By SYDNEY KENT
There were no empty seats as friends and family members of the Norwell High School Class of 2024 filled the gymnasium on Sunday.
Not many eyes were dry as students John Peppler, Gage Bradburn and Trey Bodenheimer began with a tribute to classmate Degan Davidson. Davidson passed away after finishing his sophomore year at Norwell. Principal Kam Meyer presented Davidson’s parents with an honorary diploma, cap and gown. A moment of silence also honored student Michael Small, who passed away in 2019.
During his address, Connor Lewis acknowledged the ability of his fellow classmates to persevere.
“We have experienced a lot,” Lewis said. “From managing stress of our everyday lives to being shown into our freshman year after a nationwide COVID quarantine. There are many moments that we will remember, such as when our Lady Knights’ basketball team made it to the state game this year, finding out that our internet connection on our phones had been cut off, the strain of bathroom events, such as the trash can catching on fire, and the terrors of the infamous “poop bandit” — and even when Mr. Weinert was gifted the iconic “I heart hot grandmas” t-shirt. These moments will allow us to remember one another for years to come. To conclude, I ask that you not be afraid of what’s next — you are ready.”
The traditional passing down of the class president gavel was conducted by Eli Ingle with Hudson Gerbers, president of the NHS Class of 2025. During the ceremony, Ingle recounted his experience and offered a few words of wisdom to Gerbers.
“Being a leader is more than just being in charge,” Ingle said. “It is a lifestyle that one must learn to understand, challenge, and overcome. While it might feel like forever before you’ll be standing where I am now, time goes in a flash. Take time to embrace the people around you. Take time to have fun. Take time to be a kid. Sometimes life can feel impossible like you don’t know where you are going. It is in these moments, especially, when it is important to lean on one another as a class. Together you are stronger.”
The NHS show choir performed “For Forever” with the NHS band playing “Fly to Paradise” during the ceremony.
Meyer asked specific students to stand to recognize their outstanding achievements — including honor roll, high GPAs and military enlistment. Students then walked across the stage to accept their diplomas before receiving a rose and a handshake from Superintendent Mike Springer.
Addyson Heyerly concluded the ceremony with a few words.
“Today we come full circle to celebrate our high school journey,” Heyerly said. “Perhaps today is not just about receiving a diploma but acknowledging the hard work, friendships, and experiences that have brought us to this moment. The best is yet to come, and your future is bright. Just think — in 47 years we will all be seniors again.”
The 2024 class motto was “Never back down, never give up.” The class colors were purple and white, and the class song was “24k Magic” by Bruno Mars. The class flower was a purple-tipped white rose.
sydney@news-banner.com
