Henry E. Lackey High School's Class of 2024 gathered at Regency Furniture Stadium on Thursday, May 30, for their commencement ceremony. The event, attended by family, friends, and faculty, celebrated the achievements of 257 graduating seniors, led by valedictorian Isabel Raleigh and salutatorian Anna Martin.
Martin's connection to Lackey High School is deeply rooted in her family's history. Her great-grandmother was part of one of the first graduating classes 78 years ago, while her grandmother was a homecoming queen and voted Most Popular, and her grandfather was a state champion athlete. Martin's mother, Julie, graduated 30 years ago as the class treasurer and the "Class Gossip." Martin's sister, Morgan, was the valedictorian of the Class of 2022, and her best friend was salutatorian for the Class of 2023.
In her salutatory address, Martin reflected on her family's legacy at Lackey and shared a light-hearted moment. "And what's even cooler than that is that every single one of those people is here for me today. If nothing else, this great line-up has taught me – I need to get out of here," joked Martin, who will study psychology at Auburn University in the fall.
Martin expressed her gratitude towards Lackey High School, echoing her mother's emphasis on the importance of thank-you notes. "Dear Lackey, there's so much to thank you for," Martin said. "You taught me how fast time flies. As much as Lackey taught me, you guys deserve a thank-you note as well."
She also imparted advice to her fellow graduates, encouraging them to embrace their future with optimism and determination. "I truly have loved growing up with every single one of you," she said. "This is one of the smartest groups of students Lackey has ever seen, even if I might have a little bias. Let's not peak here. These shouldn't be the good ol' days. Call your family. Work harder than who's next to you. Try something new. Say yes more than you say no. Be honest. Take more pictures. And have a positive attitude in everything you do."
Valedictorian Isabel Raleigh, set to study marketing and graphic design at the University of Miami, emphasized the importance of appreciating the journey in her address. "We are so eager to get to our destination, we forget that there is still time before we arrive," Raleigh said. "High school has been much like a road trip. We are often so focused on the big event we forget; we forget about the smaller everyday events that truly define our high school careers."
Raleigh highlighted how seemingly insignificant daily events contribute significantly to one's life. "The same group of friends you sit with at lunch every day, the teacher you share gossip with, the coach who pushes you to be better," she said. "These events that feel minuscule but are landmarks in your journey. By constantly asking, 'Are we there yet,' we can miss the sights and attractions that shape our journey."
The Class of 2024 achieved significant academic success, collectively earning nearly $26 million in scholarship offers. This accomplishment underscores the dedication and hard work of the students and the supportive environment fostered by Lackey High School.
Maurice J. McDonough High School is scheduled to hold its graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at the same stadium. Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will livestream all graduation ceremonies on their website and through their Vimeo and YouTube channels. For more information, visit CCPS Graduation 2024.
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