Plymouth High School graduates 55 seniors

PLYMOUTH — A total of 55 seniors met for the final time as classmates Saturday evening as Plymouth High School held its graduation on a beautiful May evening. And now as high school graduates, they have something they can all think about heading into the next chapter of their lives. As their class motto from Minor Myers Jr. simply states: "Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good." "The last time I was up here speaking was about 12 years ago closing our kindergarten graduation ceremony," valedictorian Bree Fellows said. "Today is the day, especially as kindergartners, we thought was so far away. It is the day we have all been looking forward to. "I found a quote by author Moira Rogers that I think is perfect to use to reflect upon our high school journey," she added. "'The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last.' So let's take a look at our first hello of high school, freshman year. Ah yes, the time now that we look back at our cringy photos and wonder what we were thinking." Fellows noted, however, that the the class did not get to finish their freshman year together because of the COVID pandemic. "In March of 2020, we had to switch completely to online schooling with no preparation," she said. "The two weeks led to two months, and before we knew it, the year was over. Our sophomore year, we dealt with mask mandates and quarantines. Junior year was a little bit more 'normal' of a transition from the previous two years. Even with all of this, we still made it. We adapted and persevered through some very challenging times. That shows just how special of a class we have." Fellows credited family, friends, teachers and staff members who supported the Class of 2023 along the way. "I feel like we should complete one last homework assignment," she said. "I know what you are thinking, but I promise it will be easy. I would like each one of us to thank a family member, guardian, friend, mentor or some other individual who has really helped us get to where we are today. "It can be one person or a few people and it can be either in person or over the phone," Fellows added. "Just take a little time to appreciate the people who have been there for you and supported you the most. After all, gratitude goes a long way in life." Salutatorian Sarah Hoak talked to the crowd about her graduation party, held the weekend before. "There were about four tables full of pictures, awards, and knickknacks that went all the way back to my preschool days," Hoak said. "The last few years of high school I have given my mom some attitude about keeping off of that 'crap.' At the time it just seemed like it was taking up space. Now, however, I'm glad my mom kept it all because it made my grad party pretty cool. "Thanks for that mom. Keeping, and now looking back on everything also brought up some fun memories." Hoak noted that while all the pictures and awards at the party gave visitors something to view, only her and her classmates will know the stories and memories behind those material things. "The 2022-2023 yearbook will show our pictures and say that we are the mighty seniors, the class of 2023, but we are so much more than that," Hoak said. "We are the living history of PHS and now it is our story to share. "As you share your stories, I hope they are filled with the little pieces of goodness we experienced these last 13 years," she added. "As we part with PHS and continue our journeys in life I hope that you may succeed in all your endeavors, and your life be enriched with many more pieces of goodness." Hoak closed by also noting all the support and guidance given to her class by teachers, coaches, cafeteria and maintenance workers and administrators at the school. "If I had to do high school all over again, I'd choose PHS every time," she said. "I am forever grateful for everything this school and community has given to me. Mom, thank you for always reminding me that the little things matter, Mrs. Grube, thank you for inspiring me to relish in all my memories, and Class of 2023, thank you for all of the memories and for being little pieces of goodness in my life. "As you continue to make new memories I wish you all the best, and I hope you can continue to cherish those memories of PHS. And always and forever, Go Big Red." *** • 55 graduating seniors• Class Motto: Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. — Minor Myers, Jr.• Class Flower: Gerbera Daisies• Class Speaker: Mr. Bryan Fritz, PHS history teacher• Class Song: Graduation Medley-Anthem Lights• Class Colors: Red and White