MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another school year is just about in the books and high schools across Monogalia County are preparing to send another group of seniors into the world.
Approximately 750 students across four high schools county wide will receive their high school diplomas.
Kicking off the festivities Friday evening at the Colesium will be University High School, graduating 303 students and marking the first time UHS has more than 300 students in a graduating class.
“You know, a lot of times they are like your kids,” University High Principal Kim Greene said.
“You just, enjoy them so much, you get to enjoy their achievements, and we’re very proud of everything our senior class has done this year.”
On Saturday, graduation ceremonies continue at The Coliseum as Morgantown High will graduate more than 400 students — including two Presidential Award semi-finalists, 12 Merit Award finalists, and a WVU Prestigious Foundation scholar along with several AP scholars.
“Just seeing the kids come up and thank you for everything that you have done over those years even if you don’t remember what you’ve done for them,” Morgantown High Principal Paul Mihalko said. “It’s nice to be able to stand on that stage and shake each kid’s hand.”
Graduation ceremonies for Clay-Battelle High School are set for Sunday afternoon at the Statler-Wilson Gym. The Class of 2019 unique for CBHS in its smaller than usual size.
“Sometimes you don’t even know that you touched somebody’s life until it comes time for graduation,” CBHS Principal David Cottrell said. “In the last week or so, I got some pretty nice cards and letters and those type things, and that’s what makes the house all worth it.
While not a part of the weekend ceremonies, the Monongalia County Technical Education Center celebrated their students moving on to the work force. The annual certificate ceremony was held Wednesday.
MTEC offers students an opportunity to gain skills that would be needed to immediately enter the workforce.
“Most of our students who graduated are coming out, work ready,” said Cottrell. “A lot of those students, especially in the electrical program, they’re ready to get into the apprenticeship program, a lot of those kids who have been through the welding program, they have their certifications, they’re job ready.”