'Go forward and change the world'

NORWALK — A cool spring evening with the setting sun lighting up a purple sky with orange clouds provided a beautiful backdrop for the commencement ceremony of Norwalk High School's 165th class. The ceremony included speeches by district staff, class president Parker Lloyd, salutatorian Ana Osborn and valedictorian Lillian Farmer. With the song "Pomp and Circumstance" playing, performed by the Norwalk High School orchestra, the graduates — dressed in blue gowns and hats — walked solemnly to seats set up facing their teachers and administrators. Norwalk High School principal Patrick Kania reminded attendees that success is a culmination of work put in, as opposed to one moment. "Success doesn't come from one big moment — it comes from thousands of small choices stacked on top of each other. And you've been stacking them like pros," Kania said. "So today, we award you a diploma, but we're also sending out a message: 'Look out—here comes the Class of 2025.' "You are not just ready to chase your dreams. You are ready to outwork anyone in your way." Kania spoke about the achievements of the graduates in both sports and academics, pointing out the successes they had both on the sports fields and in the classroom, as well as the students who "already started working hard as entrepreneurs," mentioning several students who started a landscaping company and a detailing business. He congratulated the students and teachers who took part in the inaugural "Recycling Regatta" at the Norwalk Recreation Center, an event where students built and piloted a boat made of cardboard and duct tape. He reminisced on this year's high school musical production, "Shrek the Musical," heaping praise on the students and staff involved. He recognized the graduates going into the armed services, praising them for "answering a calling to protect their community." He ended his remarks by imploring the graduates to continue the hard work that has led to their success thus far. "Class of 2025, you've proven you're not afraid of hard work," Kania said. "You've shown up, pushed through, and built the habits that lead to real success, but remember that your journey is just beginning. "Keep grinding when it's tough, keep striving when no one's cheering, and keep working even when no one's watching," he added. "Go chase your dreams and goals. Go forward and change the world." Following Kania, Lloyd requested the crowd and students to show their respect to "the teachers, staff, and administration" by giving them a "round of applause for all the hard work they do year after year." Lloyd gave his classmates three suggestions, reminding them not to compare themselves to others, never to doubt themselves and to remember that "hard work beats talent." He finally gave them the advice to never forget their roots. "Wherever life is taking you next, never forget what you learned and where it all started," Lloyd said. Stephanie Pope, Norwalk's cross country coach, then led an emotional remembrance of Logan Lewis, a junior at Norwalk when his life was tragically ended in an automobile accident on September 3, 2024. Lewis was on his way to school when the incident took place on Ohio 61 south of Norwalk. Lewis planned to join the United States Marine Corps after graduation. On an empty chair, dedicated to him, the school placed a tassel, a robe and a mortarboard decorated by his mother. Pope described Lewis as "committed, curious and selfless." She then described a natural phenomenon that occurred the week he passed away, and the way the community solidified following his death. "Logan approached each practice and race with determination and an unending lightheartedness," Pope said. "I will never forget the double rainbow and amazing purple sky that appeared at the football game the Friday night after we lost Logan. "The love and support from the entire school and community was palpable, not just that night but throughout this entire year. As we remember Logan, remember that you all have the ability to impact our community. Let us all strive to live like Logan." The Norwalk High School Select and Concert Choirs performed the song "Unwritten" which was played via video. Superintendent Brad Cooley spoke of his respect of the class as a whole and reminded him that school pride should follow them into their lives even after graduation. "It has been a fun ride with you. You are a smart, good-looking group, and collectively, I would call you a powerhouse," Cooley told the Class of 2025. "So go forth and wear those Trucker shirts proudly. Never shy away from your history. Truckers stay the course, even when the road gets tough. "Truckers help each other — because we know the journey's better when we ride together. And Truckers never forget where we came from, because our roots, our grit, and our pride come from this town." Osborn reminded students that success means different things to different people. "Try new things, work hard, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Live to your full potential and take advantage of what life has to offer. Because you only die once, but you get the chance to live every day," Osborn said. "I want you all to remember that you have the power to determine how your life goes. "You get to define your own success, you get to decide how to perceive things, and you have the ability to appreciate and enjoy life." Valedictorian Lillian Farmer reminded the graduates to live life to the fullest with "no regrets" and to take advantage of whatever opportunities life gives them. "No one should avoid doing something out of fear of failure because ultimately, they will live to regret missing out on an experience that could have brought them so much joy," Farmer said. "We all still have so much of our lives ahead of us, so take advantage of opportunities that are laid out in front you. You never know when you're going to have that chance again, if ever." Assistant principal Keith Mora introduced school board president Alison Crawford, vice president Ralph Ritzenthaler and members Jeremy Norris, Eric Gonzales and Kayla Burkett, Josh Schlotterer, who is the director of student activities, Kania, assistant EHOVE Career Center director Terri Jones, treasurer Joyce Dupont, and Cooley, who made up the receiving line for the graduates. School counselors Jennifer Flynn and Michelle Sandor read the names of the graduates while Crawford presented the diplomas. Following all 168 students received diplomas, Lloyd led the class in changing of the tassels. The students then tossed their caps into the air, signifying them as Norwalk High School graduates, and the symbolic closing of one chapter of their lives, and the opening of a new one.