Atlanta High School Graduates 22 | News, Sports, Jobs

News photo by Darby Hinkley Atlanta high school valedictorian Ava Arnold walks into a gymnasium full of fans during Atlanta’s opening ceremony Friday.

ATLANTA — Thirteen of Atlanta High School’s 22 graduates have spent the last 13 years learning together, and now the entire Class of 2024 is ready to take on “the real world.”

Twenty graduates participated in Friday evening’s commencement ceremony, and two were absent.

Valedictorian Ava Arnold, in her speech, told her classmates, “I have seen each of you accomplish so much over the years, and I am confident that you will continue to accomplish greater exploits in the future. »

She talked about all the opportunities that await us.

“As high school graduates, we will have new freedoms and exciting opportunities on which to build our futures,” Arnold said. “But, as most of us probably realize, adulthood also involves a host of new challenges and responsibilities… Fortunately, the last 13 years of education and experiences have prepared us to face this kind challenges.”

She encouraged her fellow graduates to slow down, enjoy every moment and pursue happiness rather than money. She also told them not to take the people in their lives for granted.

“Put effort into your relationships,” she said. “Show kindness. Show humility… The people you meet truly play a big role in who you are… I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people in my life who have guided, encouraged and supported me through both good times. and bad.

Salutatorian Keegan Culham thanked teachers and staff for guiding her and her classmates on their journey to graduation.

“Your dedication, passion and belief in our potential have been a constant source of inspiration,” Culham told them.

She also shared some words of wisdom with her classmates and well-wishers.

“Today is a celebration of our hard work and perseverance,” she said. “We learned to think critically, to question ourselves and to never give up. »

Culham told his classmates: “High school isn’t just about textbooks and exams. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, a journey of self-discovery and, lest we forget, a test of our ability to function on minimal sleep.

She said that self-motivation is key to achieving your goals.

“We can’t let the thought of failure stop us from taking risks,” Culham said. “As we leave high school behind and look to the future, let us remember that the end of this journey is only the beginning of another…Now the real world is our playground. »

Randy McKenzie III delivered the keynote address. He attended Atlanta Community Schools until age 16, then moved to Kalkaska to graduate in 2014. He enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after high school and served as a member field artillery gun crew at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. After two years of service, he applied and was accepted by the United States Military Academy at West Point. He earned a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics with a pre-medical track and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He currently resides at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where he is a medical service officer. He plans to attend medical school where he will continue his service as an Army medical provider.

In his speech, McKenzie encouraged the new graduates to pursue their dreams and not worry about what others might think.

“Each of you is full of complexities and wonders that haven’t even begun to surface,” McKenzie told the graduates.

He said life can be unpredictable, but finding and following your true passion is key.

Atlanta Community Schools Superintendent Tony Suszek, in his commencement address, told the graduates, “Find something you love to do, really have a passion for it, and work hard…Have a positive attitude, have the willingness to be mentored or trained, and you will be very, very successful.

He added that 77% of this year’s graduates will attend a trade school, community college or university, and 23% will enter the workforce directly. These are the same percentages as in 2023, he said.

“Class of 2024, you will be successful if you have the work ethic, the drive, the moral ethics, the passion and if you are a lifelong learner,” Suszek said. “Please keep learning…lifelong learning is what it’s all about.” »