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Triumph Amidst Trials: Catoctin High School’s Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony

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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.

Catoctin Graduation Held June 3

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Over 150 students graduated on the football field of Catoctin High School (CHS) on June 3, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The rain held off and the clouds lightened up to reveal the school’s beautiful backdrop just as the ceremony was about to begin.

After beginning the year in a full-virtual mode, the students were welcomed back into the school for hybrid learning in March. The confirmation of a live in-person graduation with guests wasn’t announced until May due to COVID-19 restrictions. Each student was allowed to bring four guests to the graduation ceremony.

The graduation ceremony was also live-streamed to the public and to-date has over 2,300 views. You can watch the ceremony by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzLkirsOq1A.

Seniors lined up in the school and walked down the hill to the field as “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Catoctin High School Band, under the direction of Evan Felmet. The National Anthem was sung by senior Michael Willard following the presentation of colors by the Thurmont Honor Guard of AMVETS Post 7. Guest speakers for the ceremony were Frederick County Board of Education Board Member Liz Barrett and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Theresa Alban.

Each year, the senior class awards a staff member of CHS the Cougar Paw Award for the impact he/she has made over the students’ four years of high school. This year’s recipient was Evan Felmet, who teaches band, chorus, guitar, drama, and leads the school’s marching band, dramas, and musicals.  The award was presented to Felmet by senior class secretary, Joshua Maze.

Principal Jennifer Clements offered final remarks recognizing the class of 2021 for overcoming the challenges they have seen as students during a pandemic and wished them success for the future.

Excited seniors line up and walk down the hill to the field for their high school graduation ceremony on June 3, 2021.

Over 150 seniors graduate on the football field of Catoctin High School.

The CHS graduation ceremony was live-streamed to the public. Watch the ceremony by visiting www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzLkirsOq1A.