The rain did not stop Hopkinsville High School from celebrating their 2024 graduating class at Friday’s commencement ceremony.
Hopkinsville High School’s graduating class consists of around 200 students and before they were graduated, students were recognized for their academic achievements and also received a speech of encouragement from keynote speaker and District Full-Service Community Schools Director, Nicole Poindexter.
To start her speech, Poindexter congratulated the graduates and recognized her son who was among them. Poindexter then reflected on the graduate’s high school journey which started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poindexter says the graduating class was virtually promoted to the ninth grade, had to socially distance and wear face masks in class. As a result of the effects of the pandemic, Poindexter says the class of 2024 is already familiar with how unpredictable life can be.
Poindexter shared that graduates have not only absorbed knowledge throughout their high school careers, but they have gone through experiences that have helped them become more resilient and ready to take that next step. During her speech, Poindexter also recognized the important role that family members and teachers have played in helping graduates get to where they are today.
Poindexter then reflected on some of the phrases she’d hear from students with one of them being, “standing on business.” Poindexter interpreted the phrase as one meaning what they mean what they say and stand for what they believe in. After graduates stand, Poindexter says the next thing they need to do is step into the next chapter ahead of them, step through change, obstacles and possible failures all of which are on the road to success.
Following Poindexter’s speech, the co-valedictorians, salutatorian, top ten graduates and honor graduates were recognized. Kendall Mayes and Daniella Llorens were recognized a co-valedictorians and Caroline Payne was named the salutatorian.
Following those recognitions, Superintendent Chris Bentzel declared the class of 2024 as graduates and students were presented with their diplomas.
After the graduates received their diplomas, the ceremony ended in cheers and celebration as they tossed their caps in the air. The full ceremony can be watched on YouTube.