On May 27, seniors as well as friends and family gathered in the gym for the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. This ceremony is always highly anticipated as the school year comes to an end, as students are eager to share their accomplishments with their loved ones and move on to the next stages in their lives.
Before the actual ceremony, there were many details and processes that went into planning the event. During the first week of May, a collection of papers listing all senior awards was posted on the wall outside the Guidance Office. These papers listed each student’s achievements next to their corresponding ID numbers. Some of the listed awards include “Valedictorian,” “AP Scholar with Distinction,” as well as NHS and CSF recognition.
The day of the ceremony, all attending students were scheduled to complete a practice during Wolverine+. Upon arrival, students were placed into organized lines which would be replicated later that night at the actual event.
At 6 p.m., the ceremony began right on schedule. First, many students who had received scholarships were recognized in front of the gym. Some scholarships were academia based while others focused on community service or future ambition.
Scholarship recipient Raelyn Felien (12) explained, “I was honestly stunned when I received an award. Although I’ve maintained a high GPA and have served in several leadership roles at ANHS, I had not applied for this scholarship, and I was not aware I’d won it until the night of Senior Awards. It was exciting having earned a scholarship based on my achievements, and I’m grateful for the additional college funds, lord knows I’ll need every cent.”
Some other scholarship recipients included Lucas Rockwood (12), who received a four year Marine NROTC award, as well as Katherine Verrando (12), who won a multitude of scholarships throughout the night.
After the many scholarship awardees, each row of students was called to the stage. Students were given a card of all their accomplishments to be read aloud. The families’ reactions made the night all the more special; deafening applause was a staple throughout the night, as well as the occasional supportive scream.
Awardee Kaitlyn Roberts (12) said, “It took awhile but it was nice to cheer on friends and celebrate our accomplishments.”
Finally, the ceremony came to a close with the last and most significant award of all: “Wolverine of the Year.” This prestigious award is given to students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence, but also exceptional character and community service.
The nominees for this incredible honor were, Sanvi Shah (12), Lilly Carey (12), Quinn Curtis (12), Emily Trapp (12) and Katherine Verrando (12). Each nominee was described in a short speech detailing their various accomplishments. From Trapp’s dedication to medicine, to Shah’s political excellence, it was more than clear that these students are the best of the best.
After an intense drumroll, and a couple seconds of anxious anticipation, it was announced that Lily Carey was this year’s Wolverine of the Year! The entire gym erupted in thunderous applause on behalf of congratulating Carey. Students then were dismissed to their families to take pictures and mingle about, and with that, the night came to a close.
The accomplishments of each and every senior were unique and sure to take them far in life, it is clear that for ANHS seniors this is only the beginning.
