HHS to bid farewell to Class of 2024

Graduation set for Saturday at Frank R. Long Memorial Football Field

  • Gracie Taylor • Clay County Progress Hayesville seniors got to take a break from work and enjoy a little fun during last week’s field day that included mud sliding and a day of fellowship with classmates. Graduating seniors will trade in their shorts and T-shirts for caps and gowns on Saturday, May 25 when they receive diplomas in a ceremony at the football field. In case of rain, the venue will move to the gymnasium.
    Gracie Taylor • Clay County Progress Hayesville seniors got to take a break from work and enjoy a little fun during last week’s field day that included mud sliding and a day of fellowship with classmates. Graduating seniors will trade in their shorts and T-shirts for caps and gowns on Saturday, May 25 when they receive diplomas in a ceremony at the football field. In case of rain, the venue will move to the gymnasium.

    By Lorrie Ross

    Staff Writer

     

    By the time the Hayesville High School class of 2024 crosses the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, the afternoon rains should have passed from Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium.

    Even if a little wet stuff falls, this class has dealt with adversity before. After all, the 84 future graduates  were the first students to start high school during a worldwide pandemic which has continued to impact their lives throughout their high school careers.

    Clay County Schools Superintendent Melissa Godfrey has seen their strength and offered some inspiring words: “Congratulations class of 2024,” she said. “Though your high school career started during the pandemic, you have persevered and finished strong. May you carry that perseverance with you as you embrace the next step in your journey. We look forward to celebrating your continued success in the years to come.”

    Godfrey will deliver a challenge to the graduates at the commencement ceremony Saturday evening. During the event, Carla Beck and Brenda Puett will lead the Hayesville graduates across the field at the stadium. Then Class of ’24 member Maverick Imlay, will provide the invocation, followed by Honor graduate speakers Gracelynn Anderson and Grant Hendrix.

    Hayesville High School Principal Stacey Overlin shared his sentiments for the graduates: “Congratulations and I wish you all the best in your lives after high school. Wherever you may go in life, you will always be proud graduates of Hayesville High School!”

    Of the 84 Hayesville students turning their tassels this weekend, four are going into the military. Two have joined the Army and two have joined the Air Force. College is planned for 55 students, with 28 going to four-year colleges and 27 planning to attend two-year institutions. Another 25 students plan to go directly into the workforce.

    The class of 2024 has an average GPA of 3.23, weighted, and 2.89, unweighted.

    Many of them have already started higher level education or have obtained job skills. While in high school, 15 of the grads earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from Tri-County Community College. Thirteen completed Career and Technical Education internships with local businesses during their junior or senior years of high school.

    As a class, these students were awarded $344,900 in scholarships.