Salem Community High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering told 178 graduates Sunday afternoon that the class of 2024 ‘finished strong’ in sports, extracurricular activities, and in helping the community. On the academic side he noted 35 finished with a 4.0 or above grade point average and the school had 24 State Scholars.
Salem High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering gives graduates a charge after running through senior class accomplishments. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
“To the Class of 2024, as you begin anew. As you begin to run your race I challenge you as graduates and representatives of Salem Community High School to go out and make your mark. Finish strong. We will be watching and cheering you on with Salem Wildcat Pride. Make us proud!”
Faith Smith presents Reflections form the Class of ’24 during graduation.
Faith Smith was selected to provide the ‘Reflections’ for the Class of 2024. She noted life is full of miracles and each of the students in the graduating class is one of them.
“As the Class of 2024, I challenge you to be a force for kindness, integrity, and determination. Our own achievements will soon be added to the spirit and legacy of SCHS. Remember your roots and who you are but do not stop discovering who you were born to be.”
Jillian Green delivered the Aspirations message to the Class of 2024.
Jillian Green provided the aspirations to the graduating class.
“I challenge you to look to the new possibilities life will offer you and be the example for others. Be a supportive friend, a guided mentor and a responsible citizen. Hold yourself accountable and don’t hesitate to stand up for what is right. I challenge you also to always give 100%, unless you are giving blood, then maybe not so much.”
Salem Community High School no longer has a valedictorian or salutatorian, but recognized all 35 of those who graduated with a 4.0 or better grade point average. They are Olivia Ashby, Elly Black, Hayden Biagi, Serenity Brubaker, Brady Crane, Ethan Crouse, Ivy Donoho, Lydia Donoho, Marley Donoho, Jillian Green, Kate Hays, Rebecca Hays, Taylor Ice, Jackson Jarrett, Kellie Knight,, Reagan Lever, Myca Lyday, Makinzie Mann, James Mayberry, Olivia McCormack, Alexis Moats, Alyssa Paul, Olivia Paulson, Lauryn Phillips, Miranda Podergois, Jillian Powless, Brenan Richardson, Avery Robinson, Tabitha Sherwin, Chandler Sill, Faith Smith, Jairen Stroud, Emma Ulrey, Alexander Wilzbach, Alexis Woodruff and Gavin Zimmerman.
Faith Smith was recognized for perfect attendance all four years and Kaden Barcroft, Kaleb Keys, Jordan Renfro and Evan Stanford for perfect attendance in their senior year.
Those entering the armed services were also acknowledged.
As the ceremony began, Detering recognized four retiring teachers. Orlando Ramos was at SCHS for 30 years, Bob Frederick 26, Sherry Hargis 25 and Tanja Myer 23 years.
The 178 graduates included six foreign exchange students who spent the past school year at Salem Community High School. Family and friends packed the SCHS gym for the ceremony at also included performances by the band and choir.
Band Director John Randolph conducts the band during graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The Salem Community High School chorus performs at graduation. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
SCHS School Board President Eric Bandy presents a diploma to a 2024 graduate as Principal John Boles announces the names and Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering awaits a chance to congratulate the graduate.
