Twenty young adults graduated from Northwestern Area High School on Saturday, May 18^th. The School’s Gold gym was filled with family, friends, and other fans of the class of 2024.

Be-robed in yellow, green, or black, the seniors entered the gym to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” They quietly took their seats on stage. The ceremony began with a prayer led by Pastor Doug Duncan.

Jacob Leinen gave a greeting speech. Leinen spoke of “celebrating the friendships we’ve made and the challenges we’ve faced together.” Holding on to memories while looking to the future was emphasized.

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The speaker who gave the graduation address was Tyanne Osterkamp. Osterkamp also spoke of memories. She stated that she was feeling “a whirlwind of emotions.” Lifelong friendships, moving into the unknown, and loving support were mentioned. “Thank you for pushing us these last few months, knowing that we both wanted all of these seniors out of the building as soon as possible!” Osterkamp said to teachers and staff, with a laugh. She thanked family, teachers, and the class. Having dreams for the future was also emphasized.

Next, a few of the graduating seniors strode to the back of the gym, to join the band for their last performance as high school students. The band played “Ruckus.”

Among the most touching moments was the handing out of the flowers. The class members rose a couple at a time, and were handed tulips by the Honor Guards, Joshua Thorson and Rhianna Troske. The students went into the audience and gave flowers to loved ones, as a small token of thanks. Some tears were seen, especially as the flowers were handed out. Many hugs were shared.

Once the entire class returned and settled, Principal Chris Ulrich presented the Class of 2024. School Board President Kevin Nash was on hand to distribute the diplomas. As each name was called, students approached the officials and received a diploma. The new graduates were applauded.

Those graduating with honors were: Richard Larson, Gregory Nelson, and Lincoln Woodring. Highest honors were awarded to Natasha Kaderabek, Jaycie Lier, and Johnathan Thelen. Woodring and Thelen were also Regent Scholars. Opportunity scholars included Dylan Hahler, Kaderabek, Thelen, and Woodring.

The entire class list: Aleigha Allison; Landon Braun; TaeLynn Cordero Sainz; Courtney Decker; Dustin Dirksen; Zach Fischbach; Dylan Hahler; Natasha Kaderabek; Richard Larson; Jacob Leinen; Jaycie Lier; Nathan Melius; Angelina Molina; Gregory Nelson; Tyanne Osterkamp; Gwendolyn Price; Johnathan Thelen; Dawson Ward; RikkaLyn Wiman-Gisi; and Lincoln Woodring.

After Pastor Duncan led a closing prayer, the new graduates strode down the center aisle and out of the gym. Thus ended their high school time.

Some of the class members walked out smiling calmly. Others were in a rush to get out, nearly running into people. The crowd followed the class out of the gym, spilling into the lunch area. Many accolades were given, and pictures snapped. Eventually, attendees disbursed to individual congratulatory get-togethers. That’s another year wrapped up.