June 12th marked RHS’s class of 2024 graduation ceremony, which occurred at 7pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. The ceremony was not only live in-person, but it was also on a live broadcast on our Renton School District’s Youtube channel. We shared the experience throughout the event leading our Class of 2024 with determination into the unknown future. It was certainly memorable with the amazing musical performances from RHS students and the inspirational speeches from our RHS principal Dr. San Martin, our senior class speakers, our Renton School District superintendent, and our school board members.
(A picture of RHS 2024 graduates inside the ShoWare Center.)
The event began with the procession of RHS graduates entering the arena as the RHS band, conducted by Jackson Bores, played the Pomp and Circumstance March. Dr. San Martin, who was the MC of the commencement ceremony, began her wonderful introduction; followed by RHS graduate, Alejandro Eliseo Bromley, who sang the national anthem and who later sang the Alma Mater of Renton High School. Further on, Dr. San Martin transitioned the ceremony to three senior class speakers: Kirsten LaFontaine, Serenity (Amber) Curry, and Class of 2024 President, Brigitte Camarillo-Martinez. One of the important things that Kirsten left the graduates to understand was that they, as individuals, define for themselves and that they certainly do have a gift to give to the world. Amber’s speech focused on telling her story and sending the message that it is important to work towards things you want, rather than waiting to receive it. Amber said, “I grew up faster than some of my classmates. Working two jobs, maintaining good grades, and taking 2 hour bus rides to get to them from work…people who usually got handouts in life never had to work a day in their life, don’t know what it’s like to lose it all and have to get it back on their own.” In addition, the third senior class speaker, Brigitte, used a metaphor of a mountain to describe the difficulties and the successes of RHS graduates during their high school years. Brigitte shares, “Picture a mountain with me. We’re climbing up a mountain and we’ve crossed landslides and avalanches…The view is so beautiful from up here. It’s stunning, almost as stunning as all of you in front of me.”
(Picture of RHS 2024 graduates outside of the ShoWare Center.)
Soon after, a special musical performance, “No Surprises,” by Radiohead, was played by RHS graduates: Kai Wendorf, Tom Figueroa, Johrdon Allen, Sophia Laroza, Kyle Phetsonphou, and Kristy Nguyen. This was followed by our Renton School District Superintendent Dr. Damien Pattenaude’s remarks. He explained that he did not know what his speech should be about until he received a call from a RHS Alumni. One of the things that stood out to him was the word “time” that the RHS Alumni had repeated many times. Dr. Pattenaude explains, “…your time to celebrate your accomplishments, your time to look for your future. It’s important to remember time is something we never seem to have enough of. Time is something that always moves faster the older you get.” Next, it was Dr. San Martin’s turn for her remarks, which she titled “Graduation 2024 New Beginnings, Inspiration, Future Leaders, A Cherished Journey.” Moreover, she represented the Class of 2024 by having them stand at their seats if any of the following things are true about them when they were in high school and/or for their plans after high school. For example, if any of the graduates participated in athletics/ASB, took an IB class, or are going to a four year university after graduating.
Renton School District Board member, Justin Booker, also shared his remarks. One of his messages he told RHS graduates was, “They ain’t like us.” Throughout his speech, he meant that our Renton School District community and our RHS 2024 graduates were significantly unique. Booker says, “Nobody comes from a more justice and love center place like us…We are a family that cares to support each other in ways others don’t understand because they are not like us.” After all the inspiring remarks, it was time to represent our Class of 2024 and for them to come on stage. Staff readers, Sara Khelghatian and Grant Seufferlein, who were chosen as some of the most inspiring teachers at RHS, read all of the graduates names as they approached the stage. Two Renton School District Board of Directors were seen meeting and taking pictures with RHS graduates as their name was called.
(Picture of RHS 2024 graduates outside of the ShoWare Center.)
Closing the ceremony, the Class of 2024 Officers: Tara Nguyen, Calyope McCarter, Josh Abellon, and Brigitte Camarillo-Martinez came back on stage to help end the ceremony as they lead the tradition of the turning of the tassel. Brigitte commands and explains to the Class of 2024, “This tradition represents our transition from students at Renton High School to graduates of Renton High School. Members of the Class of 2024, please turn your tassel from right to left.” Cheers came from everyone as they watched the graduating students turn their tassel and confirmed their status as a graduate. Eventually, RHS graduates cleared out of the ceremony while the RHS band played the Triumphal March. Teachers stood side by side and across each other to create a tunnel as the RHS graduates walked through and looked at the familiar faces who have supported them throughout their high school years. Outside of the arena, family, friends, and staff absorbed the last moments with our RHS graduates and took the opportunity to take pictures with them.
(Picture of RHS 2024 graduates outside of the ShoWare Center.)
Congratulations to RHS’s Class of 2024 for successfully reaching graduation! Thank you to everyone behind the scenes who made the ceremony possible. Additionally, thank you to family, friends, and all of the RHS staff who always gave their support to our RHS graduates. Finally, thank you Renton School District for all of your support to Renton High School, which also helped bring our RHS 2024 graduates where they are today. We are confident to see our RHS Class of 2024 leading our future ahead!
Source:
