By Elle Wood

FELTON – Lake Forest School District has 229 new members of the alumni community.

On Friday, the commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 took place at the James H. Blades Stadium in Felton. Faculty, board members, family, friends and the graduated class celebrated their hard work over the years in the Lake Forest School District.

Lake Forest High School principal Manette Dupras welcomed everyone to the ceremony. She was followed by the school board president, Earle Dempsey, with his address to the students.

The ceremony held a special place in their hearts with each having a child of their own graduating that evening.

Nurrideen Ahmad-Statts, the class president, introduced his class by encouraging his class to push the limits and strive for success.

“Always remember that the fire inside of you will shine the brightest in the darkest of nights,” said Nurrideen. “The potential you have as you step forward on your great journey through time can skyrocket you to your wildest dreams.”

There is no denying the potential that the graduating class has to offer.

Of the 229 students in the graduating class, 219 of them were on the honor roll at least once during their time in high school. And 43 of those students were on the honor roll every quarter of each school year during their time in Lake Forest.

The students in the graduating class also earned over $45 million in scholarships for secondary education combined, said Dr. Steven Lucas, the superintendent of the Lake Forest School District.

The salutatory address was given by Nolan Ledford. He explained how the success they had did not come easy.

This class came into high school during the pandemic. Not having the traditional start to this chapter of life made Nolan skeptical of what was to come.

“When we were reintroduced to a normal high school experience during our sophomore year, I must admit I had my doubts,” said Nolan. “My view of Lake Forest was narrow and unappreciative.

“However, as days and months went by, I realized I was beginning to enjoy high school.”

As they look back of the challenges they have faced, they know that a new chapter is just beginning. Nicholas Riggi gave at the valedictory address for the graduating class urging his classmates to use this experience to help them grow in the next part of their lives.

“As this chapter of our lives is coming to a close, a new one is just beginning,” said Nicholas. “Although it may feel sad to leave this all behind, my advice is to take advantage of this opportunity.

“We have been given a fresh start and only we can decide how to approach it.”

Many of the students in the graduating class will be starting their next chapter with secondary education, joining the armed forces or joining a trade.

The ceremony was complete with the turning of the tassels and tossing the caps in the air to indicate the end of their high school careers.