Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2025 Senior Celebration

​Richmond, IN – On Wednesday evening, the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Senior Celebration at the First Bank Richmond Expo Hall. The event recognized high school seniors from across the county who demonstrated exceptional school attendance as part of the Chamber’s Every Day Counts program.

To qualify for the celebration, students had to meet the following criteria:

• No more than three excused absences throughout the school year
• Doctor’s appointments excused only if the student returned to school the same day
• No more than two tardies per semester
• On track to graduate with a high school diploma

Each senior in attendance met these standards and was invited to celebrate their commitment with a night full of fun, recognition, and prizes. The event kicked off with a scooter race between Western Wayne’s Rene Lakes and Richmond High School’s Josh Amyx. Josh Amyx took the win and earned this year’s scooter race bragging rights as well as the traveling trophy.

Students had the chance to win a wide range of prizes, including gift cards, waterproof speakers, and other electronics. The evening culminated in one lucky senior winning a car, generously donated by Wetzel Auto. Every student in attendance left with a prize, with a value of $50 or more in addition to scholarships and book credits from IU East, Ivy Tech, and Earlham.

Shrey Bhakta of Richmond took home the grand prize: a brand-new car generously provided by Wetzel Auto. DOT Foods also surprised the second-place senior with a $2,500 award, adding to the excitement of the day’s celebrations.

“Good attendance is a foundational piece of preparing our next generation,” said Shawntel Baker, WCACC Director of Membership and Education. “We’re proud to celebrate these seniors and reward their continued commitment and effort.”

This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the following sponsors and donors:

• First Bank Richmond
• Wetzel Auto
• Ivy Tech Richmond
• IU East
• Earlham College
• DOT Foods, Inc.
• Ahaus Tool & Engineering
• Richmond Power & Light
• Meijer
• Walmart
• EDC
• Osborn
• Berry Plastics
• DOT Foods (Pizza)
• Parlor Doughnuts
• Richmond Parks Department
• G101.3

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Thanks to their support, the 2025 Senior Celebration was not only a night to remember but a meaningful investment in Wayne County’s future leaders.