Mortarboards, emotions fly high at 2015 Ansbach HS commencement ceremony

By Ms. Alyssa Saunders (Ansbach High School Journalism)June 8, 2015

Mortarboards in air
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- The now-official graduates from Ansbach High School, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, toss their mortarboards toward the sky. At a commencement ceremony here, 37 seniors from Ansbach High School of USAG Ansbach rec... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Carlisle and Benson
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- Principal David Carlisle watches as Shayne Benson, salutatorian, directs seniors to switch their tassels at the conclusion of graduation ceremonies for the Ansbach High School Class of 2015. At a commencement ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Carlisle and Dillingham
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- Ansbach High School Class of 2015 Valedictorian Dominic Dillingham, right, shakes hands with Principal David Carlisle as Dillingham receives his diploma. At a commencement ceremony here, 37 seniors from Ansbac... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Class of 2015 on stage
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- The Ansbach High School Class of 2015 listens to graduation speakers on stage. At a commencement ceremony here, 37 seniors from Ansbach High School of U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach received diplomas. (Courtesy ph... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Dillingham valediction
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- Dominic Dillingham, valedictorian, delivers his speech to the Ansbach High School Class of 2015. At a commencement ceremony here, 37 seniors from Ansbach High School of U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach received dipl... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Dr. Surinak as Drake
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- Dr. Tricia Surinak, social studies teacher, sings "Make Me Proud" by pop singer Drake during the graduation ceremony for the Ansbach High School Class of 2015. At the commencement ceremony here, 37 seniors fro... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

[Editor's note: Alyssa Saunders is a journalism student at Ansbach High School.]

BAD WINDSHEIM, Germany (June 5, 2015) -- Blue caps flew in the air, tears rolled down cheeks, and laughs were shared as Ansbach High School seniors graduated Thursday at the Kur- und Kongress-Center here.

As the 37 seniors walked across the stage, emotions ran high while dedications were read and diplomas were received.

Speakers urged seniors to strive for greatness and make their mark on the world. David Carlisle, Ansbach Middle High School principal, encouraged seniors with his opening remarks.

"With freedom comes great responsibility," said Carlisle. "What my mother used to tell me is, 'Your life is what you make it.'"

Shayne Benson, class of 2015 salutatorian, shared three humorous pieces of advice:

"Don't eat yellow snow. Fake it till you make it. Procrastinate now -- don't put it off."

Dominic Dillingham, Class of 2015 valedictorian, inspired his fellow seniors with his speech about the power of time.

"If you wish to have your name etched in the stone of history, you must apply yourself," said Dillingham.

His final advice to the graduating seniors was "Remember your roots here in Ansbach."

Commencement speaker Dr. Tricia Surinak, Ansbach High School social studies teacher, presented a comical speech that personalized many requests by the graduates. Seniors requested several things of Surinak's speech, including "make us laugh; make us cry; make it magical; incorporate Drake." To this last item, she first spoke of Sir Frances Drake but also later referred to pop musician Drake. Surinak sang and danced karaoke-style to the Drake song "Make Me Proud." Seniors and audience members laughed and applauded as Surinak fulfilled the final two requests of "Send us off with a message" and "Give us something to remember."

Senior dedication speeches were read by Maura Flynn (in Spanish), Daniel Smith, and Katherine Strosnider. During the dedication speeches, Esther Harrison, assistant principal, and Myra Taylor, high school counselor, shook hands with the seniors.

Carlisle awarded seniors their diplomas as smiles and tears were evident. As seniors turned their tassels from one side of their caps to the other, these former students of Ansbach High School officially transformed into graduates.

Related Links:

USAG Ansbach official home page

USAG Ansbach School Liaison Office

Franconian News: USAG Ansbach official news page on army.mil

USAG Ansbach official Flickr page

USAG Ansbach official Twitter feed

USAG Ansbach official Facebook page

USAG Ansbach official YouTube channel