Benjamin Logan High School Principal Dr. Brian Powderly encouraged Class of 2022 members during commencement exercises Friday evening that as they enter their new chapter of life, whether in a career field, enrolled in post-secondary education or entering the armed forces, to keep in mind a simple acronym — PTS.
“Prepare To Serve” — is simple and easy to remember, and he noted, keeps the focus on “how you can elevate others.”
“This can help your interactions with others, from your spouse to your kids, your co-workers and your community. Being a servant-leader makes others want to emulate you.”
The principal also honored the achievements of the graduates, noting that their class was “remarkable in many ways.”
Class valedictorian Averi Lane and salutatorian Gretchen Wilber also had the honor of addressing their fellow graduates.
A daughter of Ryan and Shelly Lane, Averi congratulated her classmates on their resiliency through difficult times, including managing their coursework during an unusual time of a pandemic, and encouraged them as they leave “the structure and certainty of childhood.”
“No matter where you go, always choose to be kind to yourself and to others.
“Remember and take pride in all of the work that you’ve done to get here today.”
During high school, Averi was a member of band, choir, a Capella Choir, jazz band, show choir, solo and ensemble, robotics team president, Tri-M Honor Society President, National Honor Society, student government secretary, Business Professionals of America, Quiz Bowl, garden club, School Play, science fair participant and school musical. She plans to take a Gap Year.
A daughter of Mandy Wilber, Bryan Tipton and Mike Wilber, Gretchen plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall majoring in criminology.
She admitted while she loves talking and doesn’t mind speaking in front of her nearly 120 classmates, she was a little nervous about the prospect of speaking to a large audience that night.
“But then I remembered that this is all of my classmates’ friends and family. “
In high school, she was a member of soccer, softball, student body president, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Spanish Club, yearbook business manager, ROC, and student section leader.
Rounding out the top 10 students are Lily Makin, Austin McGowan, Ryan McCormick, Jordan Sexstone, Lindsay Achor, Kerryann Copenhaver, Zane Reynolds and Maria Henderson.
Honored for serving in the U.S. military are: Erik Hoffer and Gabriel Mendez.