Jefferson High School’s Class of 2024 officially graduated on Sunday, May 26, in a ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium and attended by over 500 friends, family, and community members. JHS Superintendent Erik Wilkerson opened the day’s ceremony, before inviting five co-valedictorians to the stage to deliver opening remarks.
“We have made it to this accomplishment through hard work, dedication, and the help of our teachers and families,” said co-valedictorian Colt Tietje in his ceremonial address. “The community created at this school by our loving and dedicated faculty has created a haven for learning important skills and building long-lasting relationships.” Tjietje will attend Carroll College in the fall.
“What we’d really like to say is thank you. All of our accomplishments have been made from atop the shoulders of those who have loved and taught us. To our parents, who have forgiven us and helped us find peace in a troubled world. And to the teachers who made the small time we had with them fun, and in tolerating our behavior, even when it should’ve been better, because they cared about us,” said co-valedictorian Christian Gilmore, who will attend Brigham Young University.
“I’d like to thank the four boys joining me on stage for four years of constant competition,” said co-valedictorian Belle Murphy. “It was the continuous excellence you all showed up to JHS with every single day that drove me to where I am today. To all my classmates, I wish you all the best and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish.” Murphy will attend the University of Minnesota.
“We could not have completed this journey without all of your love and support. Thank you all. Let us embrace the future. Whether it’s university, trade school, or going straight into the workforce, let us take this opportunity before us and do something with it,” said co-valedictorian Logan Hornung. Hornung is attending San Diego State this fall.
“Golf has been a big part of my high school experience, and I’ve loved it. Freshman year, I made varsity. Going into sophomore year, we knew we had an excellent shot at the state championship. I was so excited that our team was going to be good, until it was too good, and I got my spot taken by none other than my little brother,” said co-valedictorian Marcus Lee. “I took this as a stepping stone to get better, not something to knock me back. Good things don’t come easy; JHS has taught us this.”
The valedictorian addresses were followed by a slide show presentation of photos of graduates from childhood and present-day. Graduates were then invited to collect roses and distribute them to their families, before welcoming JHS teacher Logan Brower as the day’s graduation speaker.
“You started high school in the midst of a global pandemic, and for a period, we only recognized each other by the top half of our faces. You grew from a great unknown; you grew closer, and you grew resilient. You have grown into a wonderful group of young adults,” said Brower. “Learning is continuous and something to be proud of, and I’d urge you to be curious as you step out into the world.” Brower, in his address, also commended the class for its average ACT score, which was among the top 10% in the state. Following a recognition of scholarship awards and honors graduates, 68 JHS seniors received their diplomas to close the ceremony.
