From masks to milestones: Wood seniors graduate with heart

When Will C. Wood High School’s graduating class of 2025 first arrived on campus as Freshmen, they did so in masks, an accessory many were surely eager to leave behind. As they prepared to leave their time at Wood behind, however, speakers reflected on two other losses: the loss of face-to-face time due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and the loss of charismatic football coach Jacob Wright, who died suddenly last year.

All of these experiences were mixed in with firsts, however, as speakers also reflected on dances, concerts, and lessons learned. The roller coaster these students rode these last four years taught students resiliency, speakers said, a hallmark of The Wildcat Way.

Following the procession of graduates onto the field, Principal Charleston Brown welcomed them to the firs