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CLASS OF 2019 GRADUATION covered by the bucs' blade staff

Seniors walk around the track to take their seats for the 2019 graduation ceremony. This was their last time in the Grand Haven Buccaneer stadium as students marking the end to this step of their life and the beginning of a new journey.

Photo by Mercedes Mancilla

Members of the American Legion Post 28 and members of Veterans of Foreign War, Post 2326, present the colors before the national anthem played by the band.
Superintendent Andy Ingall certifies that the seniors present have met all the state and district requirements to graduate. Principal Tracy Wilson welcomes friends, families, teachers and school board members to the class of 2019 commencement ceremony. She thanked all those who came and those who played important roles in preparing the ceremony.

Photos by Addy Wachter

MILITARY RECOGNITION

Jacob O’Neil is pinned by Al Schmidt, a Vietnam veteran to honor his choice of serving the country. Students who are entering the Armed forces in the future were recognized with red white and blue cords as well as pins in the beginning of the graduation ceremony. Members of the American Legion, Post 29 and Veterans of Foreign War, Post 2326 joined the graduation ceremony to present the gifts to the students.

Photo by Mercedes Mancilla

Chloe Weigel hugs Jared Kram after announcing his Most Influential Teacher award. Other student-nominated award winners included teachers Steffanie Portenga, Dacia Albaugh, and Aaron Blain. Students Alexa McVoy, Thomas Draper, and Habeeb El-Amir announced teachers alongside Weigel.

Photo by Addy Wachter

CLASS PRESIDENT SPEECH

"So whether your senior year consisted of Bubble Shooter and Tetris or multiple AP classes, I hope that you're ready for this moment to pass," Senior Class President Ellen Stolarski said. "Your gifts of imagination, memory and generosity will help guide you through these years. And as these years approach, you know that I believe in you, I know that you are capable of being successful."

Photo by Addy Wachter

Graduates in the Early College program are asked to stand and be recognized. Early College students walk with their class but will be officially graduating in 2020 and have the ability to attend the ceremony that year as well. When graduated they will have their high school diploma and an Associate's degree.

Photo by Emily Jarrell

Graduates with a grade point average of 3.9 are recognized as Distinguished Academic Leaders. They receive medals to signify the achievement of being able to receive high marks throughout high school.

Photo by Mercedes Mancilla

SENATE PRESIDENT SPEECH

"Each day, we've been met with a new challenge to face, a new obstacle to overcome, a new mission to complete, a new problem to solve," Senate President Chris Hudson said. And when we could have fallen by the wayside we the class of 2019 and this Buccaneer family remain strong."

Photo by Emily Jarrell

THE BAND

Senior band students play “In Flight” with the Grand Haven High School band for a final time.

Photo by Emily Jarrell

“Whatever we choose to do, whoever we choose to be, our legacy will reflect that and we will be remembered for it,” Senior Matthew Marcus said.

Photo by Addy Wachter

Seniors take the stage to receive their diplomas from high school teachers and school board members. They are congratulated by Superintendent Andy Ingall and Principal Tracy Wilson.
  • TOP PHOTO by Mercedes Mancilla
  • TOP LEFT PHOTO by Emily Jarrell
  • BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO by Sam Woiteshek
  • BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO by Emily Jarrell
“Wake up and find your happiness,” Wilson said.

Principal Tracy Wilson bids seniors a final farewell. She reflected on their time at Grand Haven high school and the many thing they’ve had to overcome from losing their backpacks to losing their classmates. She leaves them with the final message.

Photo by Addy Wachter

CAP TOSS

The class of 2019 celebrates the completion of their careers at GHHS. This tradition marked final part of graduation.

Photo by Sam Woiteshek

Photos by Addy Wachter

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