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Class of ’24 bids farewell 33-member group transitions from students to alumni of Ely High
For Ely Memorial High School’s graduating class of 2024, the transition is now complete.
No longer students, the 33 participants in the May 31 commencement ceremony at Washington Auditorium are now not only young adults, but alumni of a school that is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
That distinction was driven home by commencement speaker Tim Hogan, who not only is a 1990 graduate of Ely but a current industrial education teacher at the school.
“Welcome to the family,” Hogan told the graduates at the end of his commencement address.
Earlier, Hogan noted that the 2024 grads, like the thousands of previous graduates of Ely, posed with their classmates on the front steps of the school and had their photograph taken.
Soon, the picture will join those of previous classes and the group will take its mark in Ely history.
Hogan noted his experiences with the graduates, as he watched them mature over the last several years.
“The conversations have become deeper and more meaningful,” said Hogan. “Today I see you as men and women. All this growth took place in Ely High School.”
Hogan told the graduates they owe their success in part to the Ely community, contending that “very few schools enjoy the support from the community that this school does.”
He also described the experiences of some his fellow classmates, including one who moved to Ely late in his high school career and became immersed in school activities, and others who faced challenges on their route to success.
Hogan told the group “when hopes and dreams are ruined, don’t give up as things have a way of working out” and “there is no script for life. The only person who can live your life is you.”
“Be like (a former classmate), sometimes goals and dreams take decades to come true,” said Hogan. “And be like Dennis. If you’re in unfamiliar surroundings, go for it. Completely invest yourselves in your new surroundings. Eventually your efforts will be awarded.”
Seniors Grace LaTourell and Ava Skustad spoke on behalf of the graduating class.
LaTourell told the group she was “reminded of the memories we created in the hallways” and other areas of the school.
“Each memory is like a LEGO,” said LaTourell. “A single piece when together with others forms a beautiful creation... They are building blocks that shape us to who we are.”
“In these hallways we became who we are today,” LaTourell added.
Skustad made note to thank Ely’s faculty, telling them “you didn’t just teach us - you inspired us.”
She also challenged her classmates to look ahead.
“Let us remember that the future is ours to shape,” said Skustad.
During the ceremony it, was announced that Deegan Richards was valedictorian of the class of 2024 while Sarah Visser was salutatorian.
T hey were two of a group of honor students in the class. Others with a grade point average of at least 3.5 or above were LaTourell, Skustad, Chase Anderson, Esther Anderson, Claire Blauch, Aubree Gerlovich, Abigail Johnson, Brielle Lindland, Gavin Marshall, Isabelle Schiltz and Leo Stalmer.
Both the pop choir and high school band performed at the ceremony, held before several hundred people at the auditorium.
Principal Jeff Carey presented the class to superintendent Anne Oelke, board chairman Ray Marsnik and board member Hollee Coombe, who handed out diplomas.
After the ceremony, class members gathered back at the school for the annual allnight graduation party.
