Whitesboro celebrates highly-decorated senior class at 2024 graduation ceremony

While the threat of inclement weather caused many area high schools to move graduation ceremonies indoors, Whitesboro ISD opted to hold theirs at Bearcat Stadium as originally planned. 

“There’s no way we could have fit all of you in the high school gym,” Superintendent Ryan Harper told the audience who filled the stadium stands. 

As it turned out, the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful for the 91 graduates who crossed the stage.

The evening began with an opening prayer by senior Keely Hartless, followed by opening remarks by Superintendent Ryan Harper. His message was directed to the students themselves, offering a list of motivational Do’s and Don’ts to consider as they embark on this next chapter of their lives. 

Salutatorian Erick Vargas Torres and valedictorian Reese Huhnke each gave a brief speech, thanking the people in their lives who have been most influential, and offering words of encouragement to their fellow seniors.

Next, high school principal Marlene Robinson recounted a list of accomplishments made by this year’s seniors, one of the highest-decorated classes in Bearcat history. From state champion marching band to the state-bound softball team, there were numerous awards and achievements to make the district and community proud. This could be seen by the many medals worn by graduates for various academic and athletic accomplishments.

Then, as friends and family cheered and applauded, each senior was called forward to accept their diploma. The ceremony ended with final remarks, a prayer and the tossing of the mortarboard hats. Families joined their students on the field for photos and congratulatory hugs, and just like that, another senior class has come and gone.