Jefferson High School Class President Maddie Bennett accepts her diploma during the Class of 2024’s graduation ceremony in the Butcher Center on Sunday. Angela Durkin

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The 52nd annual Jefferson High School (JHS) Commencement Ceremony was held at the Shepherd University Butcher Center on Sunday afternoon, celebrating the achievement of the Class of 2024.

The ceremony progression began with the prelude/processional from the Jefferson High School band. A Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard by the following: Jonathan Mapa, cadet major; Ava White, cadet 1st lieutenant; Breandan Mullins, cadet 1st lieutenant; and Patrick Ring, cadet technical sergeant. The National Anthem was performed by Sadie Hagerty, a member of Jefferson Vocal Music.

Principal Mary Beth Group welcomed the students, family and staff of JHS and welcomed members of the Jefferson County Board of Education. She introduced Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bishop and President Kathy Skinner to the stage to personally address the graduates.

Bishop recognized what a momentous occasion graduation is and the hard work, dedication and perseverance it took to get to this milestone for students.

“For many of you, high school has been a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges,” he said. “You’ve experienced moments of joy, laughter and friendship, as well as times of struggle, doubt and uncertainty. But, through it all, you have grown, you have learned and you have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever.”

Class President Maggie Bennett said she was beyond honored to provide the welcome address for the ceremony. She encouraged her fellow classmates to remember the memories created and the lessons learned while at JHS.

“I would like to personally congratulate my peers on reaching this milestone and remind you as we cross this stage to carry forward the spirit that has surrounded us and approach the future with determination,” she said. “Our time at Jefferson High School has been unforgettable.”

Class Vice President Chloe de Moulin thanked the senior members of the vocal music program for their performance of the JHS Alma Matter. In her speech, she reflected on the uniqueness of their freshman year as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I’m sure we can all remember our unique freshman year,” she said. “Thanks to the pandemic, our classmates’ faces remained a mystery, hidden behind a mask or through virtual classes, leaving us with no clue about Cougar tradition.”

Moulin said that although it took their class a few years to fully experience the traditions, the Class of 2024 seized the moment and brought back clubs, activities, and was able to create a thriving student section. She welcomed Jaelyn Anderson to the stage to read the class poem, “4 Years Ago.”

Principal Group returned to the podium to offer her own comments to the graduating class. Acknowledging that the ritual of crossing the stage and receiving their diploma is a privilege and not granted to all, she thanked the students who chose to walk and welcomed them to the Cougar alumni.

“Remember that your Cougar family stands by you,” she said. “The resources and support available to our alumni are timeless traditions. The strength of our Cougar family lies in its numerous pillars of support. Personally, I have discovered the profound depth of support within our family when I needed it the most.”

Class Secretary Trevor Donley expounded on the traditions that have been mentioned in previous speeches. He said the most important JHS tradition is community, which include coaches, custodians, cafeteria staff, administrators, teachers, friends and family.

“This community has provided the resources and opportunities for you to do anything you want in life,” he said. “These people will always be cheering your name and wanting to see you win.”

Approximately 280 JHS graduates received their diplomas Sunday.