Centralia High School honored the Class of 2024 at its graduation ceremony on Sunday. Trout Arena was packed full of seniors’ friends and families present to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class, of which there were many.
Valedictorian Meredith May presents the welcome.
Valedictorian Meredith May, the first of two senior speakers, talked about the variety of talents in the class of 2024, recapping noteworthy events throughout the class’s time in high school and student accomplishments in art, music, athletics, and academics. May told her classmates to have confidence in their abilities.
“As I look around this gym today, I see so many uniquely talented and uniquely different individuals ready to make their mark on the world… The Class of 2024 is talented and accomplished… with all of our unique gifts and talents, I have no doubt we will leave a lasting impression on the world.”
Class salutatorian Sophia Barrow.
School board president Galen Mahle advised the graduates to stay optimistic as they went to make their futures and to be ready to recognize and make the most of whatever opportunities might come their way.
“To take advantage of these opportunities, you must be open. You must be willing to take a look, be willing to learn something new, or try something different… That is what I want you to leave CHS with today: the encouragement and responsibility to take everything you have learned in your life, and everything you will learn, to guide your future.”
Salutatorian Sophia Barrow gave closing senior remarks, reminding her classmates that each of them had something to offer, and told them to make the most of their special qualities.
“Our class is destined for great things. Every one of you has something that makes you who you are. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, musician, or anything else that makes you special, hold close to those things and use them in the future when you need them the most… Know that it is you and only you that can decide who you want to be. Surround yourself with those who believe in you, love you, and make you feel worthy.”
This year’s graduating class had over 180 graduates. According to Principal Reid Shipley, the class has accumulated a total of 2.8 million dollars in scholarships. Over forty honors graduates had a cumulative GPA above 3.9 across seven semesters at CHS.
Graduates celebrate after getting their diplomas by throwing their caps into the air. Photo by Austin Williams.
