The North Royalton High School Class of 2021 has a dedicated Song (“I Lived” by One Republic), Colors (Purple and Gold), a Flower (the Moon Aqua Carnation), and a poignant Motto (“Some have a story. We made history.”)
If the Class of 2021 had an unofficial theme, it would be Adaptability.
While the Class of 2020 had the rug pulled out from under them when the pandemic upended their school year, the Class of 2021 had a rug, but it slid around without a gripper underneath to hold it firmly in place. The only thing keeping their footing steady throughout this school year was their ability to adapt and appreciate stability as it came. Over time, these seniors may forget their class flower and their class song, but they’ll never lose sight of their ability to adapt.
The North Royalton High School Commencement Ceremony took place May 28 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Class President Aidan Wagner presented a welcoming address followed by commencement addresses by seniors Dylan Saunders and Nathan Weagraff.
“I am proud to graduate with the Class of 2021 because of all we’ve managed to accomplish in four years, especially in the face of impossible circumstances,” Dylan Saunders said in his address. “I don’t know that I will ever meet a more driven, supportive, and talented group of people in my life, which is just one of the reasons leaving NRHS will be so difficult.”
He went on to speak about the importance of change and challenge.
“I’m not going to lie; I have no idea what our futures look like,” Saunders continued. “In the face of the frightening unknown, I’d like to call attention to a few of the things I do know about the Class of 2021. First, I know that we are prepared. Our mentors have equipped us with the skills and mindset to take on whatever lies ahead. Next, I know we have each other. We might not be walking along the same paths, but that doesn’t mean they won’t cross in the future. And finally, if this year has taught us anything, it is that we are tough.”
Senior Nathan Weagraff spoke to how the Covid-19 pandemic worked to strengthen his classmates’ spirit and sense of school pride.
“The pandemic has brought with it a unique and unprecedented set of challenges, hardships, and obstacles to overcome, but in the face of adversity, the students and staff of North Royalton did what they always do: come together; maybe not physically, but in ways that rejuvenated our shared sense of purpose and in doing so, strengthened our community,” Weagraff said.
He also spoke of their unity.
“In the fall of 2010, I was the new kid at Valley Vista Elementary School after having just moved from another district. I was shy and anxious about being immersed in unfamiliar territory, but within a matter of hours I felt like I’d been there my entire life,” Weagraff said. “That’s the power of a warm welcome and a little empathy. Through the years, I’ve witnessed countless others like me, embraced by the supportive and empowering community of high achievers we call the Bears, united in their belief that together, we can do just about anything.”
Principal Sean Osborne performed the Presentation and Certification of the Class of 2021 and exiting Superintendent Greg Gurka performed the Acceptance of Class with School Board President Heidi Dolezal. Music was provided by the North Royalton Band and senior choir members under the direction of David Vitale and Joseph Mikolajczyk. Assistant Principal Matthew Yappel presented Introductions/Awards of Diplomas, Roll Call was performed by Class of 2021 members Savannah Holland and Julianna Watrobski, Military Recognition was by Assistant Principal Kristin Hubbell and Closing Remarks came from Principal Sean Osborne. Class of 2021 officers included President Aidan Wagner and Vice President Emma Kelley.
In his address, exiting Superintendent Greg Gurka reflected on a quote from Author Jon Acuff that states, “Be brave enough to be bad at something.” Gurka encouraged graduating seniors to try new things and embrace the unknown.
“Fail, try again, fail again and keep trying until you succeed,” he said. “There will be things that you will find out aren’t for you but there will be many more things you will find out will change your life. You will never know unless you try. As we both walk out of this venue this evening, we do not know what tomorrow will hold. However, you need to trust that there is a future waiting for you that is beyond what you might be able to grasp at this moment.”
He mentioned his own 1982 high school graduation and how he too trusted in knowing something was out there for him.
“Now, 39 years later, here I am ready to start a new chapter in my life just as you are starting a new chapter in yours,” he reflected. “Together, let us trust that there is a great future beyond what we can grasp at this moment and let us all be brave enough to be bad at things along the way. I wish you all nothing but the best in your future endeavors. Thank you for letting me and all of us in the North Royalton Schools be part of your lives. Good luck and Congratulations.”

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer