Surrounded by a stadium full of family, friends and teachers, the Lawrence High Class of 2024 bid farewell to LHS with one final walk across the football field before turning tassels and tossing caps.
Superintendent Anthony Lewis opened the ceremony with an inspirational speech to motivate the graduating class for the next chapter in their lives.
“Know that you are capable of anything you set your mind to,” Lewis said. “Stay true to your values, and never forget the lessons you learned along the way.”
Lewis also expressed how proud he was of the graduates.
“I have no doubt that each and every one of you will go on to accomplish extraordinary things and leave your mark in your own unique way,” he said.
Senior speakers Ivory Jones and Finn Lotton-Barker addressed their class with an upbeat tone and encouragement.
“Our story is undeniably permanent, so our regret is irrelevant,” Lotton-Barker said. “Knowing we could have done things differently – that’s growing.”
As seniors walked across the field to receive their diplomas, their names were read by the teachers whom the class chose for the occasion.
Beloved calculus teacher Matt Ellis was among them, finishing his last year at LHS.
“It’s always an honor to be chosen to read,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of good classes over the years, and this was definitely one of them.”
Reflecting on the ceremony, seniors expressed their feelings about finishing four years of high school.
“It’s a big accomplishment,” Peyton Ramsey said. “I’m pretty happy.”
Many seniors felt bittersweet about the night.
“I’m a mix of excited but also sad because I really like high school,” Miri Pickman said. “I love being around all these people every day, but I’m excited for something new.”
Friends and teachers filled the field after the ceremony to congratulate the graduates.
“They’re going to do great,” Ellis said. “They have bright futures ahead of them.”
