Wesleyan graduates class of 2022
On May 21, the Wesleyan community gathered on Adler Plaza in front of Wesley Hall to celebrate the Commencement of the Class of 2022.
The morning began with beautiful bagpipes and the recitation of Psalm 24.
Salutatorian, Nadia Thieriot ‘22, delivered a speech thanking the many people who dedicate their time and efforts to make the Wesleyan community one that she loves and values. She thanked the Wesleyan faculty and staff, parents and families, and her fellow classmates.
Thieriot spoke of the unity and love that marked her class, explaining that “although it might not seem true, it is actually harder to sing in unison than it is to sing in differing harmonies. It is a daunting task to truly match in pitch, tone, and vowel shape with so many people, but it is a challenge that we as a class have overcome.”
Valedictorian, Kayla Kim ‘22, also addressed the graduates. She encouraged her classmates to savor the moments of the day that lay ahead and recall all the fond memories that led up to the moment they were currently in. She spoke of the love she had for her class and the joy that marked their time together at Wesleyan.
“What I believe has brought our entire class so firmly united and made us unique among so many other classes is our energy- the optimism, tension, and excitement we bring to Wesleyan is unmatched,” said Kim.
Kim exhorted her fellow classmates to rely on God for their source of energy no matter what hardships or trials they may face in the future.
Dr. Anna Tanner, parent of Will Tanner ‘17 and Katie Tanner ‘19, received the Zach and Studie Young Award, an honor presented to one who protects Wesleyan’s mission. Tanner has consistently been voted one of America’s top doctors, specializing in treating individuals with eating disorders.
Rich Billing, Meg Foster, and Alfredo Piedra received recognition for working at Wesleyan for 20 years. Ramona Blankenship, Ken Connor, Matt Crew, Lacy Gilbert, and Billy Coxhead received recognition for working at Wesleyan for 25 years.
Head of school, Chris Cleveland, delivered this year's Commencement Address. Chris spoke about salvation being the starting point, not the finishing point of faith.
"I am confident that you are leaving here with the life-changing message of the Gospel,” stated Cleveland, and he encouraged seniors to continue growing in their faith, viewing Commencement as a launching point.
He reminded the class of 2022 that God created them for eternity, and he encouraged them to continue being transformed by the Lord as they leave Wesleyan through time in prayer and God’s Word.
Following Cleveland’s message, each graduate crossed the stage, shook hands with Wesleyan administrators, and received their diploma and personalized Bible. The ceremony ended with the presentation of the graduates and the traditional tossing of the caps.
Congratulations class of 2022 on your many accomplishments during your time at Wesleyan. You will always be a part of the Wesleyan family, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
