By Crystal Hayduk
Overcast skies and widely scattered rain drops couldn’t dampen the bright smiles of 212 Chelsea High School’s Class of 2022 graduates and their loved ones who gathered at the Jerry Niehaus Stadium on June 5 to celebrate commencement.
Led by their faculty escorts, the class walked the track to their seats on the field while a recording of Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” played through the sound system. The chamber choir, conducted by Director Aaron Pollard, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the ceremony.
Dr. Nick Angel, CHS principal, said the Class of 2022 holds a special place in his heart because he was also their middle school principal. When he was hired as the high school principal eight months ago, he felt nervous—an unfamiliar feeling for one who typically embraces change as opportunities.
As Angel entered the building on his first day, a member of this class said they were sad Mr. [Mike] Kapolka had left, but they were so happy to have him as their new principal, and assured him it would be a good year. Angel said this conversation was an example of one of the class’s most memorable characteristics, the ability to help and lean on each other.
Angel advised the graduates to take time to reflect, find the positives, and maintain a good sense of humor as they focus on their goals. “Remember the quote by Will Rogers: ‘The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces,’” he said.
He also encouraged the students to remember where they come from. “You will always be a Bulldog,” said Angel. “Congratulations. I am one very, very proud principal.”
Superintendent Julie Helber, on behalf of the board of education, certified the members of the Class of 2022 as graduates of Chelsea High School.
Two members of the class, chosen by their peers, spoke at commencement.
Kate Gaiser encouraged the new graduates to reflect on their past journey, recalling the awkward days of middle school and how much they’ve changed in the last four years. “As a class, we’ve worked on bettering ourselves, our minds, and each other,” she said. “One of the most valuable and timeless lessons we learned was not taught in the classroom. Throughout the pandemic, we learned to appreciate the opportunities that are presented to us, the time we have together, and the memories we make.
“Whatever your next plans are, I urge you to continue practicing what we have learned,” said Gaiser. “The future is and should be bright, but like our brief four years in high school, what makes life valuable is that it doesn’t last forever.”
Evan Sing said he left Chelsea briefly when he was in sixth grade, but returned after only a few months because of the community. Chelsea is the place where he knows he’ll see a caring friend, the place where teachers and staff treat him with “the same compassion, respect, and encouragement as a family member. The community here in Chelsea is simply irreplaceable,” he said.
Sing also shared the stories of five others in his class who had their own unique experiences that defined “community” to them: Bella Turner, Stella Moore, Michael Struk, Isabella Treglia, and Ben Strzyzewski.
Sing thanked everyone who contributed to his speech, as well as the Quiz Bowl team who helped with the editing while they were waiting in the Atlanta airport last weekend. “There was not a hint of apprehension among anyone I asked to take time out of their own busy lives to show us what CHS means to them,” he said. “Their generosity says a lot about the type of people that make this community what it is.
“I look forward to seeing all the amazing things accomplished by the Chelsea High School Class of 2022. Go Bulldogs.”
Class of 2022:
Class Flower – white rose
Class Motto – “We’re here for a good time, not a long time.”
Class Song – “22” by Taylor Swift
Faculty Escorts – Art Finger, Heather Hugg, Valerie Johnson, Laura Lutz, Andrea Maines, and Adam Taylor
Class Advisor – Chris Orlandi
