Macks Creek High School hosted Graduation for the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 9. Twenty Seniors stepped onto the stage one final time as students, crossing to become graduates, completing their high school careers.
This year’s speaker was Macks Creek High School English teacher, Mrs. Jessica Cowan. Mrs. Cowan started by sharing some memories of how the class was when they came in as Freshmen. Their Sophomore year she used a quote from Maya Angelou, “You have no idea what your legacy will be because your legacy is every life you touch.” She continued along, stating that throughout their time in the school that they had touched someone’s life, whether through their ‘kindness, humor, or unwavering determination’, and reminded them that they are an influencer. She said that the hardest part of being an educator is letting go. “That’s when we have to trust them and ourselves - that we’ve done our best to prepare and empower them with the values, morals, and confidence to face this world without us, all while knowing we’ll always have their back." Mrs. Cowan ended by saying that this class has a strong sense of community, ‘of family’, and encouraged them to stay connected. “Never be afraid to come back home for a soft word of encouragement. We will always be your biggest fans.”
Before the Salutatorian and Valedictorian speeches was a special presentation by Dr. Katie Stanley-Dietzman, Associate Dean of State Fair Community College. She had come to present Associates of Arts degrees to two Macks Creek Seniors, Miss Leanna Tower and Mr. Caleb Phillips. “As a participant of the State Fair Early College program, these students have not only completed all the requirements for a high school diploma, but have also completed all the necessary requirements to obtain an Associates of Arts degree.”
Salutatorian, Miss Leanna Tower, was the next speaker of the evening. She began by saying that, "tonight is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication; it is a testament to our resilience, our perseverance, and our unwavering spirit." Leanna spoke of how the group started their journey in Elementary together and helped them to create memories. She spoke of how the "future holds endless possibilities." From there she thanked her friends, teachers, and families. She wished for her class to "continue to grow, to learn, and to make a positive impact on the world around us.” To end her speech she stated that, "Our high school journey may be ending, but our adventures are just beginning,” before thanking everyone one final time.
The final speech of the evening was given by class Valedictorian, Mr. Caleb Phillips. Caleb started by saying that, “Many people say that today is the day we start our journey. I disagree. The journey began a long time ago. Today just happens to be the day where the path we have been traveling spits into 20 unique roads.” He moved to thanking people who had made a difference in his life: mom, dad, siblings and their families, his little sister, grandparents, flight instructor, and his teachers at Macks Creek. He went on to share memories from his time in school with his classmates. He said that all his class needed to thank Mrs. Bothwell (Macks Creek rootEd advisor), “for helping us set our future plans, get scholarships written, and for going to bat for us many times these past two years, she has been a huge help to all of us!” Caleb reflected on a workshop held during FBLA State Leadership Conference that focused on YOGOWYPI, or, You only get out what you put in! He implored his classmates to be optimistic, “to live purposefully, and consciously” in the moment. To close out his speech he quoted Isaiah 40:31 and Psalms 121:1-2. His final statement, “Celebrate your success tonight, but tomorrow hit the ground running because it’s the first day of the rest of your life.”
Following the conclusion of the speeches attendees watched the Senior Slideshow. The tradition of handing out flowers was observed. During this time a flower is presented by the graduate to a family member or friend that has been a part of their lives. When the slideshow ended the Pirate Award was presented to Lahnae Lewis.
The final part of the night was the moment all the students, friends, and family anticipated - the name of each graduate announced as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Board President Sara Stoufer presented a diploma to each Senior. The Macks Creek R-V School District would like to congratulate the Class of 2024 and wish them luck in their new adventures!
