Seniors Celebrated At 2023 Commencement

Posted Date: 05/23/2023

.@UnionHSTulsa 2023 Commencement Highlight: https://t.co/hx6aamfj8g@UnionSchools

— Union Schools (@UnionSchools) May 23, 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

For the first time since 2019, all of the seniors at Union High School were able to celebrate together in an outdoor commencement for the ages on Saturday, May 20 at Union Tuttle Stadium.
Reigning National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson of Union High School asked seniors to focus on the U and everything it means to be a Redhawk, throwing the U to the crowd, as she spoke to the packed stadium.

Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler also spoke to the audience, as well as three valedictorians, and Principal John Chargois.
It was the first time since 2019 when all of the seniors were able to participate in a graduation ceremony after Covid-19 forced Union to be creative in how it celebrates graduation. Weather had also hampered previous celebrations, requiring smaller ceremonies to be held inside the UMAC.

Heavy rains on Friday, however, cleared up and Union was able to host commencement in the new stadium for the first time as seniors filled up white chairs on the football field. Families and friends filled both sides of the stadium and small outflow crowds flanked the northern portions of the stadium.
“You have been a remarkable class,” Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler told the seniors. “Time and time again your tenacity and work ethic have driven you to succeed and be your best. The legacy you have left through your teamwork and championships, your high levels of volunteerism, and your motivation to achieve has made your class highly respected and means that you are well suited for success after high school.”

If you missed the ceremony, you can see the ceremony and see all of the speeches as it was streamed live on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/yesL847daV0?feature=share

More than 530 pictures of the event have been posted to the Union High School Facebook page as well. https://www.facebook.com/UnionHighPTSA

Watch drone footage of the ceremony here: https://youtu.be/eCiaxIkxn9g