The Class of 2022 at Columbia High School celebrated graduation on May 26 in the auditorium of the school, 901 Ironville Pike. The 150th commencement featured the largest class in the past five years at the school, with 94 students graduating.

Principal Elizabeth Landis spoke to the students and audience members, noting the accomplishments of the student body. "We celebrate each graduate and the role they have played in positively impacting our whole campus community," she said. "Before you are scholars, thespians, musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, employees and the list could go on. This class is a talented and inspired group."

Urging the students to stand out from the crowd, she quoted Steve Jobs and his belief that people who think outside the box are the ones who make a difference. "Class of 2022, think differently," Landis said. "Be a misfit, be a round peg in a square hole. Be crazy enough to think that you can change the world, because you can, and you will."

Six student speakers addressed their classmates and the audience, each highlighting a defining moment in his or her life. Ethan Schmitt spoke of making a promise to himself not to work an unfulfilling job just for a paycheck, but to instead work hard to reach his goals. Class president Kylie Aston recalled several defining moments in her life, all of which led her to where she is today. Alayna Morales spoke about enduring an eight-hour spinal surgery and how her recovery helped her to appreciate the little things in life that many people take for granted. Robert Footman recounted breaking his leg and the toll the incident took on him physically and mentally as well as how it inspired him to give back to his community.

Ereny Hanna spoke about her family's experience immigrating to the United States from Egypt. "My parents decided to leave everything they had behind, because they were thinking of the future of their own children," she said. Wrapping up the student speeches, valedictorian Sarah Hollerbush emphasized that defining moments are not always positive experiences, describing how she took steps to escape a domestic abuse situation and emerge not as a victim, but a survivor.

Following the ceremony, the students proceeded to the school courtyard for the traditional tossing of the caps to celebrate their achievement.