June 12, 2021 -- Congratulations to the class of 2021 who participated in the inaugural Heights High School Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 4 at the Heights Football Stadium. There were 363 seniors who walked the stage to receive their graduation certificates. Among the graduates were National Honor Society students, National Technical Honor Society students, Tri-M Honor Society students and Diplomas with Honors students.
The seniors gathered inside the Heights auditorium with much excitement and anticipation of hearing their names called to commemorate their academic years in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. The auditorium was filled with many smiling eyes, flashing camera lights, video captures, creatively decorated mortarboards, and last minute touch-ups until the time came to line up. Students exited through the Courtyard with loud cheers and shouts as they headed towards the stadium for their Commencement Ceremony. As they celebrated, passing community members joined this moment by honking their horns to share in this spectacular occasion.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem led by Heights Musical Department’s Gold Rush ensemble, followed by a welcome from Administrative Principal Byron Hopkins. Hopkins acknowledged the students' perseverance and hard work through a year unlike any other where they walked almost bare hallways, completed work remotely, played sports in front of smaller audiences, missed out on school performances, and experienced major adjustments to their senior year activities. He shared, “You finished the school year, even when it was very difficult. You figured it out."
Presidential Scholar Maple Buescher, encouraged the class of 2021 to take another look at fear. Buescher said, “...I suggest we take fear as a challenge and as a catalyst for our own abilities - a prod to push ourselves, to try new things...fear can unlock wonders and talents we didn’t know lay dormant.” National Honor Society member Alexis Dixon gave words of inspiration as she began her speech quoting Langston Hughes famous poem A Dream Deferred. “119,318,400 seconds ago our dream began,” Dixon shared. This was followed by Class President Daniella Kirabo-Mafigir who performed the Passing of the Key to the class of 2022 admonishing them to “define your own version of success.” The Passing of the Key signified the transference of leadership, service, and excellence. The student speakers were outstanding and very encouraging in their presentations to their class.
Xavier Routh was awarded a scholarship by the Heights School Foundation for showing initiative, service, and a positive attitude for learning and his future endeavors during his four years in high school. Routh is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, and a President’s Award of Excellence recipient. In addition, Routh graduated holding a 4.7358 GPA, the highest of his class.
Alumni whose children also graduate from Heights High are called Legends, 59 of which were recognized in the class of 2021. Following the acknowledgement of the Legends, The Heights Musical Department’s Shades of Harmony sang “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” very passionately and beautifully.
Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby gave the keynote address and began by acknowledging parents, grandparents, teachers, guidance counselors and staff members on how they supported this class through the 2020-2021 academic year. The students were thrilled to have the support and encouragement from Kirby, as well as the presence of the Board Members who gave the presentation of the diplomas at their commencement ceremony.
Walking the stage to commemorate their academic journey at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School City District has been the goal since the class stepped foot into the newly renovated Heights High School. This walk marked the end of their senior year and the beginning of a path well-prepared for. Some graduates are going to top-rated colleges and universities, heading right into their chosen career fields with certification, or preparing to serve our country. Whatever their path, they will always be a Tiger. Congratulations to the class of 2021. You did it.
Class Motto: “Nothing we do can change the past, but everything we do changes the future.” - Ashleigh Brilliant.