SHELBY — Kendra Walp thanked a gymnasium full of educators, friends, family and peers Tuesday morning.
A senior at Shelby High School, Walp is 12 days away from becoming a graduate. She was joined by 87 classmates Tuesday for the Class of 2025’s Senior Signing Day.
These ceremonies are designed to mimic celebrations for rising college athletes when they commit to a school.
“While today is focused on the path that each of us will take, we can also celebrate the separate steps and accomplishments that each of us have gone through to be able to sit in these chairs,” Walp said.
“To the parents, family members, teachers and community members in attendance, thank you. Thank you for believing in each and every single student in this gymnasium,” she said.
Seniors were recognized for their post-secondary plans, including enlistment, certification programs, employment/apprenticeship and enrollment. Some students attending Pioneer Career and Technology Center were unable to attend due to labs or early job placements.
The majority of participating seniors plan to attend college in the fall. Four will serve in branches of the United States military; three will enter certification programs.
Eight seniors plan to enter the workforce or begin apprenticeships. Two foreign-exchange students will return to their home countries and enroll in college.
Former Shelby teacher offers words of wisdom
Shelby High School Principal John Gies congratulated students for their years of hard work and determination.
“We’re proud of your accomplishments and we’re all excited for the opportunities that lie ahead of you,” Gies told the seniors.
Former high school English teacher and career coach Anita Ream was another featured speaker during Tuesday’s ceremony. She encouraged students to enjoy some of life’s simplest moments as they get ready to embark into adulthood.
“In the blink of an eye, you’re getting ready to celebrate your 50-year high school class reunion,” said Ream, who graduated high school in 1975. “That’s me in September.
“Please don’t forget, and be thankful, for every moment and every relationship,” she said.
(Below are more photos from Tuesday morning’s ceremony at Shelby High School. A full list of post-secondary plans for participating seniors can be found below the gallery.)
Student pathways
Foreign exchange students:
- Alicia Deborde (France – enroll in college)
- Rocio Quesada Gonzalez (Spain – enroll in college)
Enlistment:
- Cayden Burns (Navy)
- Devin Mullen (Navy)
- Bryson Mitchell (Air Force)
- Blake West (Air National Guard – Purdue University)
Certification program:
- Robert Ernsberger (job training)
- Ryan Patterson-Bellar (job training)
- Nic Stoffel (Pioneer Career & Technology Center)
Employment/Apprenticeship:
- Luke Bailey (Ed Whited Construction)
- Trenton Braska (Schumacher Farms)
- Michael Crall (Dutch Maid Logistics)
- Charlie Hodge (employment)
- Delaney Mulvane (child care)
- Megan Nothacker (Spitzer Motors of Mansfield)
- Grace Rietschlin (Arbor Creek Gardens and Floral and Bloom with Grace)
- Carson Secriskey (Taylor Metal Products)
Enrollment:
- Brianna Hughett (Apex Academy)
- Chelsy Roberts (Apex Academy)
- Anderson Brubaker (Ashland University)
- Loran Hockenberry (Ashland University)
- Karsen Homan (Ashland University)
- Devin Marsh (Ashland University)
- Lynn Montgomery (Ashland University)
- Cohen Sturts (Ashland University)
- Trinity Baker (Bowling Green State University)
- Alyssa Booker (Bowling Green State University)
- Ava Bowman (Bowling Green State University)
- Katherine Cole (Bowling Green State University)
- Emma Dailey (Bowling Green State University)
- Franky Duncan (Bowling Green State University)
- Sara Krietemeyer (Bowling Green State University)
- Alexis Mohn (Bowling Green State University)
- Alyssa Niese (Bowling Green State University)
- Serena Ramsey (Bowling Green State University)
- Julia Sickmiller (Bowling Green State University)
- Allie Vogt (Bowling Green State University – Firelands)
- Cami Wuchich (Bowling Green State University – Firelands)
- Samuel Bullock (College of the Ozarks)
- Nic Eyster (Heidelberg University)
- Addison Shira (Hocking College)
- Julia Auck (Kent State University)
- Dawson Gove (Kent State University)
- Reagan Stepp (Kent State University)
- Jaxson Whisman (Kent State University)
- Denny Lafon (Lake Erie College)
- Kennedy Studer (Lake Land College)
- Rain Peyton (Marion Technical College)
- Isabella Carver (Miami University)
- Michael Vogt (Miami University)
- Benjamin Wilkins (Miami University)
- Annie Mahek (Mount Vernon Nazarene University)
- Selah Ogle (Mount Vernon Nazarene University)
- Ava Burkhart (North Central State College)
- Gavin Fisher (North Central State College)
- Zada Marquis (North Central State College)
- Ferron Pena (North Central State College)
- Faith Ward (North Central State College)
- Eve Schwemley (Ohio Dominican University)
- Adelynn Cornette (Ohio University)
- Baylie Hoffbauer (Ohio University)
- Sophia Long (Ohio University)
- Allison Russell (Ohio University)
- Jack Stover (The Ohio State University – ATI Wooster)
- Avery Mongold (The Ohio State University – Columbus)
- Charlotte Niese (The Ohio State University – Columbus)
- Kendra Walp (The Ohio State University – Columbus)
- Nevaeh Zellner (The Ohio State University – Columbus)
- David Coleman (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Lillyanna Eickhoff (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Peyton Murphy (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Macey Parks (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Kaiden Parsons (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Kiah Weber (The Ohio State University – Mansfield)
- Maverick Noel (Salt Lake Community College)
- Samantha Thompson (University of Akron)
- Nathan Oberdier (University of Cincinnati)
- Rees Lewis (University of Dayton)
- McKenna Baker (University of Findlay)
- Kaylin Mahon (University of Findlay)
- Evan McQuillen (University of Findlay)
- Emma Montgomery (University of Findlay)
- Gracie Rodman (University of Findlay)
- Courtney Stiving (University of Findlay)
- Sydney Bachtel (University of Toledo)
- Keith Ball (Western Welding Academy)
- Cailey Fairchild (Wilmington College)
- Sarah Smith (Wilmington College)