By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer 

The Unionville High School class of 2024 celebrated their commencement ceremony on June 5 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, as 313 students were supported by friends, family, faculty and staff during the school’s 101st commencement address. 

The ceremony featured speeches from three student honor speakers, Sofia Cvijanovic, Lilly Zhang and Morgan Chapman, as well as three faculty members, principal Amy Jenkins, superintendent Dr. John Sanville and Unionville high school educator of the year recipient, Matt Borger. Principal Jenkins began the ceremony by welcoming the students and guests and reflected on the tumultuous four years of high school the class experienced. 

As stated in the welcome address, the class was “reminded of how fragile life can be,” when two classmates and friends passed away in the class’s sophomore and junior year of high school, respectively. The students were honored during the ceremony and friends of both accepted diplomas on their behalf. The students’ memories were honored by speakers and the class was recognized for their continued resilience and perseverance.

“The road ahead may not always be smooth, but it is in overcoming obstacles that we discover our true strength and potential,” Jenkins stated. 

The class of 2024 endured several obstacles, including beginning their high school career online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their freshman year also saw the change in their school mascot from the American Indian to the Longhorn, a decision that was made, “to better honor the Lenape in respectful ways, and in ways that we, as a community, can all be proud of.” Additionally, their junior year brought in a new administrative team, while the beginning of their senior year saw school closures for the police search of escaped prisoner Danilo Cavalcante, who was in the area. 

Though there were challenges and changes, Senior class secretary Campbell Bunch told the audience that the class was like a family and that they all grew up together. She said that while it is nerve-wracking to leave this tight community, she feels prepared to make the leap, crediting the teachers and faculty for encouraging her and her classmates through their high school experience.

Bunch also appreciated her class for their consistent involvement and participation, a sentiment echoed by Pat Clark, assistant principal for the twelfth grade. Clark expressed confidence in the class, describing the class as well rounded and talented citing their “outstanding” capabilities in athletics, academics, clubs and activities. 

“Whether it’s sports, whether it’s performance, whether it’s college acceptance, whether it’s heading into the workforce or trade school, we’ve got kids who are going to excel in all those areas,” Clark said. 

In her address, student speaker Morgan Chapman, described the “portrait of a graduate.” 

“These are the people wo have painted the canvas of your life,” Chapman said. “We are connected. We are uniquely a part of each other’s lives, so I urge you to find something to admire in every person here.” 

Chapman shared in her speech that, “this is where we learned to be young,” and encouraged her classmates to hold onto that youthful spirit moving forward.  

After the ceremony students and families met outside to mingle, celebrate and take countless pictures to mark the occasion. Students hugged friends and family and even smoked celebratory cigars to mark the special occasion. 

Student speaker Sofia Cvijanovic said in her address, “So here’s to the class of 2024, like sunlight dispersing across the horizon, may your impact be felt far and wide, bringing warmth, inspiration and a positive change to the world.”