Wissahickon Class of 2019 is College and Career Ready

Diplomas in hand and hats in the air…312 students and their families proudly celebrated graduation from Wissahickon High School during commencement on June 6, 2019.

The Class of 2019 was honored for their many achievements and provided words of advice and encouragement for their future. Congratulations were provided by Student Council President Thomas Shen ’19, Valedictorian Ryan Zhao ’19, WMS Principal Beth Bauer and WHS Principal Dr. Lynne Blair who encouraged students to “let that confidence feed your courage and instill a sense of bravery in you. Immerse yourself in a life that allows your values and your voice to make a difference.” Superintendent Dr. James A. Crisfield, emphasizing how WHS graduates exemplify good character and citizenship, told graduates to “get out there and show the world that you are both smart and kind. This is how we roll here in Wiss Nation.”

The post-secondary plans of the Class of 2019 demonstrates the district’s mission to prepare its graduates to be “college and career ready.” Of the 312 graduates, 76% plan to attend a four-year college, 16% plan to attend a two-year/technical/trade school, 8% will pursue a gap year, work or other opportunities and three students will enter the military.

John R. Johnson Jr. is among the graduates who is leaving Wissahickon High School career ready. During high school, he participated in the Co-Op program at North Montco Technical Career Center, which enabled him to begin working for Swartley Builders during his senior year. Swartley Builders offered him a full-time job as a carpenter, which he will start this June.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to learn about the trade and meet new people while working in the field,” said Johnson.
Johnson earned his OSHA 10 certification, a certificate of occupational safety and health for construction workers, and four different certifications from the American Ladder Institute. He scored Advanced in the NOCTI exam, a standardized test for students studying career and technical programs.