Troy High School graduates 31; 106-year-old librarian honored

Seldom are the benefits of a small-school education so evident as they were Sunday evening during Troy High School’s commencement ceremony.

Teacher, Coach and Mentor Tony Smith spoke eloquently about the relationships he has attained with each of Troy High School’s 31 graduates. For many, Smith had as students at some point during their four years. Others, however, he had come to know “without the pleasure of them being in his class.”

Smith spoke fondly of each student, sharing personal anecdotes  of growth, many of which were mutual. He shared the keynote address with fellow teacher Nia Vestal, whom he called progressive.

The graduation was punctuated with an honor of Hazel Walch, the 106-year-old former Troy High School librarian who was introduced by Troy Board President John Konzen, who was a student who acknowledged that Walch looked much the same.

“You’ve changed,” Walch told Konzen.

In addition to being THS’s first full-time school librarian, she taught math, science and reading. 

“She used to make 200 gingerbread cookies. All the kids wanted to be among the first 200 to get to her house on Halloween.”

Walch was presented a bouquet of flowers and a huge cardboard gingerbread house.

The ceremony also marked the final for Superintendent Dan Wendt, who is leaving to pursue other interests. Principal Jacob Francom has been named to follow Wendt at the board office.

Among the honorees were Valedictorian Michaela Curry and Salutatorian Holli Higgins.

“I’m incredibly honored,” Curry told her classmates to be speaking before them. Curry urged her classmates to “gravitate toward the arms of success,” which will help them become “alive and not just living.”

Higgins urged her classmates to find their passion which will help them “find a meaning of life.”

Spencer Swimley introduced Smith and Vestal. Board members Melinda Thompson assisted Wendt with the presentation of the diplomas.

Alanah True-Silva read the benediction.