching this milestone.

Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert shared reflections on watching students live out the WCS mission, praising the Class of 2025 for setting new standards of excellence. As a parent of a 2025 graduate, Dr. Hoffert offered a personal message of pride and hope, reminding students of their first day of Kindergarten and celebrating their growth over the past 13 years. He concluded by officially presenting the Class of 2025 to the WCS Board of School Trustees for graduation.

Board members Heather Reichenbach (President), Tom Westerhof (Vice President), Matt Deuel (Secretary), Dennis Duncan, Bradly Johnson, Melissa Kissling and Randy Polston presented diplomas to the graduates. Abigail Lee returned to the stage to lead the turning of the tassels, officially marking their transition from students to alumni.

Graduates were honored with a variety of academic distinctions:

• Cum Laude (GPA 3.75–3.99) – orange cords

• Magna Cum Laude (GPA 4.00–4.24) – white cords

• Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.25 and above) – gold cords

• WACC National Technical Honor Society – silver cords

• National Honor Society – stoles

• Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency – medallions

WCS extends its deepest appreciation to the many individuals who helped make the ceremony possible—especially with the last-minute transition to an indoor venue. A special thank you goes to the Board of School Trustees, WCS Cabinet, WCHS administrators and all those who played a role in the months of planning and smooth execution of this event.  Key contributors included: Mr. Akers, Mr. Barkey, Mr. Devlin, Ms. Roberts, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Brad Anderson, Mr. Don Swartzentruber, Mrs. Ginger Barnes, Mrs. Karen Dubbeld, Mrs. Sarah Anderson, Mr. Jim LeMasters, Mr. Jason Ellinger, Mrs. Stavrani Christos, the School Resource Officers (SROs) and the Custodial Staff.