On May 31, graduation will be held at Mansion Park. The ceremony will begin with a welcome from superintendent Brad Hatch, followed by the National Anthem, sung by senior Leah St. Croix.
“Ever since I found out that someone in the vocal ensemble sings the anthem, I hoped that I would be able to in my graduating year. I am ecstatic about singing it, and I hope that everyone will enjoy it,” St. Croix said.
Following the National Anthem, opening remarks will be delivered by senior Aaliyah McGee.
“I am so excited but also nervous. I know that I will be crying like a baby on stage, so I have to prepare myself for that. Overall I am excited,” McGee said.
Three student speeches will follow. Senior Madasin Garrison will deliver a speech as the GACTC Distinguished Student. Following her speech, salutatorian Laney Yost will speak.
“I am a little nervous about delivering a speech, but I have done a fair share of public speaking so I am hoping it won’t be too bad,” Garrison said.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent the class of 2024 at our graduation. I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for me after high school,” Yost said.
Valedictorian Wyatt Young will be the last to deliver a speech before diplomas are presented.
“I am extremely honored to be valedictorian of my class,” Young said. “Not only am I proud of my academic accomplishments, but the path it took me on has taught me so much. Taking advantage of all the opportunities at the school and having a genuine curiosity around learning has motivated me throughout high school. Similarly, the support of my family and teachers kept me motivated to allow me to work towards my academic goals.”
Senior class president Julia Kline will give a message to the senior class, before receiving her diploma.
“I am a little bit nervous about speaking at graduation but I’m also excited to have this unique opportunity,” Kline said. “It feels very exciting to graduate because I’m ready for the next step in my life, and I am sure everyone else is ready to start new adventures.”
At the end of the ceremony, senior Jane Fox will sing the Alma Mater, before senior Jake Yohn delivers the closing remarks as the benediction speaker.
“It feels really odd to be graduating,” Fox said. “I never thought this day would come but it got here in the blink of an eye. It feels kind of weird to be singing at graduation because it means I have to sing in front of everyone in my class, but I am also excited to show off my talent.”
“I am incredibly nervous for the future, but I think that’s okay,” Yohn said. “With everything coming to an end, I’m sometimes reminded of all the good and bad times I’ve had here at school as I go about my day. Altoona has been a big part of my life and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
