Memories made

FORT RECOVERY — Isaac LeFevre referenced a parking lot prank from sophomore year.

Wyatt Bihn laughed with Don Wendel after wrapping the school board president in a hug when receiving his diploma.

Landon Post did The Griddy after departing the gym following the ceremony.

Fort Recovery High School said goodbye to the 66 members of its Class of 2023 with a ceremony Sunday during which speakers shared memories about parking “shenanigans” and their class advisor still owing them brownies.

“No matter what the world threw at us,” said valedictorian Megan Knapke, “the Class of 2023 never ceased to have fun and make memories.”

“I am so grateful for what Fort Recovery High School has taught me, both inside and outside of class,” she added later. “The memories we made here are unforgettable and I will cherish them for a lifetime.”

Salutatorian Isaac LeFevre created a motto for his class — “Pride, excellence and some really great ideas” — with the “great” part admittedly a matter of perspective. He relayed the story of when, as sophomores, his class decided it would be a fun idea to park their vehicles in the wrong direction in the gravel parking lot.

They were made to move them at lunch.

“Now as we go our separate ways, I urge you to never stop being you,” said LeFevre, who plans to attend the University of Notre Dame. “Take pride in what you do. Strive for excellence, and have the occasional great idea.

“Take the memories that you have and the lessons that you’ve learned from here and carry them with you wherever you go.”

Principal Tony Stahl, who will take over as superintendent of Fort Recovery Local Schools from the retiring Larry Brown for the 2023-24 school year, offered the graduating seniors three pieces of advice:

•Slow down and take time to really appreciate those that have been a part of your lives for the last four years

•Continue to seek out the assistance of others

•Expect adversity, but don't focus on it

“Take time to invest in yourself both mentally and physically,” he added. “Challenge yourself by setting goals and trying new experiences. And always be ready for what might be next. You never know when opportunity might come your way, so you always need to be prepared.”

The ceremony for the class with the motto “This is nothing like High School Musical!” also included the Fort Recovery High School choir performing the songs “In My Dreams” by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse and Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Knapke, who will major in psychology at Miami University, left her classmates with her own spin on a C.S. Lewis quote.

“I encourage all of you, find a new dream and stick with it,” she said. “If it doesn’t work out, move on to the next thing. There will always be something out there for you and I hope each of you will achieve your dreams and become the very best you can be.”