Bridgeport High School has sent its newest graduating class out into the world, and proud educators anticipate great things from the departing seniors.
During the May 24 ceremony, Principal Jack Fisher addressed the 48 graduates and congratulated them as they closed this chapter of their lives and set out on their journey into their futures outside the school’s walls. Fisher, himself in his first year as principal, reflected on watching his students grow and achieve. He noted growth came in the form of challenges faced, opportunities embraced, and milestones attained whether in academic pursuits or life lessons.
“It is an immense honor to stand before you as your principal,” he said. “I’ve witnessed your strength, your resilience, your compassion, and I’ve seen your camaraderie and the bonds you’ve formed with each other.”
He reminded them that education was about the application of knowledge, not just its acquisition, and he asked the graduates to carry the memories of Bridgeport High with them and draw strength from the community support they had and lessons they have learned. Thanks also went to parents and families for trusting their students to the Bridgeport school.
Superintendent Brent Ripley also had some final words of advice for the graduates going forward. He referred to testimonials about what makes a good life, saying while they should work hard, they should never neglect their relationships or fail to appreciate and live in the moment. He advised them to seize opportunities, to do good regardless of what others may think, and appreciate themselves and their capabilities.
“Thanks for choosing Bridgeport. As you leave this campus tonight, it’s really my hope that you’ll live life with zero regrets.”
Some of the top students – all summa cum laude – shared what they have learned.
Campbell Kropka, heading to Ohio University Eastern to study to be a physician’s assistant, spoke. She reflected on the rough start of high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the progress made.
“We are resilient,” she said. “The first year of high school is daunting under normal circumstances.”
Kropka recalled the joyful memories the students would take with them, saying Bridgeport has been welcoming and accepting of students like herself who did not begin their education at the district.
“I think that’s what makes our class so special. We entered as individuals and are leaving as not just classmates and friends, but family,” she said.
“This is not goodbye. A piece of each of you will stay with me forever, and I hope a piece of me will be with you,” she said. “I believe that we will win in this game called life. From the bottom my heart, thank you.”
Anthony Gear, heading to Kent State University to major in aerospace engineering, said graduation was also a celebration of hard work and perseverance that led to their diplomas, and the celebration was shared by family, friends, and mentors.
“We carry with us the lessons learned inside and outside the classroom,” he said. “We the students are the ones who make Bridgeport feel like home, let us not forget the values that have gotten us this far.”
Gear said the future would be bright if they remembered those values.
“The world awaits us, and I have no doubt that we will leave our mark upon it.”
Katelyn Hunt, going to Franciscan University to study marketing, theology, and creative writing, said while she has been driven to take on multiple projects including earning college credit hours, she has also learned the importance of taking her time and attending to the moment.
“Steadily chipping away at the statues of our dreams is more effective than trying to form the base with one powerful swing,” she said. “You’ll never make it to the peak of your climb if you neglect water breaks.”
Hunt added patience and pacing would serve them well and spoke about the importance of faith.
Madison Matusik, who will attend Kent State University to study mechatronic engineering technology, told her fellow graduates not to be preoccupied with concerns about “normal” life paths, but rather to prioritize choices that lead to happiness.
“I believe everyone should define their own normal,” she said. “Happiness often exists outside the confines of what’s considered normal. You just have to be brave enough to step outside that box.”
DaVonte Smith, heading to Rice University to study architecture, shared advice he got from guidance counselor Vicki Falcone.
“Plant seeds and do your best to nurture them into something great,” he said. “This quote epitomizes the goal of Bridgeport High School.”
Smith said he was thankful for the staff and community of Bridgeport for the values imparted.
“These are values – or seeds – that I am committed to bringing and planting in my future school’s community and beyond,” he said. “Bridgeport in my opinion has done an excellent job at both planting and nurturing the seeds within the students.”
Applause and cheering punctuated the speeches and greeted the new graduates as they were called up to accept their diplomas.
