In his speech, the valedictorian, Alexander Lou, recounted the unique experiences of the class of 2024. He highlighted the disruptions and the resilience required to overcome the obstacles presented by the pandemic. Lou took time to thank the teachers, administrators, and families for their unwavering support throughout the students’ educational journey.

Following the valedictorian’s speech, the diplomas were distributed, with each graduate’s name announced to the assembly. A member of the Board of Education took the floor to certify that the graduates had met all the educational requirements set forth, officially marking the completion of their high school education.

Earlier in the ceremony, the principal addressed the graduates with words of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the “little things” in life and the value of kindness. The principal’s message also included a call to action for graduates to put down their phones and engage more fully with the world around them. This advice resonated with the broader themes of connection and presence in the moment, which were echoed throughout the ceremony.

The assistant superintendent, who also addressed the gathering, spoke about the importance of finding one’s purpose and using it as a guiding principle in life. The message was aimed at encouraging graduates to find direction and motivation in their future endeavors, whether in further education, careers, or personal development.

A member of the Board of Education shared congratulatory remarks with the graduates, advising them to always remember the support system that propelled them to this moment of success. The message underscored the importance of gratitude and the recognition of those who contribute to one’s achievements.

Additionally, a senior class officer took the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges faced by their peers. The officer’s speech was a call to perseverance and passion, recognizing the shared experiences that bonded the class of 2024 together and the individual efforts that led to their collective success.

The salutatorian, too, delivered a speech, focusing on the difficulty of finding the perfect words to capture the gravity of the occasion. Despite the challenge, the salutatorian expressed gratitude and optimism for the future, contributing to the ceremony’s overall atmosphere of reflection and celebration.

Throughout the commencement exercises, a consistent theme of encouragement and advice pervaded the speeches. The celebration was marked by a positive atmosphere, with speakers focusing on the graduates’ achievements and the new beginnings that lay ahead. The ceremony not only recognized the academic accomplishments of the students but also provided them with guidance and inspiration as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.