SEE RELATED GALLERY OF STUDENTS GETTING DIPLOMAS.
OCEAN CITY – Students in the Ocean City High School Class of 2024 had mixed emotions as they waited for commencement exercises to begin Thursday afternoon.
Students laughed and joked, recalling memories and moments from the past school year as nerves ran wild.
One of the many graduates who was caught up in the day’s emotion was senior Ryan Mulraney. Mulraney, who participated in the OCHS Drama Guild and men’s choir, will be attending East Carolina University to study music education.
“I’ve always wanted to do music education. It’s been a passion of mine for a while,” Mulraney said. “I’m definitely a little nervous. It’s going to be hard leaving my friends behind but I’m really excited for what the future holds.”
Other excited graduates included Rebekah Long, who will be going to Alvernia University; Madison Rossetti, who will be attending The College of New Jersey; and Kara Hender, who is headed to Florida Institute of Technology. The trio of friends stood patiently waiting in line as their final moments as high school seniors ticked to an end.“Graduation is really exciting, the next stage of life, but it’s also kind of bittersweet,” Rossetti said.
The friends remarked on the experience of graduation as unique.
“The future is definitely daunting, but I think we can handle it. We’re gonna be just fine,” Long said.
Teachers and faculty members were eager for the ceremony and the future beyond. Athletic Director Michael Pellegrino spoke about the graduating class and all they have accomplished in their four years at OCHS.
“This graduating class has really left its mark on Ocean City. Three South Jersey titles, multiple state title winners, I mean that’s only athletics,” Pellegrino said, “We have kids going on to Harvard and Georgia Tech, but no matter where they go I know these kids are really going to represent and carry on Ocean City’s traditions. They’re special.”
The OCHS Class of 2024 leave a legacy of athletic and academic achievements. Families gathered in the stands of Carey Stadium on the hot sunny afternoon to celebrate the milestone. More than 300 students were dressed in traditional robes of red and white, decorating the field in colorful OCHS spirit.
As the ceremony commenced, students marched down the field, some donning mortarboards decorated with messages and college logos. The band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” and choral director Dr. Brian Schkeeper led the chorus in the senior song “Journey On.”
Speakers came to the small raised stage. Class member James Swan gave the opening address, recounting the hardships and difficulties the class of 2024 has overcome, starting their high school education during the COVID pandemic.
Principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal had encouraging words for the graduates, congratulating them on a successful high school journey and assuring them with her confidence in their future.
“The world is waiting for your contributions. I have no doubt that this Class of 2024 will mark success along the way,” O’Neal said.
Senior Jackson Barnes delivered a heartfelt farewell address, including an introspective reflection on their high school experience.
“Although we cannot etch 2024 into OCHS’s facade, our class perhaps best demonstrates what it means to be this school’s alumni. Our experience was unprecedented, but like this school’s history and this island, we have stood strong on shifting ground,” Barnes said.
“Before we set our sails for unpredictable seas, I invite you to feel at this moment. Cry with your friends and teachers. Blast nostalgic hits in your car. Craft sentimental picture dumps. These emotions are manifestations of a goodbye to a meaningful place in each of our histories. But be assured that our experience was more than something to reminisce about fondly.
“Our geography,” Barnes said, “has uniquely equipped us with the foresight to assess our environments and make informed decisions. Our experience showed us that to evolve, we must lean on one another, trust one another, and respect one another. As we voyage toward realizing our potentials, I know we will bear positivity in our chosen spheres, bettering ourselves and our communities.”
After the speeches came to a close, class members walked across the stage to collect their diplomas.
At the end of the ceremony, class President Sarah Louis led the graduates in turning their tassels to symbolize their new status as graduates. Enthusiastic graduates tossed their mortarboards into the air and a tide of red and white rained back down as the ceremony came to a close.
The Class of ’24 now steps into the next chapter of their lives, poised and prepared to etch out their own legacies.
– STORY by EDDIE D’AMICO/For the Sentinel
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
