Prepared for the Future

• Meridian High School's Class of 2024 sang their school's song with their teachers, parents, friends, and neighbors to close out their commencement ceremony in the gym on Friday evening, May 24, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune
• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune MHS Valedictorian Evelyn Dirkse gave a moving and emotional valedictorian speech to her fellow classmates and audience members during the Class of 2024's commencement ceremony in the gym on Friday evening, May 24, 2024.
• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune MHS Salutatorian Brayden Wehmeyer took a selfie with Supt. Dana Davis after he received his diploma during the Class of 2024's commencement ceremony in the gym on Friday evening, May 24, 2024.

Surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, Meridian High School's Class of 2024 officially marked an important educational milestone during its commencement ceremony in the gymnasium on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Tears of joy mixed with highfives of pride as the 12 Yellow Jacket graduates participated in their rite of passage from public school into the public realm.

In his invocation, Noah Alvizo thanked the Almighty for looking over the senior class, their families, and friends and asked for guidance and support in the future.

Hope Cabrera followed by introducing the Meridian ISD Board of Trustees: Bobby Taylor, president; Jeff Hicks, vicepresident; Kristy Kuykendall, secretary; Awnya Dietiker; Kyle Hood; Albert Hunter, Heath Martin; and newly elected members Marc Arnold and Wendy Cummings.

“Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Meridian ISD,” Cabrera said.

In addition, Cabrera recognized the Meridian FFA for posting the colors and the Not So Jazz Band – Jazz Band with MISD band director Daniel Yguerabide for providing the music during the processional and the ceremony.

Supt. Dana Davis then welcomed everyone to the ceremony, thanking parents and guardians for their commitment to encouraging their children to attain a public education.

“Without you, these students would not be here tonight,” she said before recognizing the 12 graduating seniors: Noah Asher Alvizo, Hope Marie Cabrera, Evelyn Isabel Dirkse, Kayden Nikole McLennan, Lana Page Morones, Austin Thomas Pogue, Trent Caden Pruitt, Raechel Cheyenne Ramirez, Luke Preston Smith, Canyon Elizabeth Stauffer, Brayden Thomas Wehmeyer, and John Sullivan Wyatt.

Supt. Davis asked Meridian ISD parents, teachers, and staff, to stand and be recognized by the audience.

The new Meridian High School Principal Lizette Paceley recognized the achievements of the 12 graduating seniors based on the different colored cords each student wore: blue for business and industry, white for arts and humanities, green for multi-disciplinary, burgundy for distinguished, gold for performance, red for blood donor and purple and silver for TRIO.

Supt. Davis introduced both Meridian High School’s Salutatorian Wehmeyer and Valedictorian Dirkse, who each spoke separately before the audience gathered in the dimly lit gym.

Wehmeyer expressed gratitude for reaching graduation despite the challenges faced, such as navigating technological issues and balancing academic and social responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of reclaiming time and appreciated the guidance he received from teachers.

His speech further highlighted the resilience and dedication required to overcome obstacles, thanking everyone for their support and patience. It ended with a call to his classmates to maintain confidence and resilience, inspired by the journey they've all shared together. In her heartfelt speech, Dirkse emphasized the importance of her support system in her academic and personal growth. She further reflected on the challenges and uncertainties faced during her journey, including the transition to university and personal struggles.

Dirkse shared a message of perseverance and faith, encouraging her peers to remain hopeful and resilient. She concluded with congratulations to her graduating classmates, thanking each of them personally for special memories and lessons from their school years.

“But most importantly, always remember you’re not alone,” she said.

Following their remarks, Supt. Davis certified the graduates and presented them with their diplomas and hugs.

In her benediction, Dirkse thanked the Lord for guiding those gathered and giving everyone a purpose.

Before tossing their caps into the air in celebration of their milestone, the graduates held hands and performed the school song with accompaniment by the Not So Jazz Band – Jazz Band.

The ushers for the commencement exercise were Glory Gilbert, Journey Stauffer, Ben Beaudin, and Matthew Jones.