WEST TERRE HAUTE —
More than 150 West Vigo Vikings celebrated the close of four years of high school Sunday with a packed-house graduation ceremony at the west-side school.
Principal Thomas Balitewicz congratulated the class on its record-setting academic achievements, including 32 percent of the graduates receiving academic honors diplomas. He also called special attention to three graduates who have enlisted in military service: Chris Guymon, David Mundell and Danielle Wilson.
The three received a standing ovation from the large crowd at the evening ceremony.
But Balitewicz said the Class of 2012 was most notable for it’s kindness and common courtesy, something often missing in many parts of society today, he said.
“I will miss you and I know that you will miss this school, a school where, as a class, you have left a positive mark,” Balitewicz said. “Of all the accomplishments that these kids have made,” he said, “the accomplishments of the heart are most important.”
A total of 154 graduates sat in folding chairs on the West Vigo gymnasium floor awaiting their diplomas, which were handed to them by members of the Vigo County School Board of Trustees. Each student wore a black robe with the school’s green and white colors.
Salutatorian Sara Umphries told her fellow classmates that over the years, they have been not just a class but have become a family.
“I ask you to never forget the memories we have made,” Umphries said. “They have made you who you are and they will remain a part of you for the rest of your life.”
Valedictorian Allison Hunt, in her brief speech, also noted the end of an important chapter in the lives of the members of the class of 2012.
“Today we leave everything we have ever known, everything comfortable, everything familiar,” Hunt said. “But today is our new beginning.”
Principal Balitewicz said one member of the class of 2012 was an inspiration to him each day, Brittany Stuck, who had not been expected to survive at birth and was confined to a wheel chair just a few years ago.
“Everyone knows Brittany because she never stops smiling,” Balitewicz said. “Life is full of surprised and Brittany has been one of the best presents ever. She brightens my day everyday and places everything in perspective…Today, Brittany will walk up these stairs to graduate.”
Stuck received a standing ovation from her classmates as she later walked across the stage and accepted her diploma.
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Happy daze: A West Vigo graduate smiles as he listens to family and friends making comments to him during Sunday's graduation ceremony.
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Graduates: West Vigo students that have already received their diplomas watch as fellow students receive theirs during Sunday's commencement ceremony. The West Vigo gym was standing room only during the event.
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Whistle: A West Vigo parent whistles as others take photographs and videos during the commencement Sunday evening in the school gym.
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Congrats: West Vigo Principal Thomas Balitewicz shakes hands and congratulates each graduating senior during 2012 commencement exercises.
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Packed: A full house greets graduates during Sunday's commencement at West Vigo.
Discussion
Graduating Vikings left their mark in many ways
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