COLUMBUS, Ind. — For the students at CSA New Tech — a high school centered on a project-based learning model — every school year is filled with new endeavors and experiments.
However, as senior Ethan Burton put it, the past few years, in and off themselves, have been a long-term assignment.
“We launched the four-year project of high school after eighth grade and now we have finished up that project,” he said. “We are gathered here to celebrate an end to this project in a CSA fashion.”
CSA New Tech held its 2023 graduation ceremony Friday night in Columbus East High School’s gymnasium.
Burton was among those who spoke, encouraging his peers that even though endings can be bittersweet, they can look forward to a new beginning and be confident in the skills they’ve honed during their high school career.
“During this project that we call high school, we developed our collaborative, oral communication and written communication skills,” he said. “These are things that we practice every day. Whether it’s a group project, public speaking or an essay, we can use these skills for the rest of our lives — like practicing my public speaking right now.”
Principal Mike Reed likewise commended students on their achievements.
“Members of the class of 2023, we’re proud of who you’ve become,” said Principal Mike Reed. “All of you have demonstrated great perseverance through an especially challenging senior year.”
Senior Abigail Shute noted that the challenges began their freshman year, with classes going virtual in the fourth quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, even as she recalled the different transitions and obstacles her class faced during their four years, Shute commended her peers on their ability to succeed amidst shakeups.
“Our class is the definition of defying expectations,” she said. “And we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
For the complete story, see Sunday’s Republic.
