On the cloudy morning of Saturday, June 8, graduates’ family and friends gathered on Summit’s football field in order to commence the graduating class of 2024. 342 graduates gilded-in-green walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony began with a speech from Principal Michael McDonald, who is retiring at the end of this school year.

Alluding to the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, McDonald compared the graduates to caterpillars shedding from their cocoon and turning into beautiful butterflies as they left high school and moved on to greater heights.

The ceremony went very smoothly, clocking in at just around the desired 90 minutes.

“It was very streamlined. I heard a lot of really positive feedback from the graduates and their families,” said English teacher Amanda Holdredge.

In an effort to recognize the arts, the choir, orchestra and band departments performed “Time to Say Goodbye,” just before the graduates walked, symbolizing their new beginnings to come.

Valedictorian and Class President Max Himstreet also gave a speech, reminding his peers to “remember your voice.” He referenced the online school-COVID era that he and his classmates experienced during their very first year of high school, commenting on how far they’ve come since then. Himstreet will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall.

Holdredge introduced Salutatorian Imogen Upham, speaking of Upham’s “powerful presence” and “complexity.” Upham will be attending Cornell University in the fall.

The ceremony ended with McDonald, with Katie Legace presenting him as an “honorary graduate.” He was given a grad cap and diploma to match the graduates. This was a surprise to both the graduates and him.

“I didn’t know about it beforehand, it was unexpected,” said McDonald.

Some believe that this presentation unnecessarily shifted the focus onto Principal McDonald.

“I thought that it took a little bit away from the graduates,” said Holdredge. “If you think about the students, was that meaningful to them at all?”

“It was really sweet… But we try to make it really clear for [the graduates,] how we think it will be a special event for all of them and their families,” said Principal McDonald.

Even with the the additional time spent honoring Principal McDonald, the ceremony efficiently commemorated the class of 2024. Tears and screams of celebration could be heard from across the street as the graduates said goodbye to high school.