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MHS seniors say goodbye to high school

DOUG LOYER Special to the Times Marietta High School seniors enter for the commencement program.

A total of 224 seniors received their diplomas Sunday afternoon during Marietta High School’s 167th commencement ceremony which was held in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center on the Marietta College campus.

Suddenly, graduation was here and it was becoming a reality as the seniors were enjoying celebrating their accomplishments with their classmates and families.

The students will be going out into the real world excited for what their future holds. Some will go directly into the workforce, some will go into the military, some will continue with technical training and others will choose to go on to college. The graduates are primed and ready to seek their career paths and attain their goals.

This year, six graduates will enter the military, six were Eagle Scouts, eight received associates degrees and 43 received diplomas with honors.

“It’s always nice to see the kids’ hard work come to fruition,” said MHS Principal Chad Rinard. “Their parents and grandparents are here to help them celebrate their special day. These seniors have worked hard this year.”

Rinard said this year the seniors were asked to participate in a senior capstone project. They had to do some community service, get letters of recommendation, write resumes.

“They tackled that and did a good job. This is a powerful class,” he said.

“It’s always nice to see the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication,” agreed Assistant Principal Chris Laumann.

“This is the first class that Principal Rinard and I have seen come all of the way through since their freshman year,” added Laumann. “It’s remarkable to watch them grow up.”

This year’s Valedictorian was Tyler Hartline, a well-rounded student with many accomplishments in both academics and sports as he took advantage of a lot that MHS had to offer.

“This is a culmination of all of the hard work we’ve put in over the past 13 years,” said Hartline, who will be going to Bowling Green. “I’m honored to be able to give a speech at this ceremony.

“Being around many opportunities in high school has allowed me to connect with so many people and given me so many experiences that helped me get into college and face my future,” added Hartline. “I appreciate my family for helping me do all of these things and also my friends. It has been busy, but it’s been totally worth it.”

“It feels really nice to have all of the work pay off,” said Nathan Bennett, one of the two Saluatorians. “It’s really rewarding.”

Bennett plans to go to Ohio University and major in computer science.

“I am excited to be here. I’m really happy for everyone,” said the other Saluatorian, Adelaide Kerenick.

“I am going to the University of Denver,” added Kerenick. “Denver is a great city. You never get tired of looking at the mountains. I wanted to move and live somewhere I’ve never been to, so … mission accomplished.”

Christian Welch said graduation was pretty amazing but it didn’t seem real.

“I’m going into the Air Force,” said Welch. “My job will be fire protection. I will start out with four years of active duty and make a career out of it.”

Breanna Fleeman and Madison Brill have known each other for 13 years. Brill plans to work after high school and move to Kentucky in a year while Fleeman plans to attend Washington State Community College for nursing.

Fleeman concluded by saying, “Here’s to 2019 and the future.”

Marietta High School Class of 2019

Color: Lavender

Song: “All Star”

Flower: Sunflower

Motto: “It’ll Buff”

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