Subscribe RH Love

Wylie East graduates 567 students

by | May 31, 2023 | Latest

The top two graduates of the Class of 2023 focused on being judged by numbers and staying true to oneself in their commencement speeches to their classmates.

The 567 students of Wylie East High School’s most recent graduating class walked the stage Saturday, May 27, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen.

Wylie East High School Principal Tiffany Doolin gave opening remarks, focusing on her proudness of this year’s graduates.

“There are no words for how proud I am of you today,” Doolin said. “Having a front row seat to cheer you on each day is a priceless bonus. I cannot wait to see everything you will accomplish both as a principal and overjoyed mom of a graduate. You are leaving a legacy of greatness at Wylie East and Wylie ISD.”

She continued, challenging graduates to approach their futures with eagerness and acceptance.

“As you move forward from high school, you will be tested in ways you cannot imagine,” Doolin said. “I have no doubt you have the skills, knowledge and character to succeed. Whether you are headed to college, a vocational program, the military or the workforce, my challenge to you is to approach the future with open minds, arms and hearts.”

Following Doolin’s address, salutatorian Troy Teggatz spoke to his fellow graduates with a theme of independence reflecting on weaknesses and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

“We have all worked toward our strengths in high school, but going forward, I believe that reflecting on some of our weaknesses will determine how far we go,” Troy said. “Every vulnerability is an opportunity to reflect on yourself. Try something uncomfortable like talking in front of thousands of people.”

He continued, emphasizing his own self-improvement by zeroing in on his weaknesses.

“Continuing to be myself and focusing on my weaknesses has contributed to the person I am today,” Troy said. “Once we work on our weaknesses, we must believe that we can achieve anything we set our mind to. You are the driving force in determining who you are and the contribution you add to the world.”

Following Troy’s speech, valedictorian Robert Price addressed the Class of 2023. During his address, Robert focused on the challenges he and his classmates will face when they step into the world.

“We will face monumental challenges as we grow into the next phase of our lives, just like the ones we have faced already: getting jobs, managing a budget and sticking to a schedule,” Robert said. Sometimes, the challenges will come unexpectedly, like when COVID completely derailed our freshman year. We can’t always control what obstacles we encounter, but we can prepare to do our best every day.”

He continued by saying that there are still strong supporting casts behind graduates as they encounter challenges life throws at them.

“We must remember that we are not alone,” Robert said. “We have each other, our families, teachers and community to guide us along the way. We must also stay true to our values and passions in our journeys to surpass our obstacles.”

In the final portion of his speech, he urged the Class of 2023 to make a positive change in the world.

“For the sake of all the generations that came before us and those that will come after, let us fix the systems we see damaged and better all things we touch,” Robert said.

Following Robert’s address, Doolin declared the Class of 2023 graduates and they were given their diplomas.

For more stories such as this and to support local journalism, subscribe to The Wylie News.

Subscribe RH Love

0 Comments

Subscribe RH Love

Related News

Citizens sound off at council meeting

Citizens sound off at council meeting

McMillen Road was originally slated to be completed in May 2025. Chad Engbrock / The Wylie News  McMillen Road construction delays cause frustration for home, business owners Attendance at last week’s Wylie City Council meeting was higher than usual, largely...

read more
Wylie ISD begins budget planning

Wylie ISD begins budget planning

The routine business of charting the financial direction of Wylie Independent School District is in progress and included a budget presentation at last month’s board of trustees meeting. As Wylie ISD prepares for the 2025-26 fiscal year, administrators are building a...

read more
Early voting begins April 22

Early voting begins April 22

Residents from Collin County cities with upcoming general elections will head to the polls later this month to begin the early voting process to elect city council members and Collin College trustees in contested races.  The first day of early voting is Tuesday,...

read more
Final scores for week of April 7-12

Final scores for week of April 7-12

Wylie East senior Alex Herod makes contact with the ball during Friday's home game against Rowlett. Photo by Elijah Kloepping / C&S Media From Staff Reports Final scores for games played by Wylie and Wylie East from April 7-12: Friday, April 11 Baseball Rowlett 2,...

read more
Order photos