TERRE HAUTE —
Members of the Terre Haute South Vigo class of 2012 closed the book on high school days Sunday with an enthusiastic graduation ceremony in Hulman Center downtown.
Friends and family members cheered and whistled as graduates’ names were read and South Vigo Braves walked across the stage to accept their diplomas.
During the ceremony, the school’s four valedictorians and one salutatorian shared closing thoughts with their classmates.
Valedictorian Mark Botros urged his classmates to stay in touch in coming years and to be skeptical of people who claim to have all the answers.
Fellow valedictorian Scott Noble told the class of 2012 to not fear setting goals that might be higher than they can reach. And David Schmitz, another valedictorian, urged his classmates to retain the mindset of a graduate.
Valedictorian Stephanie Thiede told the class it was ironic she was graduating at the top of her class because she had originally feared attending school, even attempting to run from the school bus on her first day of kindergarten. She said eventually she was forced onto the bus and is grateful for those who made her board, including the bus driver who refused to leave while Thiede’s mother chased the small girl around her front yard.
“I am thankful for all of those who have pushed me to where I am today,” Thiede said, urging her classmates to not fear boarding the “buses” of their futures.
Salutatorian Austin England also spoke during the ceremony along with class president Alina Thomas and other members of the class of 2012.
After the ceremony, South graduates posed for photographs and accepted the hugs and handshakes of family and friends outside Hulman Center.
“There are just so many people from Terre Haute South who will stay in our hearts forever,” said Chyenne Reich, standing in the afternoon sunlight in her graduation robes. Principal Christopher Mauk probably made the biggest impact on Reich toward the end of her high school career, she said.
“He worked hard, just to get me to this point now,” Reich said. “If you didn’t feel like you were going to make it or [believed] weren’t going to walk the stage, he made your dreams come true.”
Graduate Cierra Kidd stood in the afternoon sunlight holding two bouquets of flowers, gifts from her family. She also wore a flower in her hair to it easier for her mother, Angela Kidd, to see her during the graduation ceremony.
Kidd plans to attend Indiana State University on a four-year scholarship after working at Macy’s to save up some money, she said. She also said English teacher Carole Nasser made the biggest impression on her during her years at South.
“This is very nice,” said Ian Francis, who was also standing outside with family after the ceremony. He plans to attend Indiana University in the fall, but, for now, “I’m just glad to be done.”
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Diploma: A group of Terre Haute South graduates prepare to receive their diplomas during Sunday's commencement for the class of 2012.
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Happy: Several South High School graduates with diploma in hand are all smiles as others wait patiently for their turn during Sunday's commencement for the Class of 2012.
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Graduates: Terre Haute South graduating students prepare to receive diplomas Sunday afternoon during 2012 commencement exercises.
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Reflections: A jumbo screen in Hulman Center displays a video image of students receiving diplomas during Sunday's Commencement at Terre Haute South.
Discussion
Braves look to future, but thankful to school
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