Rooted by faith, bonds, Charles City High School Class of 2024 flourishes to success

The celebration is on as Charles City High School’s Class of 2024 are announced as graduates during Saturday morning’s ceremony.

Andre' Jones photos

Rooted in faith and support of each other during the most trying times, Charles City County High School’s Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation milestone Saturday morning inside of the high school gymnasium.

Twenty-nine graduates sat and listened to stories of how they fought through adversity and depended on each other to reach the platform to complete their education.

“I am so proud of this class,” said class president Nyla Brown. “We have done so many great things to get to this point.”

Class salutatorian Landon Adkins used his platform to praise God, thanking him for the journey that he was provided as well as his classmates.

“We all faced trials and tribulations these past six years, but I thank God for allowing us to bring us through,” the salutatorian said. “I will admit that when I came over here to the high school, I turned my back on God and didn’t care.

“But he never stopped loving me,” Adkins continued. “I made it through, and it was all because of God’s grace and mercy that we all made it through. God loves each and every one of you and I love you too Class of 2024.”

Class valedictorian Kaylen Cotman was very emotional, speaking about how she didn’t believe she would be standing in front of her classmates after the passing of her mother at the age of nine.

“I was in a dark, depressing time of my life,” Cotman said as she began shedding tears. “This moment is truly special on a deeper level for me.

“When I lost my mother, I went for two weeks seeing a mental therapist,” she continued. “But all the time, my classmates have been with me. Their collective effort pulled me from despair. They were my family.

“As we embark, remember the bonds that unite us,” Cotman said as she wrapped up her speech. “Carry the lessons we have learned, and most importantly, remember to have compassion.”

Charles City High School Principal Anita Harper kept her comments brief when describing the Class of 2024.

“We have a very special class,” she said. “Today, we celebrate a milestone and your transition. As you do, remember the values of integrity, passion, knowledge, and thinking of others as you continue your journey.”

Commencement speaker Sydney Richard, Charles City High School’s Class of 2016 valedictorian, imparted words of advice as a fellow alum.

“Have pride in your accomplishments,” she said. “When you leave, put your all in what you work for, and give it all you got.

“No one has more to gain from your success except you,” Richard continued. “Let your passion be your guide. Don’t take failing as a setback; take it as a lesson and learn from it.”

Charles City Superintendent of Schools Dalphine Joppy’s remarks added to the overall theme of the ceremony.

“When I arrived, you were all freshmen and we had a virtual introduction,” Joppy said, mentioning the Class of 2024 as freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “When you all returned to the building, even behind the masks I could see those smiles.

“Your love, commitment, and connection could all be felt,” the superintendent continued. “You all were successful in academics, as student-athletes, as cadets, as musicians, as singers, and as volunteers.

“This class looks out for each other and is an amazing group,” Joppy said as she wrapped up her comments. “Continue to be the changemakers that you are.”

Charles City graduate Joshua Smith (left), who also served as CCHS JROTC’s Battalion Commander makes sure Cadet Jahkeem Cooper (right) looks presentable despite it being his big day.

Charles City High School Principal Anita Harper (seated) joins the graduating ladies of the Class of 2024 for a photo opportunity.

Taylor Bey uses his phone to make last minute adjustments to help with proper placement of his graduation cap.

Bryana Lewis makes a final inspection of her cap prior to putting it on for the ceremony.

Dalen Tyler celebrates with excitement as he crosses the stage to receive his diploma.

After the ceremony, Cody Riggs poses with family members as he celebrates his graduation after already receiving his certification in small engine and marine repair from Bridging Communities Career and Technical School.

Family members whip out their phones as they snap pictures of graduate Callie Johnson on her momentous occasion.