By Steven P. KellerTelegram Managing Editor

It was a very warm day Sun-day, May 27, but the gymnasi-um of Wellston High Schoolwas comfortably cool as 99seniors were graduated andare now on their next journeyinto life. The day marked the126th Commencement cere-mony in Wellston.

As the soon to be graduatesentered to the Elgar classic,Fanfare and Processional,the nearly full gymnasiumstood and greeted them witha round of applause whichdid not stop until the last stu-dent was seated.

Superintendent KarenBoch welcomed those pres-ent which began the annualcelebration. She told the soonto be graduates, “This is oneof the building blocks foryour future.”

The Class of 2012 hadthree valedictorians and eachhad an opportunity toaddress their classmates andthose in attendance.

First to speak was JaylenPrater, the son of Michelle

and Curt Prater. His futureplans are to attend Northwest-ern University to study Bio-medical Engineering and playfootball. Prater said, “I havetruly learned a lot and allknowledge is valuable.” Hesaid he has learned what to do,but believes it is just as impor-tant to know what not to do.

Kristen Boch, the daughterof Bob and Karen Boch, wastearful as she thanked hermother for her supportthrough the years and saidshe was her greatest influ-ence. “This will be the lastday we will be together,” shetold her classmates andadded, “Don’t forget the peo-ple sitting around you.” Herfuture plans are to attendXavier University and majorin Nursing.

Brandon Shover, the son ofScott and Tammy Shover,spoke third and after thankinghis parents for their support, asall speakers did, said, “Myparents pushed me hard whichmade me the person I amtoday.” He offered advice tohis classmates such as “Wel-come everyone with a smile.”

He said, “Today will neverhappen again. Everyday willbe the start of something newso hold your heads high.” Heconcluded by saying “Life isa garden. Dig it.” Shoverplans are to attend ShawneeState University and obtain aMasters Degree in Occupa-tional Therapy.

The other top ten studentswere Makenzie Bragg, JacobRetterer, Chrissa Hobbs, Jor-dan Coulter, David King, Emi-ly Norris, and Taylor Davis.

The speaker for the cere-mony was Wellston’s JohnCarey, a member of the Classof 1977, and former StateRepresentative and Senator.He is now a special assistantto the president of ShawneeState University and told theclass, “You are importantindividually. Now that youare graduates of WellstonHigh School you have thepossibility to become whoyou are.”

He said, “You are begin-ning a new journey. You willhave failures, but learn fromthem.” He then offered a bitof advice. “Stay in Wellston.There are jobs here that arenot being met.”

The high school choir andband each had a part to playin the commence ceremonyand as each graduatereceived his or her diplomathey were presented with aflower and hugs and goodwishes as they moved along along line of their teachers.

After being confirmed asgraduates by SuperintendentBoch and graduation caps weretossed into the air, the young-sters left Wellston High Schoolfor the last time as students.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 • A7The Telegram

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SCHOOLS

Ninety-nine students become Wellston High School graduates

All Photos By Steven P. KellerThe majority of seats in the Wellston High School Gymnasium were filled as family and friends attend-ed the 126th Commencement exercises held Sunday, May 27.

AT LEFT: Valedictorian Jaylen Prater told his classmates, “To work hard and play straight.”AT CENTER: Valedictorian Kristen Boch commented on the Powder Puff Football team and said it hadnever won a game and scored one touchdown in four years, “But we tried,” she commented.AT RIGHT: After thanking his parents for pushing him hard, Valedictorian Brandon Shover told his class-mates, “Life is a garden,” and then suggested they “Dig it.”

Members of the Wellston School Board and other school dignitaries stood as the Class of 2012 entered the WHS gymnasium. Superinten-dent Karen Boch stands at the podium and prepares to welcome all in attendance.

The WHS choir is shown as it sings For Good to the graduating class. Director Debbie Baker is shown far left.

Wellston top three students are shown as they enter the gymnasium to take their seats in the center ofthe auditorium. Kristen Boch is in the lead followed by Jaylen Prater and Brandon Shover.

ABOVE/LEFT: Wellston’s JohnCarey told the soon to begraduates, “You now have thepossibility to become who youare.” He said, “You will havefailures, but learn from them.”ABOVE/RIGHT: The WHS Bandwas also part of the ceremonyand is shown here as it performsNessun Dorma. The band alsosupplied music for the class pro-cessional and recessional andalso the Alma Mater.AT RGHT: After receiving adiploma and a flower, eachgraduate was greeted by a longline of his or her teachers.

A8 • Wednesday, May 30, 2012 The TelegramFESTIVAL OF FLAGS

The three queens for the 2012 Festival of Flags Court were: SeniorQueen, Rylee Bates, Junior Queen Brianna McNeal and Little QueenAlyssa Gray.

Dwight Icenhower, a world renowned Elvis tribute artist, entertains at the FestivalSunday night. He drew a good crowd for his show.

Rosemary Ross plays the piano at the baked steakdinner held Sunday morning as part of the Oak HillFestival of Flags event.

93rd District Representative Ryan Smith visits with Jackson MayorRandy Heath during the Grand Parade Sunday afternoon.

The antique vehicles belonging to members of the Southern OhioModel A Club rode through the Festival of Flags Grand Parade.

Michael Griffin provided the magical entertainment at the Queen'sTea event Sunday afternoon at the Festival. He has recentlyappeared on “America’s Got Talent.” He is getting some help fromTucker Rhodes with the handcuff trick.

Photos By RedThompson, Jr.

Oak Hill celebrates 20th Anniversary of its hometown Festival of FlagsThe Phil Dirt and the Doz-ers Band highlighted theentertainment Saturdaynight at the Festival ofFlags. The group head-lined the entertainmentduring the first festival 20years ago.

Editor’s Note: The Oak Hill Festival of Flags celebrated its 20th Anniversary in style on Memorial Day Weekend, May25-27, 2012. It has become the signature annual event for the village and draws many visitors from the region as well. TheTelegram congratulates the Festival of Flags Committee on another fine event in our pictorial coverage, displayed here onpages A8 through A11 with all photos taken by Telegram Staff Writer Red Thompson Jr. --spk

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 • A9The Telegram FESTIVAL OF FLAGS

The Subway Sandwich guy wasparticipating in the Oak Hill Fes-tival of Flags Parade. Thenational chain has several localarea locations.

Two-year-old Chandler McCoy waves to the Festival of Flags crowdduring opening ceremonies Friday night.

Jodi Thomas serves up the steak dinners with all the fixings at theSunday dinner sponsored by the Oak Hill Festival of Flags Com-mittee.

The Portland Masonic Lodge members ride through the Festival of Flags Grand Parade Sunday after-noon. The organization is based in Oak Hill.

Main Express owner DenverWolford announced the winnersat the karoake contest Fridaynight at the festival. He is alsoan Oak Hill Festival of FlagsCommittee member.

The Twilight Twirlers group from Oak Hill participated in the Grand Parade heldSunday afternoon. The group had many members in the band.

Cora Willett is running the Pampered Chef booth at theOak Hill Festival of Flags. For more information, log onto www.pamperedchef.biz.

Oak Hill Band featured twirler Megan Rice performs at the Oak HillFestival of Flags Grand Parade Sunday afternoon.

Jackson County Commissioner candidate Bill Vicars visits with for-mer Oak Hill Mayor Paul McNeal.

Photos By RedThompson, Jr.

A10 • Wednesday, May 30, 2012 The TelegramFESTIVAL OF FLAGS

The Oak Hill Community Choir performs the old classic, “Let Me Be There” at the Friday night session ofthe 2012 Festival of Flags.

Long-time Festival of Flags Committee member Mildred Bangert rings the Jackson County Bell 20 times to signify the 20th Anniversary ofthe Festival of Flags.

Oaks Band plays big role in20th Annual Festival of Flags

(Top): The Oak Hill Band, under the direction of Bryce Werntz, partic-ipated in the Oak Hill Festival in many different ways. On Sunday,the band headlined the music for the afternoon parade in the hotweather. Band members also did the catering at the Sunday dinnerand also at the alumni banquet. (Right): Oak Hill High School Bandmember Ty Eller was playing the drums in the Oak Hill Festival ofFlags Grand Parade Sunday afternoon, as the group proceededdown the streets of the village. The band members keep a busyschedule as they have band camp and football season coming soon.

Photos By RedThompson, Jr.

The Apple Festival Queens Court consisting of Queen Jo Beth Win-chester, First Attendant Courtney Hattle, Second Attendant HaleySwackhammer and Little Queen Katelyn Webb rode through theFestival of Flags Grand Parade.

Above: Jackson County Com-missioner candidate PaulHaller was giving away candyduring the Oak Hill Festival ofFlags Parade.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 • A11The Telegram FESTIVAL OF FLAGS

Charlie Crabtree and Kevin Grady were eating an all-American hot dog and French fry dinner at the OakHill Festival of Flags event Thursday night. The two were staffing the Oak Hill Alumni booth.

Joel Canter sings the JohnnyCash classic, “Folsom PrisonBlues” at the Oak Hill Festival ofFlags karaoke show Friday night.

The Oak Hill Amazing Kids group, under the direction of Bambi Roush, opened up the festival entertain-ment with a Friday evening concert.

Carlos Leep sings “PreciousLord, Take My Hand” at the OakHill Festival of Flags karaokeshow Friday night.

Brenda Wilbur was staffing the Adena booth at the 2012 Festival of Flags event. Adena operates clinicsat the Iron Oak Center in Oak Hill and in Jackson on Veterans Drive, and is based in Chillicothe.

Oak Hill Community Choir Director Joyce McClurgdirects the choir through several patriotic songs duringthe 2012 Oak Hill Festival of Flags.

Jacob Tolliver of Portsmouth put on anexcellent Jerry Lee Lewis Tribute Show at the2012 Oak Hill Festival of Flags.

Photos By Red Thompson, Jr.

By Pete WilsonExecutive Editor

With appreciation for expe-riences of the past, but feelinganticipation for the promiseof the future, members of theJackson High School Class of2012 became graduates at theclose of the Commencementprogram Friday evening, May25, at Alumni Stadium.

When it was all over, Jack-son City Board of Educationmembers Randy Evans, AlyceSmith, Ancil Cross, VirgilHamilton and Travis Hugheshad presented diplomas to 173Jackson High School studentsand Center for StudentAchievement board memberEric Brown did the same forthe eight graduating studentsfrom the center.

After Austin Jenkins led hisfellow seniors in a finalgroup cheer and JacksonHigh School Principal JoeHemsley had offered somefinal inspirational thoughts,Hemsley declared the seniorsas graduates of Jackson HighSchool. Tassels were turned,caps were thrown in the airand family members and friends convergedon the newly-declared graduates for hand-shakes, hugs and picture-posing.

The program featured short speeches fromthe four valedictorians of the Class of 2012:Whitney Condit, daughter of Perry and BethCondit; Ben Hutchison, son of BrendaHutchison and Benny and Marsha Hutchi-son; Caleb Reed, son of Brett and GlennaReed; and Jessica Webb, daughter of CindyCinereski and Gerald Webb.

In speaking of her achievement, Condit gavethe main credit to God, but also saluted herfamily members for supporting her andbelieving in her. Condit stated a person’s truelegacy is not their money or fame, but the pos-itive difference they made with others.

“You have a choice to make,” she chal-lenged her fellow graduates. “You will leavea legacy. What will your legacy be?”

Hutchison urged others not to be plaguedwith “regret” and to be willing to take onchallenges and weather adversity.

“Oaks grow strong in contrary winds anddiamonds are made under pressure,” Hutch-sion commented. He advised his fellow grad-uates to refuse to admit defeat, to “pursue yourdreams and never settle for mediocrity.”

Reed began by thanking family and teachersfor providing the loyalty, love and guidancethat helped provide a foundation for success,but noted it was time for the graduates “tochoose our own path.” He urged students topursue the things that would “bring the mostjoy” to their lives rather than the materialthings and social standing.

“Freedom is the will to be responsible toyourself,” Reed advised. “You can learn fromanyone if you’re willing to listen. Be the bestyou can be.”

Webb began by defining the adjective “per-severance” and stating that it applied as agroup trait to the Class of 2012 through its 13years in the Jackson City Schools.

“We have epitomized perseverance. We mayfalter, but we will persevere,” she predicted.

She also offered warm words of thanks to herfamily members, in particular her parents, whobelieved in her and supported her every step ofthe way to her valedictory achievement.

Superintendent Phil Howard had the honorof introducing the high school graduates asthey received their diploma while Center forStudent Achievement Director Jim Pope intro-duced the Center’s graduates.

In addition to his inspirational advice andproclamation at the end of the program, Princi-pal Hemsley offered a greeting to begin theproceedings, which followed the seniors enter-ing the stadium to the sounds of Pomp and Cir-cumstance played by the Jackson High SchoolBand under the direction of Kenneth Hoffman.

Senior Class President Ann Billman reciteda poetic prayer and senior vocalists, under thedirection of Choir Director Clark Walker, sangThe National Anthem.

Jackson High School Assistant Principal ThadHaines introduced the platform guests, whichincluded school board members and administra-tors. Haines also introduced high school facultymembers, which were proclaimed by PrincipalHemsley as “best in Southeastern Ohio.”

A12 • Wednesday, May 30, 2012 The Telegram

TRUST. Holzer.

SCHOOLS

Jackson High School seniors transformed into graduates

The four valedictorians of the Jackson High School Class of 2012 each had the honor ofmaking short speeches during the Commencement Program Friday evening, May 25, atAlumni Stadium. Pictured (from the left) are: Jessica Webb, Caleb Reed, Whitney Condit andBen Hutchison.

Photos By Pete WilsonJackson High School Principal Joe Hemsley (foreground right) confers with Senior Class Advisor Lisa Walker as members of the Jackson High School Class of2012 line up on the gymnasium bleachers for their official class photo prior to the Commencement Program at Alumni Stadium. A total of 173 Jackson HighSchool seniors and eight seniors from the Center for Student Achievement received their diplomas.

Seated members of the Jackson High School Class of 2012 at Alumni Stadium respond as fellow seniorAustin Jenkins leads a group cheer just moments before the class is declared as official graduates.

Platform guests, including Jackson City Board of Education members, stand as they await the arrival ofJackson High School seniors for Jackson High School Commencement Program Friday evening, May 25,at Alumni Stadium. Pictured standing on the front row (from the left) are: Board members Virgil Hamil-ton, Travis Hughes, Ancil Cross, Alyce Smith, Randy Evans, and Superintendent Phil Howard.

ABOVE/LEFT: Jackson High School senior class President Ann Billman (right) has the honor of delivering aprayer to help open the JHS Commencement Program on Friday evening, May 25, at Alumni Stadium.ABOVE/RIGHT: Jackson High School honor student Morgan Coyan (right) poses for a photo after he receiveshis diploma from board of education member Alyce Smith. Coyan is the son of Jackson High School guid-ance counselor Eric Coyan and grandson of retired Jackson High School Superintendent Jack Coyan.