As one chapter closed, another began Sunday, May 26, in West Liberty High School’s gymnasium, where more than 80 graduates took their final walk as the Class of 2024.
“Looking back, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Genna Evans as she recalled many of the special memories shared by her fellow classmates.
The gymnasium was absolutely packed, filled with family, friends, and community members ready to watch the official commencement of the Class of 2024.
“We navigated the pandemic with our eighth-grade year cut short, we joined countless Google meetings and Zoom classes,” recalled Evans.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in their lives, causing an early end to their eighth-grade year and marking a whole new way of doing things as freshmen.
“Now here we are, seniors, eagerly waiting to walk this stage, soon to be alumni of West Liberty High School,” she said with a sense of accomplishment.
“Class of 2024, this is our moment. Now we get to step out into the world with courage, confidence, and compassion. Remember, fellow Comets, the future belongs to us,” she concluded.
During the ceremony, the graduates were acknowledged for their various accolades, standing to receive applause when called upon by Principal Brenda Arthur Miller.
Those accolades included silver cords, the National Honor Society, ACT 29+ Club, FFA success, Dual Language Graduates, those with a GPA of 4.0 and higher, and more.
While 13 graduates achieved a GPA of 4.0 or higher, the honorable distinction of salutatorian was given to Betsy Bejarano, while Lila Guerra was named the valedictorian.
Nearly 40 were graduates of the Dual Language program, 17 were members of the National Honor Society, and two, Addyson Lehman and Mary Tharp, earned 29 or better on the ACT.
It was truly a special moment as the graduates walked into the crowded gymnasium to “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“Welcome to the 2024 graduation ceremony for West Liberty High School,” said Principal Arthur Miller. “We are here to witness the achievement of these remarkable students.”
After playing the National Anthem, the high school concert band played the final movement of “La Fiesta de San Antonio” by Charles L. Booker Jr.
This was followed by a performance of Andrea Ramsey’s “Crowded Table” by the high school choir. Both pieces were specially chosen by this year’s graduates.
“The meaningful words of this song are a strong representation of the experience and culture that is cultivated within the choir room and, hopefully, carried beyond graduation,” said Arthur Miller.
Fitting to the Class of 2024 was its motto by Douglas Adams: “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”
This sentiment was echoed by Dionni Garcia-Vasquez, who also addressed her fellow classmates that Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve learned that our true character comes out when things don’t go right for us. We realize that every community needs someone to look up to. Now, going forward, that person could be you,” she said.
She also talked about the impact of COVID-19 and the Class of 2024’s perseverance and potential to become leaders in the future.
“Another reason the Class of 2024 is so successful is the abundance of opportunities provided for us,” she said.
Garcia-Vasquez stated that the graduating class as a whole earned more than 400 credits collectively towards college, while many received significant scholarships.
“This community has the best people, the best resources, the best opportunities. We are the best,” she said.
“Our achievements could not have been possible without the unwavering support of our family, friends, mentors, and educators,” she concluded. “Let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all those who supported us along this journey.”
Soon after, several senior student government representatives stood upfront to lead the moving of the tassel, marking their change from student to graduate.
Right after, the Class of 2024 flung their caps into the air.
“High school feels like the end, but it is truly the beginning of the next chapter of your lives. Each of you has found success in a variety of ways,” said Principal Arthur Miller.
“You’ve experienced success however you define it; you made it this far,” she said. “You will face challenges, but you can succeed at whatever you set your mind to.”
With that, she wished congratulations to the Class of 2024, which was accentuated by bursts of confetti (a LOUD surprise from the graduates).
And just like that, the class exited the gymnasium to be embraced by friends and family in the commons and outside on a beautiful afternoon, taking a final chance to be together.
It may have been a strange few years but they made it. It was time to celebrate.
The West Liberty Index would like to repeat what was said so often during the graduation ceremony: congratulations to the Class of 2024!