Class of 2024 Seniors at Weston-McEwen High School enjoyed a new event during Graduation Week. On Thursday, May 30th, the students and their parents attended the Senior Banquet, organized by the high school. It was held in the gym and included a catered dinner, during which a slideshow featuring each Senior was highlighted. Then, multiple awards were presented by Principal Morgan Rauch.
Cords were presented to students who had earned their Career Technical Education (CTE) certifications. Julie West, Art/Graphics teacher, presented cords to students in Arts and Graphic Design, describing one student as having “talent that’s going to go a long way.”
CTE cords were also presented in Agriculture and Manufacturing. Wood Technology Teacher Cliff Taylor said that presenting the cords to students in his program represents a lot of time in the wood shop and welding and a lot of technology being used. “These kids have learned a lot, and I am proud of them,” Taylor said.
Graduation cords were also presented to six students in the National Honor Society chapter, which had a resurgence at the high school this year.
Seniors who earned a GPA of 3.5 and who completed six classes in AP/dual or expanded credits were recognized at the banquet as receiving an Honors Diploma, while those with 3.75 GPA and those classes will receive a Great Honors Diploma. The class’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian were also recognized.
Three WMHS Seniors who will earn their associate degrees from community colleges this month were named.
After the academic awards, WMHS student-athletes from all sports were announced, as well as band students who excelled this year. Student of the Month and Citizen of the Month were recognized, as were recipients of the TigerScot Triumph Award, which was given to several students who overcame adversity to succeed and graduate.
The end of the evening culminated with the traditional Scholarship Night, where all students earning scholarships were named.
Principal Rauch said she started the Senior Banquet this year because she wanted a celebration of all the Senior students in one place, both academic and sports/activities. “Weston-McEwen is the size of school that having an event like this is do-able, and having an evening for student and their parents to get together one last time as a class is special,” Rauch said.
