When they began high school, a global pandemic provided its challenges to Hopewell Valley Central High School (HVCHS)’s Class of 2024, but it did not stop them from reaching a life milestone – graduation.
The Class of 2024 in their black caps and gowns closed their high school chapters to begin new ones as they walked across the HVCHS stage on Ackerson Field to receive their diplomas on June 18.
“Seniors as we are gathered here today and able to reflect back on our time together, I would like to congratulate you on all of your hard work and effort,” said Natalie Veale, president of the Class of 2024. “It has been incredibly special getting to learn alongside some of the most talented, hardworking, compassionate, genuine people.”
Veale shared with her fellow graduates that as they enter into the next phase of their lives there are sure to be many more mountains they want to move as they work towards their goals and numerous futures, but it is as equally as likely for them to have many moments where they fall down and struggle to get back up.
“During those moments we remind all of you to remember the words of Hannah Montana and find strength in the moments and people who have shaped who you are today,” said Allen Patterson, vice president of the Class of 2024. “For if you can surmount the crazy mountain of high school, surely you can get back up when life kicks you down.”
The classmates remembered those who could not be there for graduation such as fellow classmate senior Lily Carroll, who passed away in March.
In this year’s student address, senior Sela Horowitz explained that every decision they make from now on is like building their own LEGO creation.
“We start with a scatter of LEGOs across the floor,” she said. “Each LEGO represents everything we learned, all of our memories.
“What is in front us now is a blank canvas ready to be built upon. All of us have the blocks we received here as bulldogs at Hopewell Valley. Blocks from musical performances, blocks from athletic achievements and blocks from those who have supported us along the way.”
Horowitz added that their future is yet to be constructed with these blocks.
“As each of us continue on our journey whether it be entering the work force, the military, or continuing our education at college or trade school, it is our job to pick up these LEGO blocks, sort them, put them together and make our own beautiful creations,” she said.
“There may be times where the pieces don’t fit, and you have to think of something else or a time when the pieces are stuck together, and you need some help.
“It is ok if we make mistakes or if we have to start over and rebuild because it is all a part of the process.”
Horowitz shared that the Class of 2024 has the passion and the drive to overcome any challenges that come their way and urged her fellow classmates to never let anything change that. She added, “The blocks we have been given here at Hopewell are only the beginning as we graduate today, we will be entering the world and receiving new LEGOs everywhere we go.”
HVCHS Principal Patricia Riley connected her speech to the Dog Pound (HVCHS student fan section) and the “I believe” chant. Students chanted together “I believe, I believe that we will graduate.”
“From the beginning the Class of 2024 has given me so much to believe,” she said. “When you started at HVCHS as freshmen I started my time as principal and over the past four years together, I have found more and more things I believe about you.
“I believe that you are resilient. You started high school in a global pandemic and your freshman year was filled with Zooms, you mainly knew me from directions to pull your mask up and before you could enter the building you had daily temperature checks.”
Riley praised the Class of 2024 for how they have grown stronger, persevered, and demonstrated resiliency in the face of significant losses and challenging situations.
“I believe you are inclusive. I believe you know about the importance of connection,” she said. “You see the value in connecting with each other. Most importantly, I believe that I believe in you. I know you and I believe in you. There are a lot of reasons to believe in you and a lot of things to believe about you.”
I want you to believe you are loved,” Riley continued. “I want you to believe that you will be missed, and I want you to know you will always have a home at HVCHS.”
Superintendent Rosetta Treece noted that even though the Class of 2024 has experienced a lot in their high school years such as hybrid remote learning and unrest in the world she has witnessed this senior class flourish.
“You have proven that you know how to get back up when you are knocked down and keep moving again,” she said. “Graduates, I ask you to take pride in where you come from. Your experience here at Hopewell, the people you have met and the community that has shaped you as you have grown up will always be a part of you and they will lay the foundation for who you ultimately will become.”
Treece asked that the Class of 2024 question everything and seek to understand another point of view that is not their own and find some place in the middle where everyone can all live in some peace and harmony.
“I’ve seen you do this here in Hopewell,” she said.
Hopewell Valley Central High School Class of 2024 throw caps in the air at graduation on June 18 in Pennington.
Class of 2024 Vice President Allen Patterson (left) and Class President Natalie Veale (right) deliver their welcome address.
HVCHS Class of 2024.
Garrett Wille (left) and Patrick Suryanarayan (right) after receiving their diplomas on June 18.
Amelie Bass (left) and Julia Baron (right) finish walking across the stage at the commencement ceremony on Ackerson Field.
