Riverheads High School Class of 2024 graduates: Photos

GREENVILLE – Saturday morning at Riverheads High School was overcast with a light drizzle.

The 114 students in the class of 2024 expected to graduate at the school's football stadium, but the ceremony moved inside before the ceremony was scheduled to begin. Cars were parked in nearly every spot on the school's grounds, some parked on the grass.

Inside, the class prepared to walk through the school as students for the last time.

The students voted for which teacher would address the group on graduation day. They picked Riverheads history teacher Andrew Diamond, introduced by Senior Class President Kale Argenbright. His address was named “The Three P’s,” which stands for patience, perspective, and persistence.

“To the class of 2024, thank you for everything you’ve taught me," said Diamond. "You’ve taught me there’s still kindness in the world. You’ve taught me that there are kids who are willing to work hard. You’ve taught me it's okay to smile once or twice a year, even though it’s very uncharacteristic of me to do so.”

Three students in particular were recognized for their academic and extracurricular activities – Valedictorian Makarah Hollinger, salutatorian Sierra Back, and winner of the school service award Ashlyn Almarode. Hollinger gave the farewell address.

"I remember the challenges and the struggles, our victories and our defeats," said Hollinger. "Most of all, I remember the love, the laughter, and the memories we shared. We may not walk together anymore, but we will share memories for the past and for the future. We're not just graduates, we're innovators, thinkers, and changemakers. We're the ones who will shape the future, we'll break the mold and make lasting impacts. So let's embrace our authentic selves and celebrate the fact that we're not like everyone else. But our uniqueness will make a difference in the world. So congratulations class of 2024.”

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Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Riverheads High School Class of 2024 graduates: Photos