New Kent High School celebrated the “record breaking” Class of 2024 when 275 seniors received their diplomas at William & Mary’s Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg on Friday.
“The Class of 2024 is over 270 members strong,” Superintendent Brian Nichols said during the ceremony. “This class earned over 1,450 college credits while they were at New Kent High School. Twelve members of the Class of 2024 will graduate with their associate’s degree or uniform certificate of general studies from Rappahannock Community College. This is a New Kent record.”
Nichols said the class also earned over 950 industry career credentials before graduating high school. About 68% of the class is going into higher education. About 28% are going into the workforce.
“Students, your commitment to learning will not only enrich your life but also contribute to the progress of your communities and society at large,” Nichols said.
“Class of 2024, the world is waiting for your contributions whether you’re heading to a college campus, starting a new career, or defending the freedoms of our great nation in the military,” Nichols said. “Carry with you the lessons you’ve learned and the values you’ve upheld in New Kent.”
Valedictorian Lily Ohlschlager, who will be attending the University of Virginia, spoke of the challenges the Class of 2024 faced in its first year at New Kent High School during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We all grew up with 2024 engraved in our minds; a countdown of our childhood,” Ohlschlager said. “As a class, we have experienced a lot together, from field days to field trips, and SOLs that none of us wanted to take. Just starting high school virtually and getting through COVID, winning state titles and creating new sports teams.”
“This is just the beginning,” Ohlschlager told her classmates.
Salutatorian Lily Brame is also heading to the University of Virginia.
“We have been through a lot,” Brame said. “It’s no secret that COVID played a big part in our high school experience, but we have withstood it all together.”
“These four years of high school have gone by too fast, especially as our freshman year was anything but ordinary,” added Anna “Grace” Chisenhall, the senior class president. “I feel like the COVID-19 pandemic made high school go by in a blur.”
She urged her fellow graduates to slow down and enjoy the moment rather than being hyper-focused on their careers. “We are a class full of so much talent and potential,” she said.
Interim Principal Allison Strickland reminded the senior class that their journey doesn’t end with graduation.
“In fact, it’s just the beginning,” Strickland said. “As you leave the familiar halls of New Kent High School behind you, know that you carry with you the hopes, dreams and aspirations of those who have supported you along the way.”
David Macaulay, [email protected]
