Along with the end of the school year, the 2024 graduation has taken place, marking a farewell to all graduating students.
Around 900 students graduated Friday, including foreign exchange students who came to the school as seniors.
“34 international students [participated] in Graduation,” counselor Justin Graham said.
23 of the 34 exchange students at the school received High School Diplomas. Only international students who were present for both semesters of their senior year were permitted to participate, since one semester is not enough to graduate.
“The cap and gown ceremony is a big part of American culture that we all wanted to experience,” senior international student Nicoline Berg said. “When they decided to let us participate in graduation, it meant a lot because we don’t have a ceremony like that in our home country and some countries don’t even celebrate graduation.”
The ceremony included speeches from a few students, including a solo speech by Valedictorian Sriya Datla, and a combined speech by Kianet Badal and Natalie Mekjian. Datla described the hardships of going through school during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, including virtual school, masks, and lockdowns.
“Class of 2024, we hold a special place in history. After disruption in our lives due to the pandemic, having an in person graduation today feels especially meaningful,” Datla said. “Our class has faced unprecedented challenges, but we [have] become more resilient than ever before.”
These graduating students will move on from high school to their new lives, with many excited for their future endeavors whether that be attending college, taking a needed break or starting their careers.
“I am mostly looking forward to college,” graduating senior Sydney Keane said. “I know that there are so many big things that happen after graduating high school. This is just the beginning and I’m excited to experience so much more.”
The completion of their final year in high school allows these students to embark on new paths to the future that will open for them as they continue to succeed outside of high school.
“I’m most looking forward to my future,” graduating senior Tae Pride said. “I’m really excited to accomplish my dreams and see what happens in my life.”
However, though the future is an exciting prospect for these students, they regret having to leave their friendships behind, not knowing if they will be able to spend time with them.
“I will definitely miss my friends the most,” Keane said. “ I’ve made some of the best connections here at school and many that I will treasure for years to come.”
Friday, June 7, 2024, is an important date for many of the school. It marks the beginning of the future for these graduating students, rather than an end.
“Graduating to me means completing this chapter,” Keane said. “I am so grateful for the connections I have made and the lessons I have learned. I will remember all these experiences at school and take them with me into my next chapter.”
