AHS celebrates the Class of 2024 with Friday night commencement
Published 8:32 pm Friday, May 31, 2024
Members of the Austin High School Class of 2024 proceed to Ove Berven Gym to beging the processional to start Friday night's commencement. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Members of the audience cheer during the processional Friday night as part of the Austin High School commencement. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Gracie Schmitt, right, and Grace Vortherms begin their walk during the processional Friday night for Austin High School graduation Class of 2024. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Graduates make their way through the processional during commencement Friday night at Austin High School. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin High School graduates make their way during the processional Friday night as the Austin High School orchestra plays "Pomp and Circumstance" during commencement in Knowlton Auditorium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Family and friends look on as gradutes make their way across the stage for commencement at Austin High School Friday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Graduates listen during the opening of Austin High School commencement Friday night in Knowlton Auditorium. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin High School graduate Ellen Ekins is congratuatled by falculty as she goes through to receive her diploma Friday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
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As Austin High School Principal Matt Schmit presented the Class of 2024 to the Austin Public Schools Board Friday night, he took the opportunity to remind the class of a very important life lesson using himself as an example.
Relating a fishing story on a stream, Schmit spoke of finding the place he thought the fish might be. All he had to do was step over a fence to get to the spot, never knowing that not only was it barbed wire, but it was electrified at the same time.
This was his lesson: even bad days have the opportunity to become a memory.
“At the end of a weekday fishing, it was a good day spent with a friend,” he said, taking the opportunity to refer to the Class of 2024’s class quote at the same time.
“Never regret a day in your life: good days give happiness, bad days give experience, and best days give memories,” he quoted.
Throughout Friday night’s commencement, there were many moments that asked students to remember where they came from and to look forward to where they were going.
During the video featuring the students of high distinction, each student related who they thought they might be when they grew up before going through and individually relating their and classmate’s experiences throughout their schooling in the Austin Public Schools District.
Through this, it came down to one thing that seemed to carry the spirit of Friday night.
“Once a Packer, always a Packer.”
In his introductory speech to students and families, Superintendent Dr. Joey Page stressed how proud the students have made the district and that Friday night was for celebrating their accomplishments.
“It’s been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said, before letting them know their journey was just beginning. “Austin Public Schools will be cheering for you every step of the way.”
“Each of you has the power to shape the world in incredible ways.”
Through every notion of pride and achievement, however, it was graduate Ellen Ekins, during that same video, that chose to quote one of the greatest wordsmiths from history to sum up the night.
“In the words of William Shakespeare, ‘Goodbye,’” Ekins said.
