ANSBACH, Germany (June 3, 2020) – The Ansbach Middle/High School celebrated 15 seniors during an abridged ceremony and parade on Katterbach Kaserne June 2.
While not a typical graduation, students made the best of the circumstances with decorated vehicles, blaring horns, and riding with family in a parade prior to receiving their diplomas. Parked in front of the high school, graduates stood next to their vehicles for the opening remarks.
“2020 hasn’t quite panned out the way we hoped it would for seniors,” said Joseph Malloy, DoDEA Europe East Community superintendent. “But … it is my hope and prayer that we have prepared you for the next step.”
The staff at Ansbach Middle/High School, parents of the graduates and USAG Ansbach community worked long, hard hours to create a plan to support each student’s education, Malloy said.
“The same is true as you continue on in your pursuit of excellence,” he said. “Part of our plan here at Ansbach was to have every senior take at least one AP class by the time they graduated. Well, not only did most of you take an AP class, but a third of you are AP Honor Grads. That means you went well beyond what you had to do.”
Six graduates received Honor Diplomas (GPA of 3.8 and 4 AP courses) and Honor Society members; two graduates were Honor Roll students (GPA of 3.5 and higher); three graduates were Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Advanced Placement Recognition, and Student Council Executive Board members.
As Valedictorian, Annika Daniels-Matthews addressed her fellow graduates. High school was an incredible four-year experience and she learned more than she ever imagined she could, she said.
“Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning,” said Daniels-Matthews. “I know it seems as if these last four years may determine what is ahead of us, but we all have the ability to take control of what we want our future to be.”
Class of 2020 Graduates:
Cheska Caranto
Austin Couch
Annika Daniels-Matthews
Caison Duplessie
Celine Liptrot
Madeline Liverar
Anjelina Lopez-Turrey
Dustin Martin
Alina Morecraft
Pryce O’Connor
Pearl Reyes
Jasmine Rivera
Cooper Robertson
Cameron Rodriguez
Tiera Young