By SYDNEY KENT
Excited chatter filled an overflowing gymnasium Sunday afternoon as a long line of graduates shuffled into their seats for the final time at Norwell High School. Cheers of recognition came to a pause for a moment of silence in honor of Gabe Norris, a Norwell student who passed away in a tragic accident in 2018 and would have graduated this year.
Principal Kameron Meyer presented specific students to be recognized for high technical and academic achievements, with everyone in attendance giving an extra shout of gratitude to the three students choosing to enter the military after graduation.
Catherine Crawfis recounted a story from Mrs. Dickey’s seventh-grade English class about the magic of mundane moments.
“She wanted us to know that these moments may seem common now but would soon be rare,” Crawfis said. “As we look back at our high school years, it is easy for us to remember the big events: the impact of COVID, the poop bandit’s reign of terror, and the high-stakes competitions, in which many Norwell teams have competed. These experiences will be hard to forget. But it is my hope that all of us here find it just as easy to remember the small day-to-day gems that have really defined the past four years.”
The traditional passing down of the class president gavel was conducted by Rachel Bauermeister with Eli Ingle, president of the NHS Class of 2024. During the ceremony, Bauermeister recounted her experience and lent some advice to the incoming senior class and its leader.
“Being class president has shown me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness,” Bauermeister said. “You won’t be able to do it alone, so lean on your peers around you to help you through the hardships. I want to urge you to not take your time here for granted. This year will come with many unexpected learning curves, but also some of the best memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.”
Students walked across the stage to accept their diplomas before receiving a rose and a handshake from Superintendent Mike Springer. Extra shouts of joy from proud families were given to particular students who overcame challenges over the course of their high school careers.
The 2023 class colors were navy blue, white, and gold, and the class song was “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift. The class flower was a white rose.
sydney@news-banner.com
