Taylor High presents Class of 2025; faculty certify graduates

Taylor High School held its commencement at the Cintas Center, where school administrators presented diplomas and certified the Class of 2025 as having completed graduation requirements of the Ohio Department of Education, the Three Rivers Local School District and Taylor High School.

The ceremony included speeches from Superintendent Dr. Mark Ault, Assistant Principal Dan Perlman, student body president Vita Savage, class president Brian Seibert, vice president Anna March, salutatorian Morgan Kelling and valedictorian Gabrielle “Gabby” Fenton. Assistant Principal Dan Perlman formally certified the class to Board President Garren Evans on behalf of the faculty before student names were read and diplomas were distributed.

Student remarks emphasized seizing the present, growth and purpose. Student body president Vita Savage said, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.” Class president Brian Seibert urged peers to pursue “growth and purpose,” and salutatorian Morgan Kelling quoted guidance she received to “mentally accept the change” as graduates move into new chapters. Valedictorian Gabrielle Fenton reflected on shared experiences and friendships built across high school.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Ault placed the graduating class in the school’s longer history and noted the class continues traditions dating to the school’s early years. Ault referred to the current graduating class when he said the ceremony honored “all 150 some tailor made seniors,” and he reviewed historical anecdotes about Taylor High School as part of his remarks.

Assistant Principal Dan Perlman presented the certification on behalf of the faculty, stating that the students before the board president had completed the graduation requirements of the Ohio Department of Education, the Three Rivers Local School District and Taylor High School. Marla Heckman and Allison Heisel assisted by reading the roster of graduates and their post‑graduate plans. The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of tassels and a recessional; audience members were asked to remain seated until graduates had exited the arena.

The program recognized academic distinctions including valedictorian Gabrielle Fenton, salutatorian Morgan Kelling and the top vocational student, Calum Metz. Presenters also acknowledged retiring staff and district personnel and thanked families, teachers and Cintas Center staff for supporting the commencement.