Rylanda Lanasia Bundy is all smiles as she accepts her diploma from Essex High School Principal Damean Barfield during the school’s Class of 2024 commencement ceremony.
With rain pouring down outside, the Essex High School auditorium was the place to be the morning of Saturday, May 18.
Ninety-six Essex High School seniors crossed the stage that morning to receive their diplomas during the school’s 54th commencement exercises.
Taylor Carla Logan was the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Madison Taylor Hensley was Class Salutatorian.
During his remarks, EHS Principal Damean Barfield noted that a mere two-tenths of a point separated the Class’s top five graduates. The top five was rounded out by Bailey Kirsten Fones (third), Adelina Ann Bowden (fourth), and Kylie Elizabeth Jones.
During her remarks, Logan noted that her Class was concluding its eighth grade year when COVID arrived, changing the course of traditional learning.
“I worked hard in school, but I did not like high school,” she admitted. “High school was draining. Finding a balance (educationally, socially and athletically) was a challenge.”
Essex High School graduate Ginter Rashad Gwathmey is awarded his diploma by EHS Principal Damean Barfield. See additional photos page A10.
She praised her parents, friends and EHS faculty/staff for helping her maneuver through those challenges.
“We’ve made it this far by faith, perseverance and determination,” she said. “Having a positive, open mind will help you through these difficulties. Some of us know our next step in life and some don’t, and that’s okay. Regardless, we all have potential to do great things and leave our mark on the world.”
“These days of high school have allowed each of us to find our passions, make memories and explore,” Hensley told the packed auditorium. “These days have shown us of what we are capable of through hard work and perseverance.”
Hensley applauded the school faculty, especially noting Robert LaFollette.
“These teachers came here every day not just because it is their job, but because they love their students,” Hensley remarked. “Teachers here, like Mr. LaFollette, have impacted kids’ lives in more ways than they know and that truly reflects on the staff of Essex High School.”
Barfield, meanwhile, encouraged the graduates to build upon the optimism of the future.
“In your next level of excellence you will certainly face greater challenges, trials and turbulent tribulations,” he said. “Your optimism has to be anchored. It has to be on a rock solid foundation. Your optimism should be the result of your hope.”
The graduates also heard from Essex County School Board Chair Garlyn Bundy.
“Today is filled with the excitement of a future filled with possibilities,” she told the grads. “Education is an ongoing journey that does not end with today’s ceremony. It equips you with the critical thinking skills that are necessary to navigate an ever-changing world.”
Moreover, Essex County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Thomas III touched on the excellence the Class of 2024 has achieved, noting the school was well represented in the graduation/ awards ceremony for the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School.
“This Class has a number of outstanding peer role models,” Thomas said. “Peer role models are someone who has character, who is highly motivated, someone who studies hard, and someone who wants to be excellent.”
Also during the ceremony, Bundy announced that Barfield has accepted a promotion to the school division’s central office as executive director of human resources.
Leave a Reply