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Moffat County Class of 2024 graduation an unforgettable experience

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Andy Bockelman
  

Moffat County's Class of 2024 graduates toss their caps to conclude their graduation ceremony Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Andy Bockelman/Craig Press

For better or worse, the Class of 2024 had a memorable finale to their time at Moffat County High School.

MCHS’s Saturday commencement saw a sendoff of senior students in not one, but two different locations from previous years.

The initial plan for the graduation ceremony was to host it on the MoCo football field as the usual spot, the gym, was under heavy renovations.

Mother Nature decided otherwise as rainfall started right as the Bulldog band kicked off “Pomp and Circumstance” to bring in nearly 100 graduates and MCHS staff.

Following the national anthem provided by the Anderson siblings, Brook Wheeler, 2024 salutatorian, provided the welcome for the day amid precipitation and increasing winds, commenting on a theme that would run throughout the proceedings: memories.

“As we say goodbye to this chapter and go on to the next, let us take the time to cherish the moments we made,” Wheeler said. “Maybe somewhere down the road, we’ll look back on these days with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude.”

MCHS faculty each contributed to the presentation of Outstanding Senior Boy and Girl. Speaking for recipient Megan Neton, Sharon Skwarek listed off the many qualities expected for a well-rounded honor, including high grades, extracurricular engagement and a positive attitude.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing her for the past four years and have watched her grow from a scrappy freshman to an articulate and focused senior,” Skwarek said. “A young woman who knows her worth, who gives selflessly of her time to help those less fortunate and who has made a career choice dedicated to helping others.”

Becca Sage noted that one of her earliest encounters with Outstanding Senior Boy Riley Thompson was in her geometry class as a novice educator.

“Since I had never taught before, he was the only student that made me nervous to see, because I knew if I made a mistake, he would be there to correct it,” Sage said. “His passion for learning and pushing beyond expectations will continue his outstanding résumé.”

It was shortly after this point that organizers decided to call off the outdoor plans and adjourn to the MCHS auditorium, with overflow seating in the auxiliary gym.

Executive director Ryan Frink pointed out that the adaptation to circumstances is fitting for the current class, who started high school in unprecedented conditions with a hybrid schedule of in-person and online learning due to COVID as freshmen.

Once everyone was resettled, the three students sharing the commencement speech took the podium: Neton, Alexis Barraza Duarte and Makenzie Velardo.

Barraza Duarte spoke of the family members who have contributed to each grad’s journey through childhood.

“They have been our constant cheerleaders, our foundation and our source for unconditional love,” he said. “Their sacrifices, their encouragement and their belief in our abilities have propelled us forward even in the face of adversity.”

He added that all students should appreciate the impact they’ve had on each other in the past four years.

“The friendships we have forged, the bonds we have created and the memories we have shared will forever be etched in our hearts,” Barraza Duarte said.

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Velardo continued by pointing out how life will change for graduates and their parents in the coming weeks.

“In a few short months, we’ll be gone to start our own lives as individuals,” Velardo said. “The grocery bills will decrease, the sink of dishes won’t be as full, lights won’t be left on as long at the house, there will be less laundry. But there will be an empty bedroom, a seat at the table, a car missing from the driveway, a quieter home. Our friends, family and teachers made us who we are today, and we thank you.”

Neton concluded by speculating on all that’s yet to come.

“While the future is unknown, it is a far greater idea to look at it through the lens of possibility,” Neton said. “We have not yet met some of our best friends, eaten our favorite food and traveled to new places. There is still so much left for us to discover and achieve, and as we grow and engage in life, a part of us will be bringing MCHS along.”

Once the distribution of diplomas was completed, valedictorian Ruby Short brought it home by discussing memories yet again. Short mentioned the importance of core memories; in her case, her recollection of the first time putting on a tutu and ballet slippers.

“The little dancer I once was continues to live on, twirling in every room and walking on the highest of toes.”

Short got choked up thanking her teachers, peers and family — highlighting the women in her life — and looking toward the future.

“Here’s to our new beginnings and the fondness of memories. We are the Class of 2024 — unforgettable.”

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