'Once A Wildcat, Always A Wildcat'

Eighteen years ago, salutatorian Sarah Hayes pointed out, Beanie Babies were all the rage, telephones had cords and people listened to music on “something called a Walkman.”

A lot has transpired in the world so far during the lives of Class of 2011. Rapid change is sure to continue as they – we all – grow older.

“Now it’s our turn to show what we can do,” Hayes said in her speech during today’s commencement at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Friends and family members packed into the auditorium to watch their loved ones walk across the stage and receive a diploma. Principal Bradley Woods took the stage to say there is a lot to brag about.

“This group of students has accomplished more in their four years than any group of students before them,” he said. “This group has helped Wharton to its first ever A grade from the state.”

Additionally, Woods noted, more than 1,000 advanced-placement exams have been taken the past four years and Newsweek magazine has ranked Wharton as a top school the past two years.

“Among this group of students there are two national merit scholars, a national Hispanic scholar and 190 of the over 500 graduates are graduating with over a 4.0 GPA,” Woods added to great applause.

Alana Kohn, senior class president, said Wharton has accomplished much in athletics, the performing arts and academics. She said students have learned a lot about pride and ambition during their tenure at the educational facility on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. “Let us continue our voyage by reaching for the stars and never settling for mediocrity,” she said before issuing a challenge to her peers. “We are each given but one life to make a difference. Fellow graduates, what will you do with yours?”

But no matter where they end up, students will probably never forget their Wharton roots. Or, as valedictorian Rebecca Fisher said, “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”