At one point, Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior speakers Mustafa Agha and Andrew Howison had their fellow graduates bursting with laughter while relaying memorable stories of their academic journey.
A bit later on June 13, the duo delivered heartfelt and inspiring messages for members of the class of 2023 to take with them after exiting Benaroya Hall in Seattle on the evening of the 66th MIHS commencement ceremony.
“Go out and set goals, create new passions. But most of all, keep going when it gets tough and step up and lead because it’s your job,” Howison said.
Agha then took over the microphone and firmly noted: “Life, I believe, does not have one end goal or one end game. It is but a series of moments, and it is how we choose to appreciate these moments and adventures that shape our world view and our happiness.” He said these mental and physical junctures could entail a friend placing trust in you or getting back on your feet after falling head first over a hurdle.
Later during the ceremony, staff speaker John Stafford also bestowed some critical advice upon the graduating class: expand your education and find personal fulfillment.
With the pristine hall jam packed with families, friends, teachers, administrators and other well-wishers, the ceremony — which was hosted by ASB President and graduate Ainsley McCarthy — featured music (“Halcyon Hearts”) from the MIHS combined bands under the direction of Jacob Krieger and a solo piano piece (“Tides and Horizons”) by graduate Ryan Hsi, who also provided musical accompaniment for vocalist and graduate Justin Lee on the National Anthem.
Hsi stepped out from behind the piano to participate in the 10-graduate valedictorian speech that focused on the meaningful numbers that defined the students’ years within the Mercer Island School District.
Gillian Fang, Olivia Guo, Perry Holtzclaw, Emily Horton King, Garrett Lee, Carson Schiller, Rachel Senn, Anna Xie, Alan Ying and Hsi took turns in the top-10 countdown complete with stories as they were about to “venture off into the great unknown.” During the speech, the grads touched upon their first year in high school, schooling during the pandemic, clubs and athletics, hard-working counselors and more.
While the graduates notched many accomplishments during their four years at MIHS, one speaker noted that the journey has just begun and that the Islanders should make every moment count.
Graduates listened with rapt attention as Principal Nick Wold reminisced about his own high school commencement ceremony, during which his close friend shed tears of pride of being the first member of his family to graduate from high school.
Wold said the MIHS class of 2023 is a special conglomerate, one that has placed joy at the forefront of its days on campus. Students were always joyful in their advocacy, service, learning and spirit.
“So graduates, as you start this new chapter in your life, I challenge you all to take on each adverse situation with that same sense of joy, to find ways to get back to your roots and use joy as a weapon to attack your challenges with vigor and excitement. Because regardless of the outcome, you will know that you did it the right way,” said Wold, who then received thunderous applause from the crowd.
Top left to bottom, Ryan Hsi on piano; Sarah Kann (middle) and fellow graduates; and Principal Nick Wold. Top right to bottom, Jaya Manhas; and Justin Lee singing the National Anthem. Andy Nystrom/ staff photos
