Unmasked, Indian River grads are prepared for future challenges
By Glenn RolfeDAGSBORO — The high school journey for Indian River High School’s Class of 2024 was anything but normal.
It began with a freshman year punctuated by masks, Zoom/online sessions and, in many cases, isolation during the global COVID pandemic.
“Freshman year definitely was crazy,” said salutatorian Caleb Rodgers. “The masks and the Zoom classes, everybody playing video games during class, and just the general inability to concentrate. But we got through it. We definitely did.”
Class valedictorian Brynn Crandell recalled logging onto her first online session, only to find her internet connection didn’t work.
“When I finally got on, I didn’t get to see all of my friends and their tanned skin from summer and their excited eyes and nervous smiles,” said Brynn. “Now, four years later, four years older and four years wiser … we’re survivors. We made it.”
Indeed, they did.
Both stadium grandstands at the school were packed to capacity Tuesday night as 255 seniors received their diplomas in Indian River’s 55th commencement. Indian River High School principal Mike Williams labeled it the school’s largest class.
“Individually, members of the Class of 2024 can take enormous pride in their accomplishments thus far. Collectively, this class has set a standard for unity, spirit, hard work, service and concern for others,” said Mr. Williams. “The mission of Indian River High School is providing a safe environment for academic excellence while fostering critical thinking skills that enable students to tackle the challenges of our global society. As much as any class in recent memory, the Class of 2024 has advanced this mission of our school, embodied its highest values.”
Approximately 77% of this year’s class will further their education at a post-secondary institution, with 100 graduates bound for the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College or Salisbury University.
A fraction will enter trade school, and 14% will enter the workforce.
And four graduates — Nicholas Carroll (Delaware Army National Guard), Alexandra Davidson (Army), Konnor Hudson (Coast Guard) and Ryder Langenfelder (Air Force) — will enter the military.
“On behalf of all of us in attendance and a grateful nation, we thank you for your future service,” Mr. Williams said.
“All of these moments throughout high school have now become memories and stories to tell our families. All these years of hard work and resilience have led to success,” said class president Lilah Handy, bound for Clemson University to major in biological science. “We should all thank our families, teachers and friends for helping us through life. Most of all, we should look forward to what is coming. High school is only a fraction of our life.”
Valedictorian Crandell, a 3,200-meter state champ and three-time state cross country champ, will attend the University of Delaware with plans to continue her athletic career. While undecided on a major, she is leaning toward kinesiology or sports health.
“Life isn’t about successes and failures. It’s not always about reaching the top or how many times you fall,” she said. “It is about the person you become along the way.”
Salutatorian Rodgers will attend the University of Delaware as a pre-med major.
“I think it is safe to say I speak for all of us when I say thank you, teachers, all of you for pushing us. Thank you to the coaches who believed in us and our talent, pushing us to run that extra lap and never give up. Thank you, parents, for your devotion to us these last 12 years, whether that was packing our lunches, holding us accountable or driving us to school,” he said. “Lastly, thank you to the friends and acquaintances who made high school worth it. Thank you to those who brightened our day, those who laughed and cried with us, shared our successes and failures and made our best days better and our worst days bearable.”
The salutatorian noted the class of 2024’s spirit.
“Everybody came to the games and the pep rallies. And, especially my senior year, everybody kicked it up a notch because it was our last year and we all understood that,” he said. “It was great to see the camaraderie.”
Dr. Jay Owens, Indian River School District superintendent, congratulated the class on a job well done.
“On behalf of the Indian River School District, we are so very proud of the accomplishments for which you are recognized tonight,” Dr. Owens said. “Tonight is an incredible milestone in your life. Take time to enjoy this moment with family and friends, and remember to thank those who supported you during this long journey.”
