Graduation ceremony celebrates students’ struggles and triumphs

On Wednesday, June 21 Ithaca High School held their two graduation ceremonies in the Joe Moresco football stadium. Graduation was split into two ceremonies because of the class size and parking space availability.

The 1 p.m. ceremony kicked off with an introduction from principal Jason Trumbull and was then transferred to two speakers that were selected by students. Student speaker Stephen Yang shared memories of his time at IHS, student experiences, and shared advice with his classmates. 

“We’ve been through quite a lot and I’d like to thank our esteemed faculty for their tireless efforts and hard work, making sure that we’ve made it through these past four years. Thank you to the parents for taking care of us,” Yang said in his speech. “High school has been a bumpy road and as we walk away today remember that if you feel lost or scared and just don’t know what to do, you are not alone. It’s normal to not know exactly what you’re doing.”

Yang continued to tell his classmates that while they have been through a difficult high school experience, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting them during their freshman year, they are also resilient and have learned so much from this experience. He urged them to make the decisions they feel are best for themselves “because if the pandemic has shown us anything, it is that we’re resilient.”

“I also invite you to sit down with someone new and learn about them. Genuinely listen to what they have to say, especially if they are different from you. There is so much that needs to be shared the second you think you know it all, you’ll miss learning something new,” Yang told his classmates and audience. “How lucky are we to be here and to be us right now? Have you ever stopped to think that our decisions will help decide the fate of the Earth? So please, go out into the world and follow your gut, keep listening and learning, taking on new challenges, and stop at nothing to do something new.”

“Something New” was certainly a point in faculty speaker and Social Studies teacher Parker Sheldon’s speech. Sheldon, a recent college graduate and new teacher at IHS, was selected by his students to speak at graduation.

Sheldon shared funny memories of his firsts as a teacher and moments with his students. He emphasized that while he is young, he can still offer advice for students entering the world as he too is entering life as a post-college adult. 

He told students that it is normal to not know what they are doing or where they are going but that everyone in the audience, family, friends and staff of IHS, are here because they care. They will be there when students need them, and even when the students do not think they need help, their friends and family will still be with them. Sheldon encouraged students to try new things and push themselves to be the best they can and define life for themselves.

The 4 p.m. ceremony also featured student speakers and a faculty speaker selected by the graduating group. Both of them shared similar sentiments with students and urged them to listen, learn, and carry themselves with kindness as they enter a new part of their lives. They concluded that no matter where students go in life, they will always have a home and support at Ithaca High School.

Congratulations to the IHS Class of 2023 and all of our Tompkins County high school graduates. We wish you the best in whatever your next steps may be. Stay curious, learn in all you do, and be the best you can. Congratulations and good luck!