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Belpre H.S. graduation

Belpre High School graduated 77 seniors Sunday afternoon in the school’s gymnasium before a large crowd. With enthusiastic speeches by Belpre native Patrick Klein and several seniors, the graduates were ready for the next chapter in their lives.

“We’re excited about this group of kids and their families,” said Belpre High School principal Dennis Eichinger. “They’ll be able to find their own way, whether that’s college or the workforce. We’re happy for them and have great confidence that they will attain their individual goals. They’re a good bunch of kids.”

The graduation speaker was Patrick Klein, Ohio State University’s Associate Women’s Head Basketball Coach, a Belpre native who graduated from Belpre High School.

“This is kind of surreal. Fifteen years ago, I did this. I know exactly what it feels like to be in their shoes and how nervous for the next step in their lives,” expressed Klein. “There’s not a person more proud than I am to be from Belpre. The lessons that I learned here were truly fundamental in the foundation of all of my successes. This area provides such a support network. People here have always been that way.”

Valedictorian Elizabeth Spindler admitted she was a little nervous because she was giving a speech.

“I’m excited to graduate but I’m very anxious to get it over with,” said Spindler, who went all the way from kindergarten to 12th grade at Belpre.

“I’m sad that I won’t be able to see my classmates all the time but we’ll be on to new adventures,” said Spindler. Her plans are to go to Washington State for physical therapy.

Salutatorian Kaitlyn Leach, 18, commented that she was ready to graduate having already graduated last week from WSCC with an associates degree. Leach plans to go on to Ohio Northern University to study advertising design and marketing.

“It feels really good to graduate. We’ve been waiting for this day for a while,” said McKenzie Davis, 18. “I’m very excited and I’m ready to start the college journey.” Davis will attend the University of Cincinnati for pre-medicine.

Lindsey Stanley, 18, who will be attending West Virginia University for criminology, said it will be different coming from a small school like Belpre, it will be an adjustment going to a large university.

“It will be a little scary. It won’t be like Belpre where I know everyone,” admitted Stanley. “It will be a different experience.”

“I’m glad I made it. I’m glad we all made it. It’s been a long thirteen years. I’m pretty excited,” said Ryan Stull, 18.

Stull said he got accepted at Ohio Christian to be a youth pastor. He is also debating on studying electrical engineering.

Monica Murphy, 18, said she was happy, saying that they all grew up together and now they’re starting their lives. She said it will be hard not to see her classmates, but , hopefully, they’ll stay in contact. Murphy hasn’t decided specific plans yet but plans to go to college.

“I’m just glad to see all of my friends being successful. I want the best for them all,” said Kameron Wilkins, 18. “We were a close-knit class. My plans are the military. I will be in the Marines.”

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