Graduation Ceremony: The Class of 2024

The Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024 was held in the Dr. McClain Gymnasium on June 13th, 2024. The ceremony kicked off at 2:00 pm, with the seniors triumphantly walking across the gymnasium and going up the stairs to the stage, taking some of their last steps as HIS students. The class of 2024 is truly special in terms of how they will be shifting on to the next chapter of their lives with AI, as mentioned during the welcoming words by both the Board Chair, Mr. Phred Kaufman, and the Head of School, Mr. Tim Schlosser. Following this were words from the senior advisor, Ms. Harmon, who described each student of the class of 2024 as an ingredient for an oatmeal cookie—very fitting, considering her aptitude for baking!

After the three speeches, the senior performance was held, where the seniors sang and danced to “Everyone Wants to Rule the World!” After their spirited performance, the seniors returned to the stage for the last time as high school students with a mix of emotions. They took their seats and waited for their time to receive their diplomas and deliver their final speeches. As each graduate received their certificate and shared their final words, it was evident to the audience the profound sense of pride and gratitude each 12th-grade Husky on the stage, ready to open the next chapters of life. It was also apparent that the community had supported them in their journeys at HIS, whether the graduates were at HIS for a couple of years or through all of secondary.

After the tear-jerking speeches, everyone headed down to the MPR for food, sweets, and drinks and enjoyed their last moments together. There was even ice cream cake!!! Laughs and smiles were exchanged across the first floor, and students and parents took many group photos to savor the moment. When everyone satisfied their hunger, everyone headed out to the field for the final phase of the graduation ceremony. The seniors gathered up into a line and readied themselves. For what, you might ask? To throw their caps up into the air and end with a bang!

The HIS community will miss the class of 2024, but they will be honored, will inspire, and will be savored, just like all of the other Husky graduates.

Interview with Emilio Tanaka, Class of 2024

Q: What was your first day of school like at HIS?

A: My first day of school at HIS was very nerve-wracking for me as I was very new to the school. I remember attending the opening ceremony, walking to 304 with the rest of my class, and doing a class icebreaker about a bunch of people on a tree. Definitely one of the parts I like to think about was the photo of Darren on the hallway window of 304.

Q: How have you grown at HIS?

A: I've grown to be a much more extroverted person, I used to have a very bad stutter when talking to most people that I grew out of by hanging out with friends in and out of school.

Q: What was your most memorable highlight of your time at HIS?

A: I think my most memorable time at HIS was actually over summer break. My 18th birthday I spent all night out with my friends, and at the end of the night, we sat on the side of the Toyohira river watching the sunrise and just relaxing.

Q: What are you doing next, now that you are graduating?

A: I will be retreating to my farm to introspect and plan out what I want to do in the future.

Read more about what each graduate will do next on the Graduation Program Brochure!

Brochure link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W44rjNftWVqELgW60QKiCzFVHm21J1Z1/view?usp=drive_link

Community members, feel free to watch the full Graduation Ceremony video!

Video link: https://vimeo.com/960030092?share=copy

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Once a Husky, Always a Husky…