By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER—Dover High School graduated its 2024 class during its 124th Commencement Ceremony Friday afternoon.

As soon as the clock struck 4 p.m., the 441-person graduating class entered on to the field and took their seats to a live rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Dover High School Band.

Graduates, families, and friends were welcomed by Dover High Principal Dr. Shawndell Solomon.

“As you step into the next chapter of your lives carry with you the grit and resilience that have brought you this far,” said Dr. Solomon. “The world awaits your unique talents, your unwavering spirit, and your boundless potential.”

Dr. Solomon announced that students had collectively received more than $11 million in scholarships, and boasted the school’s various sports-related accomplishments that took place over the past year.

Next spoke Superintendent Dr. Vilicia Cade, who reminded students that graduation means that it is time for the class to apply themselves to whatever they decide to do next, and that success does not come easily.

“Take your education, career or military service seriously because your principal, your teachers and your family’s hopes and dreams for you can be realized or they can be deferred based on the decisions that you make after high school,” said Dr. Cade.

After Dr. Cade spoke Salutatorian Kayla Victoria Tabalon took to the podium and reminisced on the class’s time at the school.

“The past four years have been a journey of self-discovery and growth for all of us, where we’ve begun to discover the core of who we are, our strengths, our weaknesses, what makes us tick — and what ticks us off,” said Ms. Tabalon.

Valedictorian Lydia Witnaigoonlaud spoke next, looking back on the ways her single mother helped her through, and the difficulty of beginning the class’ high school career in the midst of COVID-19.

“It is human nature to get caught up in the moment rather than reflect on past approaches. However, it is also human nature to adapt to these issues,” she said. “In our freshman year, we struggled with online learning. Some of us found our grades lower than ever, and some of us felt lonelier than we could have ever imagined. Yet—we lived through it.”

Class President Kamryn Taylor-Corley’s address focused on the way that the class’ high school careers prepared them for what comes next.

“We have shared so much together, and now we are prepared to embark on the next chapter of our lives,” said Mr. Taylor-Corley. “I’m filled with mixture of joy, pride and a touch of sadness at the thought that we’re saying goodbye, but I know that we are all ready for whatever lies ahead.”

It was almost time for the announcements and walking of the class of 2024, but before that happened, Mr. Taylor-Corley left the stadium with one final thought:

“Everyone keeps asking ... what are we going to do if we don’t graduate?

“I guess we’ll never know.”