News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Onaway High School Salutatorian Aubrey Benson delivers a speech during graduation on Friday. Onaway had 33 graduating seniors this year.

ONAWAY — The 33 seniors making up the Class of 2023 graduating at Onaway High School capped off their four years in high school by thanking those who helped them on their educational journey, shared memories, and shared their high hopes for their future endeavors.

The seniors were honored during the school’s annual commencement ceremony on Friday night.

As the graduates entered the gym to the customary playing of the song ‘Pomp and Circumstance’, friends and family captured the moment with photos and videos and celebratory cheers and whistles.

Once seated, the students’ mentors on stage shared how proud of them they were for their high school accomplishments and offered words of wisdom to the students as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

Salutatorian Aubrey Benson said the class can make a difference in the world, simply by being kind, understanding, and accepting of others.

“Right now, I know it is easier to spread hate than it is to spread kindness, but the world needs to help each other instead of tearing each other apart,”she said. “Be the good. That is what I want you to take away with you today. I know it isn’t easy, but it is easier to fight for kindness and humanity than it is to sit on the sideline and watch hate take its toll.”

Many of the students have been in class with one another since kindergarten. They’ve celebrated one another’s successes and battled through each other’s struggles and failures.

Superintendent Mindy Horn said when she thinks of the Class of 2023, she thinks of the confidence the class has to overcome obstacles and tackle adversity head on.

“There is a mindset to this group and a certain attitude of never giving up,” Horn told the students. This mindset can be summed up in three little words: ‘We got this.'”

After the class speakers wrapped up their speeches, each of the seniors was presented with their diploma with great approval from the crowd.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.