Graduates celebrate school end
Caps fly as Medical Lake seniors celebrate the end of their years in high school.
Parents greet graduates following commencement.
SPOKANE - The sun shined brightly on the proud faces of graduates and their families at Medical Lake High School's Class of 2024 graduation ceremony on a beautiful June 6 afternoon.
The Gonzaga stadium was adorned with red and white decorations, reflecting the school's colors, as the community gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.
The ceremony kicked off with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by the school's choir, setting a tone of pride and unity.
Principal Chris Spring welcomed everyone with an opening speech, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of both students and faculty over the past four years.
Salutatorian Savannah Pla then took the stage, delivering a heartfelt and inspiring speech.
"This next chapter of our life is beginning," Pla said. "Whether you're religious or not, we must live our lives true to our convictions. Grace, resilience, and persistence."
Following the saulatorian's address, Valedictorian Kaitlin Pitro shared her thoughts and experiences.
"Even our junior class trip was canceled due to COVID, and during our senior class trip, it was thunderstorming the whole time, but we made it," Savannah said. "We rode the rollercoaster of high school, and we will continue to ride this rollercoaster we call life."
Assistant Principal Mr. Justin Blain and counselor Ashley Watts also addressed the graduates, offering their congratulations and best wishes for the future.
The ceremony featured a special performance by the Medical Lake Jazz Band, who played "Feels So Good."
Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Hendricks concluded the ceremony with words of encouragement and congratulations. "You are here today. Behind you lie the hallways of Medical Lake High School, and each school that came before, echoing with laughter," she began. She continued, "Sporting events, state competitions, livestock shows, robotics competitions, ROTC programs, knowledge bowl competitions, track team events, equestrian shows, and countless memories."
"Life unfolds fast and relentless, it shows the possibilities of all your dreams, dreams you've nurtured in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, in the endless Washington sky," she said. "Dreams of careers that ignite your passion, of journeys that will broaden your horizons, of lives that leave a mark on the world."
"But dreams, like chicks, need a nest to take flight from," she continued. "Here stand all the pillars of your nest. Your families, your teachers, your friends, and the community that has carried you into this moment, will continue to support you as you soar. And as I often say, it will be okay."
"But most importantly, graduates, look within yourselves, for it will be you that drives on," she said. "The unwavering spirit that makes you unique is the fire in your heart, the curiosity in your mind, and the courage to face the unknown."
"The adventure begins, Class of 2024. Take those memories, those dreams, the unwavering support, and the strength within you, and soar," she said. "Remember Cardinals, wherever life takes you, a part of you will always remain at Medical Lake High School."
Parents, teachers, and friends cheered as each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diploma, a moment of pride captured by countless photos and videos.
The graduates tossed their caps into the air, marking the end of their high school journey and the beginning of new adventures. The sense of accomplishment and excitement was palpable as families gathered for hugs, photos, and celebrations.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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