Sixty five graduating seniors joined together to sing their alma mater which states, “Nestled in a quiet hamlet, neath the azure blue, sends she forth her sons and daughters, loyal, loving, true,” reminding students of the roots they gained at TVHS.

Valedictorian Shane Martel reminded his fellow classmates to not panic when faced with a difficult obstacle

“Throughout our education — that may have begun in Valley Head, George Ward or Homestead and continuing here at Tygarts Valley High School — we have gathered and honed skills and tools to build successful futures. Skills and tools that will, with drive and determination, take us anywhere we want in life,” he said. “If you feel at any point, that life is becoming too hard and that obstacles are too great, don’t panic. Life can and will get better if you use your acquired skills and tools — tools like a positive attitude, an education and the right friends. All can help steer you back to your path during the moments when you want to run away.”

Class of 2019 Salutatorian Abigail Harris encouraged her classmates to fulfill their ambitions.

Martel

“We must strive every day, to fulfill the ambitions we have fantasized about. It is obvious, we will not succeed immediately, and we will all experience failure. It must be our strong will that pushes us forward and refuses to be defeated,” she said. “We must accept our failures, and learn from them. We cannot get discouraged, for we will all encounter success, and when we do, we must not forget the difficult times we spent trying to reach the point of success. Although success is always a prime concern, we must not get caught up in the moment. Enjoy life and everything around you, while reaching your goals.”

Keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony was retired Lt. Col. Mike Ware of the United States Air Force. Ware was a 1969 graduate of Tygarts Valley High School.

During his special address to the students, Ware emphasized that what they have learned “in the valley” will benefit them in life.

“You will find out, the things you learned right here in this valley and right here in this school will (bring) you success, no matter where you go, who you compete against or whatever you do,” he said.

In addition, Ware asked all students to stand and face everyone in attendance and appreciate those who have encouraged and mentored them.

Harris

“As you stand up and face them, I want you to look at their faces. I want you to see the pride that’s there, I want you to see maybe a tear or two, maybe even some sadness because they know after tonight, everything will change,” he said. “But mostly, the elation that you have gotten to this point.

“Know that, when looking at the faces you see, you are not alone — they gave you their most precious resource, their time and energy,” he continued.

“You will remember the faces, you will remember this, and they will remember seeing you.”

During the ceremony, students were recognized for their achievements when Principal Steve Wamsley announced scholarships were received by the class.

The TVHS class of 2019 includes Blaine Arbaugh, Olivia Arbogast, Angelina Aring, Devan Ball, Emily Ball, Clayton Bell, Kaitlynn Bolyard, Shane Brown, Caleb Chandler, Tiffany Chewning, Hannah Cogar, Shania Cogar, Brent Daniels, Katlyn Defibaugh, Kayla Donley, Isaiah Dumire, Shannon Ferrell, Deanna Fincham, Bailey Finlen, Caitlin Goode, Dalton Grimes, Courtney Haddix, Kaylee Halterman, Devon Hammonds, Abigail Harris, Abigail Hoffman, Ava Holt, Charles Howard, Madison Jeffers, Shayleah Lanham, Gary Louk, Ethan Malcomb, Shane Martel, Andrew Maxwell, Jestin McCauley, Joel McCauley, Bethany Ogden, Devan Ours, Chianna Overbaugh, Dillon Parsons, Shane Pritt, Kayla Rader, Johanna Riggleman, Elijah Scott, Jaimie Scott, Dayton Sharp, Nicholas Shiflett, Isaiah Simmons, Nicholas Sisler, Summer Slayton, Gregory Smith, Gavin Staten, Caitlyn Swecker, Jacob Tackett, Hunter Taylor, Jacob Taylor, Jason Taylor II, Jayden Taylor, Alex Vandevender, Dalton Warner, Holly Welch, Lexie Wildman, Lucas Wilson, Alexis Wiseman and Annaliese Wiseman.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Brooke Binns Retired Lt. Col. Mike Ware of the United States Air Force offers a special speech during the commencement ceremony at Tygarts Valley High School. Ware was a 1969 graduate of TVHS.