Class of 7 graduates FHS

A class of seven students undoubtedly becomes like an extended family. And a class of seven students gets to know one another in a way only a family would. Commencement ceremonies at Fleming High School were a true testament to those statements as each speaker at the podium choked back tears during heartfelt farewells to the class of 2024.

Senior Class President David Betley opened the occasion with accolades to the mothers in the audience in observance of Mother's Day before turning the microphone over to Harry Harms for the invocation.

Guidance Counselor Randy Stahley took the podium to announce scholarship and award winners from this year's graduating class. He opened asking the crowd to ponder how the success of a school should be evaluated and offered possible answers that might come to mind. He said in his belief, the success of a school comes down to graduating seniors who are good people and good citizens who are prepared. "I am confident that these young people will go on and be very successful," Stahley said.

One by one, Stahley called each graduate forward, telling of their plans for the future, scholarships and awards received. He noted that collectively, the class has already completed several years at Northeastern Junior College through concurrent enrollment.

The class slideshow was presented followed by the traditional recognition of parents and family.

Principal Kortney Firme introduced this Salutatorian MadiKay Serrato and Valedictorian David Betley.

Both Serrato and Betley spent their time at the microphone speaking of character traits and values of each member of the class.

Serrato opened by telling of her goals. "But how much money I make or how big my house is will not matter to me quite as much as the kind of person I became along the way."

She spoke of the great role models she's had in her life, but added that she didn't realize for the longest time was that she had six great role models seated right behind her. She spoke of confidence, determination, authenticity, hard work, kindness and loyalty shown by her classmates that she will strive to live up to.

Betley opened by saying the perception of Gen Z as lazy and without work ethic has been disproved by his class who has lived through one of the greatest health crisis of this century, competed in athletics at the highest level, taken hundreds of hours of coursework and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.

"These six things I believe define our class, passion, determination, reaching out of our comfort zone, laughing, pushing ourselves to the limit and valuing people," Betley said. "As the valedictorian of the class of 2024, I promise that you guys haven't seen anything yet."

Firme returned to the podium for conferring of diplomas and left the graduates with these words, "As you embark on this next chapter of your lives I urge you to remember the values that have guided this far - your integrity, compassion and perseverance. Hold fast to your dreams and never be afraid to pursue them with all of your heart."

After turning their tassels and tossing their caps, the seven graduates exited the gym to "I Lived" by One Republic.