Graduates were announced by Mrs. Kim Leichty as they entered the gym before being welcomed by Principal Andy McGill, who encouraged students to make the most of their high school years ahead: take the hard classes, get involved, talk to someone new, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. He reminded students to make the next four years their best yet while also remembering the growth, friendships, and learning that brought them to this moment.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the White Tiger Awards, given to students who possess rare qualities that help them stand out among their peers through hard work, determination, leadership, and character. Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
🏆 Eli Jackson – presented by Mr. Stapleton
🏆 Moxley – presented by Mrs. Phelps
🏆 Lochlan Jenkins – presented by Mrs. Fullenkamp
🏆 Zoe Matthews – presented by Mr. Dan Miller
🏆 Avery Randall – presented by Mr. Aaron Lauck
Department awards were also presented to students who excelled academically throughout the year:
📚 Math
Mallory Bishop & Zeke Lauck – presented by Mr. Stapleton
📚 Language Arts
Adalyn Nickels & Rosemary Sokolow – presented by Mrs. Phelps
🔬 Science
Kara Hartzler & Caroline Foster – presented by Mrs. Fullenkamp
🏛️ History
Wyatt Phelps & Connor Watson – presented by Mr. Miller
Students were also recognized for Academic Excellence, earning Summa Cum Laude***, Magna Cum Laude**, and Cum Laude* distinctions indicated by asterisks next to their names.
Finally, Superintendent Kraig Hissong recognized this year’s Superintendent Award nominees: Joshua Collins, Elijah Jackson, Foster King, Chafer Matthews, Dawson Turner, Mallory Bishop, Rylee Falloon, Caroline Foster, Avery Randall, and Lillian Yeater. This award recognizes students for excellence in academics, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and character.
Congratulations to this year’s Superintendent Award recipients:
🏆 Dawson Turner
🏆 Lillian Yeater
Congratulations to the Class of 2030! We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to watching this special class grow over the next four years at West Liberty-Salem.