On the evening of June 10, the Morgan Class of 2024 gathered together for the last time as classmates at The Morgan School for their graduation ceremony.

Before they could celebrate, the 121-member Class of 2024 and their families came together on the football field behind The Morgan School to commemorate the end of their high school career. On a slightly overcast but warm evening with a pleasant breeze, the students patiently sat through one last round of speeches as they awaited their names to be called to receive their diplomas.

Assistant Principal Christopher Luther earned some laughs, claps, and groans for his choice of inspiration when he started the ceremony by advising the crowd, “In the words of Taylor Swift, no matter what happens in life, be good to people.”

Following Luther, speeches were made by Class President Sean Davis, Salutatorian Davis Walker, Valedictorian Leah Scoppa, Student Board of Education representative Madelyn Sacta Guartazaca, and Board of Education Chairperson Erica Gelven.

Across all the speeches, one familiar theme was repeated over and over again: “We are Morgan. We are family.”

In his speech, Davis told the class that what he appreciated most were the memories he had made with his classmates throughout their years together.

“I had the opportunity to grow up with all of you, and that is something I will cherish for a lifetime,” said Davis.

Walker echoed that sentiment by reminding the graduates of the little moments that they all shared.

“Even though this chapter in our lives is ending, the book is far from over, and I, for one, cannot wait to see how the story will continue. And never forget, we are Morgan, we are family.”

In her valedictorian address, Scoppa mixed in a few more Taylor Swift quotes before instructing her classmates to make their own way in the world and remember where they came from.

“It’s now time for us to go out on our own, branch out, discover new things. As we set out on our own paths today, I want you all to take a picture of this moment. Capture it; remember it. Cherish these years as these were the ones that helped you learn and grow,” Scoppa said.

In their joint speech as student representatives to the Board of Education, Davis and Sacta Guartazaca talked about the bond the students had built and how it can help them in the future.

“Together we can continue to build a stronger and more inclusive community for all,” Sacta Guartazaca said.

Gelven asked the class to think about the characteristics that will help shape their unique identity as they grow older.

“As you go forth from this day, let society see who you are, what you want, what you need, and how you fit because you are magnificent, and the world needs you to be you now more than ever,” Gelven said.

Superintendent of Schools Maryann O’Donnell and Principal Keri Hagness also shared brief remarks during the ceremony. O’Donnell spoke of the many paths that lay before the graduates to follow, while Hagness said, “Potential is not where you start, but how far you’re willing to travel.”

Shortly after her speech, Hagness said it was time to do her favorite part of her job and begin handing out diplomas. Finally, moments after Glenda M. Zhiminaicela crossed the stage to receive her diploma, Davis was called upon to fulfill his final duty as class president.

Davis instructed the Class of 2024 to rise and move their tassels to the other side of their caps. Then, the evening sky was quickly filled with loud cheers and flying caps.