Stronger: Carson’s 2024 Senators seize the day

Carson High School’s outgoing graduates were so ready to be done with high school. But Student Body President Michael Hoffer reminded his peers sweetly and succinctly that whatever “last times” they looked forward to this year, there are a number of “firsts” just around the corner.

“Our high school journey is a testament to our drive,” he said in his address Saturday. “If we can navigate these challenging times and emerge victorious, we can conquer anything that lies ahead. Our greatest lesson is to adapt, persevere and thrive as we move forward.”

Carson High School graduated 483 seniors from its Class of 2024 Saturday on the school’s football field, with friends, family members, staff and community members cheering on a number of groups for academic recognitions or accomplishments.

In addition to Hoffer, words of reflection in three senior speeches from Christian Galvez Hernandez, Madelyn Monson and Perlita Rojas Ortiz bolstered graduates to consider their education and opportunities.

Galvez Hernandez, providing his message in Spanish and English, emboldened his classmates to think of education as more than what they learned in the classroom.

“Education is a culmination of your experiences that create, shape and guide you,” he said. “…Take a hold of your education. Take in all the fresh air. It will open countless doors for yourself by keeping your heart and mind open. … Education is the one thing that can never be taken, so light that fire.”

Monson said it was important to cultivate interests outside of academics as a means of celebrating authenticity.

“Having this passion that was special to me was something I could constantly escape into when other aspects of my life were too overwhelming,” Monson said. “These passions that we all have are what sets us apart from each other and it’s important to be proud of those traits.”

Rojas Ortiz, who thought back on appreciating the present as she looked forward to being “the big kid” at school with each passing year, said it was time to commemorate the graduates’ “greatest chapter” in their book.

“Looking to the future is vital to our motivation and to overcome our challenges as we overcame the challenge of getting here,” she said.

Before the ceremony kicked off and graduates gathered in the school’s Morse Burley gymnasium for the traditional senior class photo, Principal Dan Carstens encouraged the outgoing graduates to consider their etiquette crossing the stage and their life choices beyond.

“I’m extremely proud of this group,” he said. “Be kind, do good all the way through and if you have any questions — it’s too late.”

Carstens, finishing his first year at CHS, told the Appeal this year’s senior Senators were “some very nice individuals and very high-achieving kids.”

“I’m really looking forward to watching them grow and what their future endeavors hold for them,” he said. “I wish I had more years with them, but I’ll take one with this class.”

Superintendent Andrew Feuling, speaking with the Appeal after the ceremony, said it’s satisfying to witness this year’s class accomplishments after its experiences transitioning from its hybrid year to normal classes. He said the students’ challenges have molded them and helped them to do great things.

“I truly believe things like that will make you stronger,” Feuling said. “They will go out into the world with that behind them and with a successful high school experience behind them, ready to take on whatever comes their way. It’s exciting to see where they go and hopefully Carson will also be in their heart and hopefully they’ll have great memories of their time here.”