First AKHS Class Graduates – June 1962

Sixty years ago this month, the first graduating class of the new Admiral King High School in Lorain, Ohio held its commencement.

Above is the page of the June 15, 1962 Lorain Journal with the news, in an article written by Dan Murr.

As noted in the article, "Before a capacity audience of 2,400 persons, 280 seniors graduated in the AKHS gymnasium Thursday night.

"Dr. John W. Evans, superintendent of public schools, told the first class to graduate from Admiral King: "You are unique."

"Dr. Joseph F. Calta, AKHS principal, announced the first honor students, a total of 14 with one honorable mention.

"No greater recognition can be given to a high school student than to be named an honor graduate," the principal said. "It indicates they have placed school work first and made sacrifices in other areas."

"Dan Hronek, president of the first graduating class, asked his fellow grads to try and live up to the best they have, thanked the Board of Education, AKHS faculty members and the city of Lorain, then presented the class of 1962.

"The AKHS band, directed by Tom Evans, played two selections and the processional march, "Pomp and Circumstance" and the recessional march, "His Honor."

"The a cappella choir, directed by Donald Mayer, sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "Almighty God of our Fathers.""