Lowry High School sees 224 grads cross the finish line
The Class of 2022 endured many unique obstacles throughout their time at Lowry High School (LHS), which made the graduation ceremony on June 9 an even more special celebration. The times of uncertainty, hard work, and the scramble at lunch hour—which was never actually an hour— make graduating so sweet, but as the harsh realization that one no longer gets to see their friends in second period or at football games anymore, or that there won’t be anymore assemblies or plays to attend sets in, “bittersweet” takes on a more significant meaning.
“Many seniors may have caught themselves saying “I can’t wait to graduate”, “I’m so excited to move on”, or “I’m ready to be done”, but while I do agree that starting the next chapters of our lives is something to be so excited and ready for, we cannot forget all that we have overcome, learned, and accomplished at Lowry High School,” said Salutatorian, Jovi Kuskie.
Kuskie explained that overcoming the challenges of distance education, wearing masks, and being the class to bring back traditions and teach them to the younger classes has taught all of them to be unrelenting in their endeavors, and to make the best of the ambiguity of life.
“Even during these times when it felt like we’ve lost so much, the Class of 2022 has learned to be persistent and tackle any curveball that this life has thrown,” said Kuskie.
Lowry High School Principal, Ray Parks, commended the Class of 2022 and their versatility throughout their four years at LHS.
Valedictorian, Jennifer Sims, also hinted at the ambiguity of life and explained that no one really knows if setbacks and adversity is worth it, but some of the most simple adjustments can shift one’s path of life entirely.
“Regardless of what you do or who you know, there are two simple things that will make everything better,” said Sims. Her “simple things” were 1) Be nice and 2) Be happy.
“There is so much evil going on everywhere you look. We don’t need to add more; there’s enough. But what we can do is be nice to each other,”said Sims. “There has to be low points to have the high points in life. When happy comes, please remember it. Live in it.”
The Class of 2022 has certainly seen some of the more unpleasant “low points” throughout the pandemic and its aftermath, but has truly remained optimistic enough to persevere and finally make that long-awaited walk with their diplomas.
“This class has seen it all,” said Parks.
According to Senior Advisor and LHS teacher, Chelsea Cabatbat, the graduating class had 224 students. Of those 224 students, two were honored with special awards for their comprehensive achievements in both athletics and academics. Giovanni Sapien was honored with the Raymond Hooft Award and Jovi Kuskie was honored with the Andrea Evert Award.
This year’s senior class chose “Rocketeer”, by Far East Movement, as their class song, with its lyrics “There’s a world out there that we should see,” ringing true for all the graduates, and a white rose as their class flower, which symbolizes positivity and new beginnings.
Each student also has their graduation portrait taken at the end of the stage and they are available for viewing/order by texting LHSGRAD22CP to 90738 or by visiting galleries.photoday.io.