On June 7, 2022, Royal Oak High School graduated 345 students on a beautiful spring evening. Senior Class Advisor Ray McMann greeted the group. "Endings by nature are sad because it means that something is over," he said. "But it also means a new chapter is about to begin."
Two speakers auditioned to speak at graduation - seniors Taryn Grobbel and Ben Haenke were chosen. Haenke spoke first and ended his speech with a quote from American Rapper Pitbull to cheers from the crowd. "Swing your partner round and round, end of the night it's going down, one more shot another round." He related these lines to the story of the Class of '22. Your partners, he said, are your classmates that have been with you on this journey and at the end of the night, the final chapter of your high school career will be concluded. He explained that all of the graduates are being given a shot after graduation to charge into the new era and that their lives are just beginning so "ready yourself for the next round."
The ROHS Chamber Singers sang a beautiful acapella rendition of "In My Life" by the Beatles.
Grobbel started her speech by taking a group selfie with the class of 2022 and then reflecting on her years in school, and how mistakes make us grow and help us learn and make our mark. She ended by reminding the class that they made it and will continue to make it in everything they do in their lives.
Principal Giromini thanked friends, parents, teachers, and all others who helped the students get to graduation. After a show of applause, he reminded the class of their accomplishments in spirit, fundraising, and academics.
"We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2022. They proved themselves to be one of our most spirited, unified classes ever, all the stronger for the unpredictable, challenging, and atypical four-year experience they had together," said Principal Mike Giromini. "They have left their mark at Royal Oak High School, and on each of us. We'll miss them and can't wait to see everything they accomplish!"
Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick accepted the Class of 2022 for graduation. "It's been quite a wild ride over the last four years," she said. "You have lived through times that will become topics in history lessons for many years to come. You rose to the occasion and provided so many reasons to be proud of you."
The sun began to set and paint the sky in beautiful colors as the last graduate crossed the stage. Mr. McMann called up Class President Peter Merten to address the class one last time. He spoke about 6th grade when the class of 2022 first met at Royal Oak Middle School. Then he talked about the years at Royal Oak High School, how sophomore year ended abruptly, and how junior year was even shorter, and then came senior year. "Senior year was an adventure," he said. "And I loved every minute of it." He concluded his speech by saying that the class has taught him more than he could ever fathom. He said, "My time as your President has finally come to an end, and it has been an absolute honor and pleasure." He then gave the class a salute. Merten is heading to West Point.
The commencement ceremony concluded with the class officers instructing the students on how to move their tassels from one side to the other and tossing their caps in the air.
Watch it again:
Honor Convocation: https://youtu.be/thTy9zdcHYY
ROHS Commencement: https://youtu.be/3BCXmhX8n6g
We want to give a shout-out to the students of WOAK at Royal Oak High School who were tasked with putting on the video stream of ROHS graduation with short notice. Commencement was moved from Monday to Tuesday because of bad weather and the students stepped up to put on a great production.