May 31, 2024
On Friday, May 31, 2024, over 400 Prince George High School graduates celebrated the successful completion of their high school careers during the Class of 2024's commencement ceremony at the school's athletic stadium in front of thousands of friends and family.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr
Prince George High School's annual graduation ceremony, a cherished community tradition and one of Prince George County’s largest events of the year, drew a crowd of thousands to the athletic stadium. This event marked the culmination of over a decade of elementary and secondary learning for the Class of 2024, and the beginning of their diverse paths - post-secondary education, military service, entering the workforce, or further opportunities for self-discovery.
Prince George High School Assistant Principal Robert Bowman (left) reads graduates’ names as fellow administrators Dr. Wendy Wyatt (middle) and Donna Branch-Harris (right) warmly welcome each graduate on stage to receive their diplomas. (PGCPS Photo)
During the two-hour ceremony, members of the high school's graduating class, comprising 412 graduating seniors, including 89 honor graduates, school principal Matt McAllister, and others offered words of reflection and inspiration that resonated with the next generation of Prince George High School Royals and the audience listening intently from the grandstands."As you look at the thousands of people gathered to share in this momentous occasion with you, you can see that no one here got to this point on their own," Prince George High School Principal Matt McAllister said. "As you move forward, be that person who helps and serves others. Pastor Lee Woodcock recently shared that apple trees don’t produce fruit for themselves. I challenge you to be the person who serves others. As you graduate and move along your individual paths, remember the lessons you learned from one another, love and respect one another, and serve one another."
"As we take our next steps, and in all our future steps, let us be bold," said Prince George High School Class of 2024 Salutatorian Rachel Ingram, who achieved the second-highest grade point average of 4.95. "Be bold in trying new things and meeting new people. Be bold in our further growth and learning. Be bold at work and at home. Be bold in the moment, so you do not regret inaction tomorrow. Step with courage and hold your head high as you walk paths no one in your family has walked before."
Prince George High School Class of 2024 Valedictorian Avery Koch speaks to her classmates and guests during Friday’s graduation ceremony. (PGCPS Photo)"We may not know what's in store for us and I may not be able to give you profound advice on how to handle the obstacles of the future, but I can tell you this: Never let anyone tell you who you're supposed to be," said Prince George High School Class of 2024 Valedictorian Avery Koch, who achieved the class' highest grade point average of 4.97. "Never let anyone tell you how to live your life. Your hands are at the helm. You're the captain of your own ship now. And as you journey out into the sea of life, remember that only you get to write the definition of who you are."
Many of the 2024 graduates from Prince George High School are getting ready to move on to colleges and universities in the area and beyond, with hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to aid their education. As of May 28, 2024, the class received 128 scholarships totaling $1,432,459, a significant achievement representing many hours of applying and interviewing for these opportunities.
Prince George County School Board members were on hand for the Friday morning ceremony, offering warm embraces, handshakes, and kind smiles as each graduate received their diploma on stage during the Friday morning event.
"The Prince George School Board joins our community in celebrating our graduating Royals and the Prince George High School Class of 2024," Prince George County School Board Chairman Jill A. Andrews said. "Your graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new adventure. We encourage you to embrace change, stay curious, and never lose sight of the incredible potential within each of you. Congratulations, and may your future be filled with endless possibilities, success, and fulfillment."
"Your graduation is a testament to your hard work, determination, and passion for learning, and we are so proud to celebrate our graduates," Prince George County School Board Vice-Chair Sherry D. Taylor said. "As you step out into the world, remember that your education is the foundation upon which you can build a successful future. Your potential is boundless, and the world has unlimited opportunities awaiting you. We can't wait to see the extraordinary things you do as you venture into the world."
Under perfect blue skies, Prince George High School’s Class of 2024 tosses their caps into the air, celebrating their high school graduation in front of thousands of friends and family on Friday, May 31, 2024. (PGCPS Photo)
The community is invited to visit the district's website to see more photos from this year's commencement ceremony through the district's Facebook page and Flickr galleries.