Rain did not diminish the accomplishments or the speeches given Thursday morning in the Franklin High School gymnasium as part of the 2024 Senior Awards Ceremony.
Originally set for the Panther Pit but moved inside due to weather, the 2024 FHS Senior Class, 225 members strong, got to celebrate themselves for what they’ve done over the past four years.
After a welcome by Principal Blair King and McKinleigh Cochran singing the National Anthem, Senior Class President Gracie Elliott spoke on the Class of 2024’s journey through unprecedented waters.
“From the rocky beginnings of freshman year and our extended spring break of eighth grade to soon being high school graduates, I’m beyond proud of each and every one of you and being able to bypass any hardship that this high school life has given you,” Elliott said, later ending with “Take a moment to appreciate all that high school has had to offer, because in three weeks, it’ll all be over and you’ll all be embarking on your newest adventure in life. This is only the end of the beginning. Congratulations, class of 2024.”
FHS Student Body President Aaron Jennings, admitting he wrote his speech at 2 a.m. after the previous weekend’s prom, spoke on their potential.
“The only way to fail is to give up on yourself. So as a famous philosopher once said, ‘Never back down, never give up,’ Jennings said. “If you have a dream, work for it until it becomes reality.”
Dan Gibson, who went from counselor to interim assistant principal and soon-to-be permanent assistant principal this past school year, was named FHS Support Person of the Year. Gibson then spoke about “the three ups” – show up, shut up and lift up.
“I look into this group and I see people who can change the world. Do not be afraid to bet on yourself. Work your tail off, embrace the difficult, and when you reach the top of the mountain, allow yourself time to enjoy the view,” Gibson told the seniors.
FHS Teacher of the Year was Michele Kussow, who told the students to be kind and be a light into the world they are about to enter.
“Class of 2024, as you prepare to step out into the world, I challenge you to be the change you wish to see. Go forth and shine your light upon the world,” Kussow closed with.
Staff. Sgt. Rush presented the Marine Corps Awards, including the Devil Dog award to Jayden Rogers, who has enlisted in the Marines.
King recognized the honorary cords that students were wearing: Red for those who donated blood to the American Red Cross, had a family member donate on their behalf or helped work at school blood drives; green for those who received their carpentry certificate; light blue for those who completed the early childhood education program; blue and gold for the Future Business Leaders of America members and competitors; white for those who received their CNA certification; light purple and white for FHS Student Leadership Team members who have been active in the community; blue, red and white for Tar Heel Girls State program competitors; pink for Tri-M Music Honor Society members; brown for welding technology certificate recipients; red and white for those who completed Career and Technical Education pathway courses and passed all three portions of the federally-mandated WorkKeys testing at a silver or better level; and Future Farmers of America medals for its members who have competed in a state or national event. N.C. Scholars Program recipients were also recognized, all having at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA and reaching certain course requirements.
After the academics, extracurricular, cultural arts, athletics and vocational awards, King presented the distinguished awards. The Citizenship Award went to Hope Smith and Reed Raby, as they exhibit “honesty, integrity and willingness to assume responsibility.”
“Not only do these students demonstrate pride in their school and community through their involvement in various activities, but they exhibit genuine concern for broader issues affecting society as a whole. These students are truly to be commended,” King said.
The School Spirit Award went to Emma Hawkins and Patrick Faetz for their pride and enthusiasm for all things FHS.
“It is given to the young man and woman who best exemplify and promote pride in their school. With no regard to personal gain or recognition, these students enthusiastically give of themselves to not only generate interest in various activities, but also to elicit student body support for fellow students involved in extracurricular activities,” King said of the School Spirit Award.
Franklin High School graduation will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30 on the football field.