The final bell has rung for the class of 2024

Emma Harlow - PCHS Bulletin 

On May 15, 2024, some 512 Parrish Community High School Seniors graduated and completed a milestone in their lives. The night was perfect with weather that decided to forget the showers and bring on the sunshine for the seniors. The ceremony was made possible by Parrish Community’s faculty and staff, including the school’s Senior Advisory Board led by Heather Dietz.  

“Planning graduation is so exhausting, but so rewarding. It is my favorite part of my job,” said Dietz. “Each group of seniors is special to me, but this year was even more so because my son graduated too.” 

Dietz received support and help from many of the other teachers, including Stephanie Springer.  

Student names were presented by James Walker, who has presented the names since the school’s opening in 2019. “It is bittersweet reading the names at graduation. For the past three years, I have taught many of the seniors since they were freshmen and sophomores. To be able to watch them grow from bright-eyed and scared freshmen to confident seniors is like watching my own children grow up and then leave into the world,” said Walker.  

The history teacher said he is confident that the seniors will do wonderful things with their lives, but that it was sad that he was now a part of their past and would not be able to see this new phase of their lives. Many teachers who have taught seniors share Walker’s sentiment, but they hope the best for the young adults.  

Senior Class President Madyson Greeman introduced the graduating ceremony followed by commencement speeches carried out by Braydon Bernard, Renay Mason, and Hannah Wood. 

Then, Principal Daniel Bradshaw presented the seniors and shared his admiration for his school and his students, congratulating them on their achievements during his speech.

The Head of the Herd award, honoring select graduating seniors chosen by faculty for their efforts in academics, leadership, and community service, was earned by Holten Graham, Hailey Kerns, Jade Stanton, and Jacob Traeger.  

Many students who are a part of PCHS’s many clubs and programs could be seen representing their clubs through their colorful cords, such as FFA, NHS, AP Capstone, Thespian Society, JROTC, SGA, Tri-M, and Academic Team. In addition, the top 4% of the graduating class wore silver ropes and blue and white cords to signify their achievement. 

Decked out in their caps and gowns, the seniors hollered with excitement as the last student was called. They threw their caps in the air and celebrated with their friends as the ceremony ended, signifying that their future had finally come, and it was time to start their new lives.