Soroco High School graduating seniors Alan Mayer and Daisy Hoff both agree. The district’s class of 2024 has a level of care and love for each other that forms the backbone of the South Routt community. 

The South Routt School District graduation ceremony for the class of 2024 occurred Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Following the presentation of colors by FFA members Tim Bedell and Cecilia Gregory, the national anthem was sung by Valedictorian Carmen Anarella. 

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Soroco High School Principal David Grabowski welcomed the audience to the commencement ceremony before introducing the board of education as well as district staff members.

The 2024 graduating class featured four Valedictorians. Carmen Anarella, Rachelle Dudley, Olivia Rossi and Larhae Whaley all spoke about the achievements of the class while highlighting key moments that defined their time together. 

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Anarella spoke about the immense academic, athletic and extracurricular “summits” that the class has surmounted. 

“We were always content in being ourselves,” she said. “We were true to ourselves everyday.”

Following Anarella, Dudley encouraged the seniors “to be different” whether they are entering college or the workforce. She related their quest to “take the road less traveled” to the senior sunrise hike, where many class members charged straight up the mountain, encouraging their classmates along the way, in order to arrive at the summit in time for the sunrise.

Rossi presented the class with a challenge to overcome the obstacles they are going to face in life.

“Let’s always reach for the stars…we got this,” said Rossi.

Lastly, Whaley encouraged the graduating seniors to “balance the hard work we’ve done with the hard work we get to face”. 

Olympian Ben Berend provided the commencement address to the class and community. He spoke about his history as an olympic skier and connected his experiences to the future prospects of the class of 2024. 

“You are at the ‘what now’ age of your life,” said Berend. “I couldn’t think of a more exciting time.”

He encouraged the class to carry forward the enthusiasm and spirit that “defined” their time together at Soroco High School. 

“Use those talents and experiences to inspire others and make a positive impact on this world,” closed Berend. “Here’s to the endless possibilities that await you.” 

Following Berend, graduates viewed the senior slideshow before the announcement and presentation of diplomas by Grabowski, South Routt School Board President Kristi Schalnus and Vice-president Jamie Hoff. 

“This is an exceptional group of students,” said Schalnus after the ceremony. “I can’t wait to see their future.”