Triumph High School celebrates 2024 graduates

May 23—CHEYENNE — Triumph High School Principal Troy Lake said there are many words to describe the class of 2024, but one word stood out to him: diverse.

"These kids have had a lot of diversity in the way that they've had to arrive at their graduation," Lake said as he, district officials, parents and other family members honored 51 graduates in a ceremony at Storey Gym. "There's a lot of ways that they've done that. So, congratulations."

While speakers thanked the teachers, friends and family of the graduates who supported them in their journey, graduate speaker Eva Torres reminded her peers to recognize the importance of their own efforts in getting to where they are today, while also recognizing the support of others.

As Torres teared up during her emotional speech, her fellow graduates and the attendees supported her with applause and shouts of support.

"It is important to mention that you yourself are the one who did it," Torres said. "We have an amazing support system consisting of friends, family and staff, and, if not, you have yourself. You yourself are the reason you're about to graduate. Not your sister or brother, not your parents, not your friends ... you. You put in the work, and if you can acknowledge that and say that you're proud of yourself, it means a lot more."

Torres quoted her mother, who often told her, "If you want something, you have to work for it."

"Now, we're here. And it's always good to just savor the moment before it's gone," she said.

Michael Hendrix, a teacher selected by the Triumph 2024 seniors to speak, expressed a similar sentiment of appreciating the present.

"It's easy to look at wars, genocide, all the hatefulness in the world, and throw your hands up and say, 'It's never going to get any better.' It's precisely in these moments of adversity that your true character can be revealed," Hendrix said. "Will you let yourself be consumed by bitterness, or will you rise above and choose instead to embrace the beauty and wonder that still exists in the world? I implore you, my young friends, choose the latter. Seek the beauty of simpleness."

He urged the soon-to-be graduates to pursue things they enjoy and appreciate life around them as it comes, while also being strong in times of adversity.

Hendrix's final lesson for his former students was about the importance of practicing grace.

"Practice grace," he said. "Grace for the folks you struggle to understand, grace for folks who can't understand you, grace for those less fortunate than you, grace for those who think they're better than you. But most of all, grace for yourself."

Laramie County School District 1 Superintendent Stephen Newton acknowledged that, in the midst of the joy that filled the gymnasium, many will find themselves a bit sad, as the celebration marks the end of an era and a time to bid farewell.

"As they say, ships are, indeed, safe in the harbor. But that's not why ships are built," Newton said. "Ships are meant to travel the seas, and today marks the day when you will set sail in a new way. ... I hope your life is filled with all good things. But we also know that letting you go means you'll have to weather some storms without us. Our hope is that you now have all that you need for that journey.

"The world is yours. Go out and give it your very best. And when you hit the rough water that is sure to come, never give up. Because all storms do pass."

He shared a story of when he was around a similar age as the graduates. Someone asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, and he answered that he did not know. Newton said they replied, "That's OK. But whatever you do, be great."

"It's been said that America is great because America is good," Newton said. "I believe that is true for all of us: We are great to the extent that we are good. As you point yourselves toward whatever comes next in your life, please never forget that your greatness will only be a reflection of your goodness."

Noah Zahn is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's local government/business reporter. He can be reached at 307-633-3128 or nzahn@wyomingnews.com. Follow him on X @NoahZahnn.