Triumph Amidst Trials: Catoctin High School’s Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony
Alisha Yocum
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~Mark Twain
“Pomp and Circumstance” filled the air as 156 seniors from Catoctin High School made their entrance into the Mount St. Mary’s PNC Arena on Tuesday, May 22, for their graduation ceremony.
Class of 2024 President Natalie Hoyt commenced the proceedings with heartfelt gratitude extended to parents, teachers, and fellow students. The event unfolded with a performance by senior Ella Burrier, with her rendition of Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb,” a song that resonated with its message of confronting life’s trials and triumphs.
Jason “Mr. J” Johnson, a member of the Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education, addressed the graduates, laying down a challenge: To make their lives count. Offering advice, he urged them to share what they have, give their time and talents, and embrace a mindset of victory and perseverance. Dr. Cheryl Dyson, superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, echoed sentiments of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining success in the face of challenges.
The celebration continued with seniors Amelia Phillips and Cody Eyler delivering a rendition of “In My Life” by The Beatles on stage. Carly Ridenour took center stage for this year’s Senior Address, focusing on the profound impact individuals have had on the seniors’ educational journeys.
Secretary of the Class of 2024 Gina Lin presented the coveted Cougar Paw Award, an accolade bestowed upon a CHS staff member embodying the school’s spirit. Mrs. Amy Jo Poffenberger, an Agriculture Educator and FFA advisor, emerged as this year’s deserving recipient, as voted by the seniors.
Principal Jennifer Clements reflected on the unique challenges faced by this graduating class, who embarked on their high school journey amidst the backdrop of the COVID pandemic. From virtual classrooms to unconventional homecomings, their resilience shone through. Encouraging them to view each new step as an opportunity for personal growth, Mrs. Clements implored students to harness their hearts, minds, and strength for the greater good.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Natalie Hoyt ceremoniously passed the gavel to Kylie Foster, the president of the Class of 2025, marking the transition of leadership.
Congratulations to the remarkable graduating class of 2025!
Sabillasville Boys!
Garrett Worth, Evan Burd, and Hunter Long.
The Reaver Family at Catoctin High School Graduation.
Friends pose at Catoctin High’s Graduation.
Kayleigh Frantz of Rocky Ridge graduates high school with Beta Club honors from Liberty University Online Academy. She was one of 660 seniors to attend graduation in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Haydn Mathews.
Caleb McCleaf, Mount St. Mary’s University Graduation.
Myah Efantis graduates University of MD on May 14. She is now Myah RN, BSN, and excited to begin her career at White Oak Medical Center on the cardiovascular floor.
River Moore, Nathan Moore, Robin Moore, and Adysen Moore at Brunswick High School Graduation
Lifelong friends, Caroline Clark, Ella Burrier, and Emma Magers, at Graduation.
