455 celebrated at Pioneer’s 56th Commencement Ceremony
Pioneer High School celebrated the 454 graduates in the class of 2024 on Thursday, June 6th at the George Gervin GameAbove Center at Eastern Michigan University.
Principal Desmond Smith shared his awe at all of the accomplishments of Pioneer’s graduating class of 2024 and thanked the families, friends and Pioneer staff that helped the graduates reach this milestone. Smith urged the graduates to connect with one another as they were together for the last time and had one request. “Outside of blazing your paths, in your extremely bright futures, there is only one thing all of you can do for me and that is to always remember to be bold, be extraordinary, to be a Pioneer.”
The keynote speaker was John Conley, a self-contained special education teacher. Conley gave advice to the graduates on the journey they are about to embark on after high school. Conley ended his remarks sharing that life is a messy roller coaster. “It will have ups and downs and it will challenge you and eventually break you at some point, but always remember who you are and where you come from,” Conley said. “It will keep you grounded, it will help you remember that it’s okay to start over because beginning something new or taking on a new challenge is what makes life worth living.”
Graduates Rafael Gordillo Serano was the Class of 2024 Keynote speaker, Victoria Jackson gave the Class Reflection and Anya Ganger shared the Class of 2024 Senior Call to Action. Jackson highlighted the barriers the class of 2024 overcame and the lessons learned. “In the face of adversity we persisted and found new ways to adapt,” Jackson said. “With unwavering determination and perseverance we turn every hurdle we encountered into our stepping stones. Even during confusing times, our ability to support each other, showcase our strength and empathy as a school community.”
The ceremony also included the announcement of several special honors.
Horatio N. Chute Award – Micah Jacobson
Alice Porter Award – Liliana Valderrama
Mary Ellen Lewis Humanitarian Service Award – Eliana Adler
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award – Kaiden Ellis and Kennedy Flowers
Ray Pittman Outstanding Senior Athlete Award – Rachel Forsyth and Jensen Wood
You can watch CTN’s complete broadcast of the graduation ceremony here. Check out more photos from the event on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Facebook page.
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