Lakewood's Class of 2022 celebrates graduation

Lakewood High School students received their diplomas and officially graduated at the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony on June 9.

Seniors have lived through one of the more difficult periods to be a high school student in modern times.

“Your perseverance and dedication is an inspiration to all. As you returned from remote learning you exhibited grace and leadership,” said Lakewood School District Superintendent Scott Peacock.

Students spent a lot of time to get to this point.

“Here we all are in a day where we can celebrate our hard work,” said valedictorian Katelynn Carlson.

Valedictorian Kiana Oos said it was a major accomplishment for students to get this far.

“There isn’t a person in this crowd that hasn’t had struggles that they have had to overcome,” she said.

High school was a long journey for many, including two years of getting accustomed to a new school.

“Sophomore year we became more comfortable, more confident,” said Oos.

Then the student’s junior year came, which was heavily disrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Personally, it was hard for me,” said Oos. “I never really considered myself a social person, but I suddenly missed being able to tell awkward jokes and meeting people in the hallways."

Keeping focus and engagement was often tough during those days.

“You would be half-asleep all day,” said class speaker and graduating student William O’Hara. “We finished that year though and we tried our best."

O’Hara said the next year began returning to normal.

“Yes, there were ups and downs,” he said, “but we stayed focused and finished off our school years.”

Many students said they were glad to have those experiences during their time in high school.

“It’s no joke that your high school years seem to go in a flash, so I encourage you to take in as much as you can in this moment,” said Carlson. “Find all the things you hope to remember for years to come."

She encouraged students to remember the performances, dances, learning and other experiences.

“I love you all so much and look forward to being a part of your lives,” she said.

O’Hara also said that graduation means leaving some experiences behind.

“We all have things that we’re going to miss,” he said. “A friendly greeting or ‘hello there,’ from your teacher or going to a basketball game.”

Oos said she will miss the students she has come to know.

“Overall I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the people here,” she said. “I’ve watched you change into the people who you are today, and trust me, you’ve definitely changed.”

Students also expressed appreciation for those who helped them along the way.

“I’d like to thank all of the teachers and staff that have made a huge difference in our lives,” said Oos.

Carlson also wanted to thank parents for their work.

“When we think of the dedication and love we know that will have long-lasting impacts on every one of us,” she said.