Female WHS Athlete of the Year, Katie Durham
As a tradition, Watauga High School holds the Capping Ceremony for graduating seniors to recognize their hard work and dedication through awards and acknowledgments from their teachers and administrators.
In 2004, faculty and staff held the first ceremony. Watauga continues to host every year for graduating seniors. Students are to wear their Watauga cap and gown, along with any academic and club chords, honors stoles, and hoods.
“It is the first time to see our senior class, together, in their cap and gown in our school, and for all of you to be together to celebrate each others' accomplishments,” said Donna Wellborn, an English teacher at Watauga High School who has helped keep this tradition alive by coordinating it yearly.
Although many teachers and faculty have had the opportunity to see another one of their classes graduate, this is Scott Strickler’s first time seeing a class graduate as Watauga High School’s principal.
“This, my first capping ceremony, really showed the awe and wonder that comes at the end of the school year. Standing in the gym in front of all the seniors, their cappers, parents, guardians, family, and friends was truly breathtaking,” said Mr. Strickler. “Our seniors have worked for over a decade to get to this point as they transition to their next phase of life. I am truly humbled and proud to be one part of this celebration during their senior year.”
Awards recognized academic success, integrity, and show of character. Many students were awarded for various subjects such as English, History, Student Council, JROTC, Art, and many more for their time and contributions to the high school community.
“[This] senior class is a large class, and I could not have asked for a better group of kids to work with,” said Wellborn.
Mr. Strickler has provided the 2024 Senior class with the following statement for their upcoming departure from Watauga High:
“Class of 2024, first off, CONGRATULATIONS! During your time in school, you have faced adversity, had opportunities that no other class has had before you, and are coming out with your high school diploma! What an exciting time for you and those around you. Please remember a couple of things:
1 - You will always be a Pioneer. We will miss you immensely but will celebrate your future and the positive changes you will make in our community and our world. Come back and see us when you can!
2 - There will always be someone or something that can be an obstacle - go around/over/under that obstacle. Our world is full of so much noise telling you that you cannot. Please check yourself (and ask for guidance from someone you trust if needed) and if your intentions are positive and you are not taking away from others - go for it. If you fail, go back again and try another way if it is your passion. Thomas Edison had over 3,000 failed attempts at making a light bulb - if you are not able to make it work the first time, determine if you can go at it again and work to succeed. It's easy to stop; pushing forward is harder but often worth it.
3 - Life is happier when you can be with those you care for and those who care for you. Take time away from the distractions of this world and find some time to be with the people that make you happy. Be present, listen, debate, share your favorite songs, sit around a campfire, and laugh. Finding time to live life is crucial to being and becoming your whole self. Your phone, social media, your wardrobe, or your vehicle do not make you who you are. Your personality, your kindness to others, what you can do to help your community (big or small), and how you interact with the world determine that.
Class of 2024, you can see the finish line - now go arm in arm across it together and hold your heads high with pride.”
Comments