Edison High School’s best and brightest seniors were recognized during the annual Honors Breakfast on May 20.
Twenty-two seniors were joined by family members and school staff who inspired them during the event in the school cafeteria. Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta welcomed the crowd and congratulated the students on their achievements.
In order to graduate with an honor’s diploma, she said seniors required four credits for English; four credits for math in Algebra, Geometry and higher; four credits for science, including Physics and Chemistry; four credits for social studies; three credits of one foreign language or two credits of two different languages; one credit for fine arts; a GPA of 3.5 or higher; and scores of either 27 on their ACT or 1210 on their SAT tests. The results were determined at the end of the third nine weeks’ grading period.
“We are here today to celebrate those accomplishments and acknowledge that you are part of an elite group. Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors,” Kireta commented.
Following the invocation by Abigail Kinney, a catered breakfast from the Minerva Classic 57 Family Restaurant was served to the more than 60 people on hand. Then it was time to recognize the honorees, who were presented with a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” following the event’s theme a district “Preparing for the Future” banner by their guest school member. John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield introduced honor students Savannah Ankrom, Adriana Bertini, Kasee Blackburn, Chloe Bond, Alysea Fiedorczyk, Delaney Johnson, Abigail Kinney, Katelin Kowalczyk, Morgan Lesnansky, Kathryn Maille, Ian McBane, Laine Murphey, Rachel Nesbitt, Emily Phillips, Tommy Phillips, Mikayla Reed, Kiera Reese, Jocelyn Smyth, Mychi Stewart, Jayna Tedeschi, Ben Willison and Katie Yohman. Among the educator/mentors selected were school secretary Susan Pytash, FFA advisor Chuck Cline and teachers Ellen Swickard, Monica Potenzini. Bill Koehnlein, Marc Sansone, Greg Hofmeister, Jessica McCallister, Mike Collopy, Jamie Evans, Megan Evans, Doug Lucsko, Kris Turk, David Schultz and Caitlin Schultz.
David Schultz was then introduced as the keynote speaker by Stanton Elementary Principal Shannah Scotch, who noted that he graduated from Edison in 2006 and earned a degree from The Ohio State University before returning to his roots as a social studies teacher. In his address, Schultz described leaving his hometown of Amsterdam for the large campus at OSU and suffering from culture shock from the sheer size of the environment. He added that the soon-to-be-graduates may feel the same way when they depart for college, but it was important to remember those who help them through life, be they from their days at EHS or throughout their future.
“I can say with no reservation that the senior class is one of the most outstanding groups I’ve been teaching,” he said. “I feel very strongly about every student in their success in the future. One thing I want you to know is this: Everyone in this room is really good at school. Every obstacle that’s come your way you’ve overcome, and you will face new obstacles and hurdle.
“The culture and climate you’re used to in this community…you’re going to find new cultures and face culture shock. You may feel the task is too steep, the order is too tall. Remind yourself [of your achievements] and take pride in the fact that every wall that Edison has thrown at you that you have been able to climb.”
He added that no man is an island and they should remember the support they’ve received, plus they should give back to the communities they settle into and help the next generation. Schultz closed his speech by quoting William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem, “Invictus,” which includes the famous line, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
“You are unconquerable. Now go out in the world and make a difference,” Schultz concluded.
The breakfast concluded with the benediction by Katelin Kowalczyk.