Nazareth Prep Graduates Look Forward to Bright Futures
The members of Nazareth Prep’s Class of 2024 have hardly had a typical high school experience. Their first day as freshmen included masks, social distancing, and all of the various procedures that became routine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their freshman year was often interrupted by remote learning and our Internship Program was put on hold as companies emptied their offices to keep their employees safe and healthy. In spite of these early challenges, the students graduating this year have distinguished themselves as students, interns, and leaders.
Our Internship Program is designed to prepare students for any post-secondary path, whether it be college, training program, or career. For the first time in the ten year history of the school, all of this year’s graduates will pursue higher education next year, with 74% attending a four-year college or university and 26% attending a two-year college or technical school. Students sported their college gear to celebrate “Decision Day,” with many local colleges and universities represented, along with several out-of-state schools.
In her speech at graduation, class salutatorian Ariana Clemm-McPherson said, “My personal advice for us is to strive not just for success, but for happiness. As we move into this next pivotal stage of our lives, happiness is not merely a fleeting feeling. It is a state of mind – a way of life. It is found in the little moments that make up our days and the big milestones that define our years.”
More than half of this year’s graduates are graduating with honors, including Ariana, valedictorian Lucas Stunkel, and Nazareth Award winner T’Saun Carrington. The Nazareth Award was created last year as a way to honor students with exceptional performance in their internships and it is equivalent to the valedictorian award for academic performance.
Amidst hundreds of family members, friends, and supporters, the Class of 2024 officially became Nazareth Prep alumni on Friday, June 7. Dr. Kathy Wilson Humphrey, President of Carlow University, was the commencement speaker for the evening, saying, “You can put away childish things by simply believing in yourself. Believing that you will not just go to college, but you will graduate from college. You have to believe that you will not just live a good life, but that you will live so others can have a good life.” We are confident that this year’s graduates are moving on to futures as bright as their years and accomplishments here at Nazareth Prep.
