Luke Thomas knew he was a part of the Class of 2024 from a very early age.
Thomas says it seemed so far away then. Not so much now.
Thomas told his classmates at Sunday’s Galesburg High School graduation ceremony he can’t really sum up all that time until now, even though that’s kind of what he was asked to do.
And that’s okay.
“Students, I want you to think of someone else graduating today you may not know very well. Think to yourself: do we have the same past? The answer is no,” said Thomas. “Next, think of someone you’re graduating with today that you’re really close with, a good friend. Think to yourself: do we have the same past? Although they may be similar, the answer is still no.”
Thomas everyone had their own challenges and made their own decisions, and they’ve all still graduated.
He says it wouldn’t have been fun if there weren’t obstacles or challenges along the way, much like playing Super Mario Brothers.
High School graduation isn’t just about those graduating. At least, it wasn’t on Sunday.
Shawn Hickey, selected as the faculty speaker for Sunday’s graduation ceremony, told the now-graduates graduation day was also about…the parents.
“This graduation symbolizes and ending for your parents, your guardians, and your relatives,” said Hickey. “There’s a strong sense of pride, and sadness, among them today. For your whole life, they have been preparing you for this moment. Since your first steps, they have been there for you. Fall, and they would help you back up.”
Hickey says for many of those parents, it’s now the point where they want the graduates to spread their wings and be on their own. But, it may be hard for many to let their kids go.
Nevertheless, Hickey says, it’s time for the class of 2024 to fly.
