132 Pirates graduate

PERKINS TWP. — On a warm and near-perfect spring afternoon, 132 Pirates set sail toward the next destinations in their lives. Seniors from Perkins High School's class of 2023 graduated at the school's commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday at the school's football stadium. They accepted sunflowers — the flower selected by their class — along with their diplomas. Both faculty and students made speeches ahead of receiving their diplomas. School principal Jeff Harbal the class' graduation marked the beginning, not the end, of their journeys, and bid the students to "go out and make us proud." "Today we not only celebrate your achievements as students but recognize the potential in each of you," Harbal said. Senior class president Ashritha Kota lauded her classmates' perseverance and growth during their four years at the high school. "We've accomplished a lot and survived a lot — puberty, AP exams and even a pandemic," Kota said, joking that she and her schoolmates were "basically superheroes." She added that the class should not stop growing and "striving to be the best versions of ourselves." "We may be leaving Perkins High School, but we'll always be part of the Pirate family," Kota said. Several of the class' honors scholars also addressed those gathered. Senior Emily Mitchel told her class that the greatest lesson she learned at Perkins High School was to not "be afraid to be myself." Senior Will Werling implored his classmates not to fear the unknown as they branch out into their new lives. "I embrace the uncomfortable and encourage you to do the same," Werling said. "Go out there and explore." Senior Dylan Keller also urged students to "get to work using the skills (they've) been taught." Perkins High School class of 2023 • 132 graduates — 12% attending a two-year college — 11% attending trade school — 11% entering the workforce — 66% attending a four-year college — 2% enlisting in the military • Amount of scholarship money accepted: $740,000