IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2017 | Page 19

2017 EARLY GRADS CELEBRATE IMPORTANT MILESTONE

2017 EARLY GRADS CELEBRATE IMPORTANT MILESTONE

Members of the early graduating Class of 2017 celebrated their achievement with family and friends at Fox Chapel Area High School January 19 . At the ceremony , Michael Hower , lead principal , stated , “ This is the culmination of 12½ years of work . This is no easy task ,” and added , “ We are excited to celebrate with you .”

The high school has been holding a more formal ceremony for midyear graduates for the last several years . According to Mr . Hower , high school administrators wanted to formalize the ceremony held in January to give the students the recognition they deserve . He also noted that although the ceremony is more formal , it is less so than the June graduation . This allows the students to speak so that the attendees – which include parents , family members , teachers , and friends – get to hear about their future plans and goals . Additionally , early grads are invited to participate in the ceremony in June with the rest of the graduating seniors .
Mr . Hower said that this year ’ s early graduates are a really good group of students . He pointed out that they are willing to
The Fox Chapel Area High School first graduating Class of 2017 .
take risks and they are prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead . He also said he is particularly proud that the students have solid game plans for the next step in their lives . Some of the students are already taking college-level classes and will pursue further schooling . Some will be working or participating in internships . One will even be leaving this spring for advanced individual training with the U . S . Army .
“ I think their fortitude and perseverance over the years virtually guarantees them success in whatever endeavors they choose ,” Mr . Hower said .

The early graduates included : Mohammed Al Bayati , Kayleigh Balzer , Ashanti Booker , Danielle Brewer , Kristie Claus , Aubrey Cullinan , Joseph Daniher , Samantha Fabiszewski , Alyssa Kasper , Nina Khorey , Austin Klinge , Kayla Lees , Geneeva Morgan , Charles Okunewick , Zachary Popovich , John Ramassini , Alanna Rygelski , Andres Salinas , Ashlyn Spencer , Jenifer Valdez , Harry Wetmore , Aleksander Hero Wojnaroski , and Ryan Zakin . ox Chapel Area FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS

Principal Michael Hower addressed the early grads and their guests .
An early graduate accepted congratulations from his mother . He will be leaving this spring to go to Missouri for advanced individual training with the U . S . Army .
The graduates and their guests enjoyed a reception following the ceremony .
Fox Chapel Area | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 17