WILMINGTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY 3 2136 00323 9849 Do Not Take From This Room %Tri-lINOTON HIGH [1 Rft Chur^ Street- iWilminsrton, MAOlS^ Hourglass 2017 This book is dedicated to Mrs. Joanne Benton Interim Superintendent of Schools After serving as Wilmington’s Superintendent of Schools for 7 years from 2007 - 2014, Mrs. Benton retired. Two years later, in October 2016, the district was in need of an interim superintendent. In a post that would have been difficult for anyone to fill, Mrs. Benton returned to reprise her role with ease. She brought stability and reassurance back to the district and helped facilitate a smooth transition to a new full-time superintendent. We are grateful for Mrs. Benton’s dedication to Wilmington and her enduring commitment to our schools and children. The Class of 2017 would especially like to thank Mrs. Benton for her kindness and enthusiasm throughout our childhood, when she read to us, walked the WEF walks with us, and attended our countless concerts. Through her example, we learned to value both our education and community. Thank you, Mrs. Benton! (Photo used with permission, Bruce Hilliard Photography, www.brucehilliard.com) 2 Seniors 8 Class photo, senior photos, superlatives, senior survey, baby photos Juniors 64 Sophomores 72 Freshmen 80 90 Faculty, Administration & Staff Clubs & Activities 96 107 Events 132 Junior Prom, Homecoming, Mr & Miss, Spirit Days, Flag Football, Culture Fest, Talent Showl Ads 149 Parent and Business Ads WORK HARD. BE KIND. I wish to congratulate the Class of 2017 on your many accomplishments. You are a very special class. You are a class filled with scholars, musicians, athletes, artist, dancers and dreamers. Over the past four years you have soared on the athletic field, in the classroom, on the stage and in the community. Walt Disney claimed that, “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Well you are a class of dreamers. You all possess dreams of some sort. Whether they are the occupations you envision for your future, some feat you wish to accomplish, or even a faraway place you long to visit, these dreams dwell inside you. Do not let them slip away because of the words of someone or because obstacles seem to stand in your path. You must reach for the stars and for your dreams. You need to laugh a lot, listen loudly, talk quietly, dance until your legs collapse, assist others, and never give up on your dreams until you reach them. It is important to satisfy all your passions in life by experiencing everything you find remotely interesting. Take the gifts that you have been given by nature and schooling out into the world, be open to all you encounter, and when times seem particularly tough, remember there is a small little town called Wilmington, shaped like a mitten, that is waiting to welcome you home. Best regards, Joanne Benton Interim Superintendent of Schools To the Class of 2017 Thank you.. .thank you... thank you for being the YOU that you are. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been able to come to know you as I have over the past four years. Your spirit, your enthusiasm, your sense of community, and your commitment to the values we hold so high at WHS are to be commended. You are the first class with whom I have followed for your entire high school career. You may be wondering where these four years have gone. If you take some time to reflect on your four-year journey at WHS, I hope that you remember the good times, the positive experiences, the fun you had, the differences you have made, and the people who have made this journey so meaningful. Whether your strengths are in academics, athletics, art, music, or drama what matters most is that you arrived here every day ready to do the right thing. I will always remember that about YOU. Saying goodbye is never easy but having many moments with such a wonderful group of young people has afforded me countless memories. If I could offer you any advice as you leave WHS, I would tell you to find something to do that you love. If you have a dream, follow it. If you have a talent, pursue it. If you can, give. You have much to offer. Life is beautiful especially if you love what you do. You have made me love what I do. I can never thank you enough for that. Take care of yourself. Take care of each other To the Class of 2017 We are honored and proud to be a part of your senior year. The wonderful thing about being assistant principals is that we have the opportunity to interact with you all in so many different ways. Sometimes, the interactions aren’t always for the best reasons, but we always leave them with good impressions of you as people, as students, and as mature adults. Whether we’re haranguing you about turning in your community service or cheering you on at the Girl’s Flag Football game, we know that you will handle every situation maturely and give it the care and attention it deserves. You are great people, and you’ll do great things! To the Classes of 2018 and beyond. You have big shoes to fill. Work hard, and care for others, and you may be as great as the group leaving us this year. Sincerely, Christopher Phillips and Jonathan Merenda Assistant Principals