As the school year comes to a close, the past four years have flown by for the class of 2022. In preparation for the end of the year and commencement, a number of events and rights of passage are taking place commemorating the graduating class. 

Starting on Friday April 29, members of the graduating class spent the morning learning about the dangers of drinking and driving during the Mock Accident assembly and presentation outside.

After listening to a number of speakers who had been impacted by the dangers of drunk driving, seniors made their way outside to the band lot while they watched a Mock Accident held by members of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Students watched as SADD members were pulled from vehicles by first responders during the demonstration and saw first hand the lifelong impact drunk driving has on lives. 

“Being able to participate in the mock accident and show my classmates how one mistake can change their lives was a real privilege,” said senior Anthony Baker. “I hope that this will stick with our classmates and prevent any tragedies down the road.”

Two weeks later on Friday May 13, the class of 2022 had a “Knight to Remember” at the junior and senior prom held at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center. 

Beginning at 6:00 pm, the event which housed nearly 500 students included a buffet dinner, an ice cream bar for dessert, an Amazon gift card giveaway for 40 lucky students, and an unforgettable night of dancing and memories. 

“I’m so glad the senior class could enjoy a normal prom after the past few years due to Covid,” said senior class officer Raveena Navalgund. Navalgund, who serves as Corresponding Secretary said she was especially happy to be involved with the planning of the event alongside her fellow class officers and senior class office advisers Mrs. Lori Anselmino and Mrs. Peggy Bryan. “I know last year the class of 2022 couldn’t attend the prom as juniors, so it’s nice to have this event to commemorate the end of the year and hold this monumental event that we will always remember.”

Alongside Navalgund and class advisers, all senior class officers were hard at work preparing for the dance. President Noah Czajkowski, Vice President Molly Hudson, Treasurer Savannah Lorenc, Corresponding Secretary Raveena Navalgund, and Recording Secretary Emma Rigone.

Following prom, seniors spent the morning of Wednesday May 25 at the Senior Award Ceremony.  

The morning began with a catered Chick-Fil-A breakfast provided by the Student Council. After eating, seniors headed to the auditorium for the ceremony where over $200,000 in scholarships were given to members of the class of 2022.

“It was really exciting to be able to have breakfast with our class and to congratulate my classmates who earned scholarships,” said Student Council Officer Randi Booth. “The planning and hard work that was put into the senior breakfast and awards ceremony really paid off.”

Senior superlatives and the most outstanding male and female for the class were announced during the ceremony as well. 

Rebecca Testa, who will be attending Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana this fall was declared most outstanding female.

“My experience at Norwin has been very positive overall,” said Testa. “I’m grateful to interact daily with students and teachers who inspire me to set and reach my own goals. The classes I have taken here have definitely been a big challenge for me, but they have also served as an environment in which I can push myself, which has been very influential on my growth as a person.”

Jacob Capets, who will be attending Pennsylvania State University was declared the most outstanding male. 

“I’m incredibly honored to be named most outstanding male for the class of 2022,” said Capets, who was also the recipient of the John B. Rodgers Scholarship. “I’m thankful for my time at Norwin, all the incredible teachers I’ve had, the memories I’ve made, and am ready for the next chapter as I graduate high school.”

The recognition for the graduating class didn’t stop after the award ceremony. Two days later on Friday May 27, seniors wore shirts showing off their plans for the future. 

Hundreds of different shirts lit up the halls of Norwin High School all displaying a variety of different paths. College logos, military branches, and different companies were seen on shirts throughout the day. 

“It’s definitely been a journey for all of us,” said student council member Alexis Speranzo. “It’s really remarkable the amount of students who have pushed through these uncertain times and made the best out of what we had.” 

On Friday June 3, all seniors who will be continuing their sport at the collegiate level were invited to wear shirts of their schools for a group photo.

“It’s been great to see all these athletes from so many different sports grow and it’s awesome so many are continuing their journey in college, said Chase Kranitz who will be competing in Division 1 wrestling at the University of Buffalo this fall.

Beginning the week of June 6 though, the events for the graduating class will be in full swing as the year quickly comes to a close. 

At the beginning of 9th period on Monday June 6, seniors will be excused to travel back to their elementary schools for the annual elementary school parade, a full circle moment for all. From walking those halls as a child to now as an adult ready to conquer the real world, the day is sure to be emotional. Seniors will be wearing their caps and gowns as they walk the first Norwin building they ever learned in as current K-4 students watch in awe. Seniors will undoubtedly spend the afternoon reflecting and reminiscing about how the child who graduated kindergarten in 2009 is now graduating high school in 2022. 

The following day on June 7, the graduating class will dress to impress as they officially mark their final day of high school. Along with dressing up, seniors will have their photo forming a ‘22’ on the band field to commemorate their graduation year. Just like the day prior at the elementary schools, Tuesday will be full of reflection, memories, laughter, and tears as the class of 2022’s chapter as a Norwin High School student comes to a close. 

The next evening on June 8, seniors who choose to participate in the Vespers ceremony will arrive at the high school at 6:15 as a part of the spiritual ceremony. The ceremony begins at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium with a number of songs and speakers. 

Adding to the fun festivities, seniors will arrive at the high school at 9 AM on June 9 for commencement practice. 

The following evening, the moment the class of 2022 has looked forward to the past four years will take place: the official commencement ceremony. Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place within the football stadium with gates  opening at 5:30 for spectators. Graduating students will arrive at the high school at 6:00. The commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00 pm.

“Being the president for the class of 2022 has been an honor,” said Class President Noah Czajkowski. “This class has so many different personalities and strengths. I wish each classmate success. Work hard, have fun, and enjoy life!

Although the Class of 2022’s journey has come to an end at Norwin High School, the memories these students have made over the past four years will always stay and follow them as the move on past the grassy hillside.