Photos: Hillcrest High School Class of 2024 broke many records, 'most successful class'

Hillcrest High School filled Bon Secours Wellness Arena with the largest graduating class in its school's history, with 625 graduates on Wednesday, May 22.

That is not the only record the Hillcrest Class of 2024 broke.

The class had the highest graduation rate in school history: 92% of students who started Hillcrest as freshmen earned a diploma. There were more early graduates, college credits earned, scholarships, and certifications than any other class.

"This is the most successful class Hillcrest has ever had," said Principal Dr. Patrick Jarrett.

Valedictorian Carter Saccocio took to the stage to read his speech. He admittedly had difficulty choosing what to write about because he could not possibly represent the diverse and expansive study body in front of him.

"I was chosen to speak to you all today based on a number: my GPA. I am supposed to represent the Hillcrest class of 2024; I am supposed to represent each and every one of you. The funny thing is, I am a terrible representation of all of you," Saccocio said.

Saccocio decided to address and encourage fellow graduates about the one thing he knew he had in common with them: struggle.

"Some of us struggled with our grades. Some of us struggled with our home situation. Some of us struggled with our identity and our purpose. Some of us struggled with finding the willpower to keep going. As for me, I struggled with anxiety and depression. Every day was a battle just to get myself out of bed," he said, "But I'm here. All of us are here today. That means we survived through our struggles, even if we're still fighting to overcome them."

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Photos: Hillcrest High School had largest graduating class, see photos