Powerful words propel 2024 Hononegah graduates into the future

Cheers and applause filled the BMO Center in Rockford as Hononegah Community High School's Class of 2024 entered into commencement on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

HCHS Principal Chad Dougherty gave a warm welcome.

Under the direction of Carolyn Frieden the senior choir sang the national anthem with excellence, as the HCHS American Sign Language Club signed the lyrics.

Student Body President Molly Hughes shared an important and meaningful message:

WonderAugust Pullman



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Dougherty named students who are going into the armed forces - and various branches stood to be recognized.

Students' official pictures will be added to a military wall in Hononegah. Veterans in the audience received greatly deserved recognition.

Dougherty reflected to the graduates' freshman year, remembering the challenges that students faced because of COVID-19. He lauded the  grit and determination of students.

He thanked staff members for their support.

Dougherty recognized students with the highest grade point averages. “We have 85 students who are graduating Summa Cum Laude, 39 Magna Cum Laude,- and 37 Cum Laude. We had 169 seniors take 462 AP exams.”

“These impressive statistics are the reason that Hononegah ranks 59 out of 673 schools in top nine percent of the state in U.S News and World Report and the number one school in the Rockford metropolitan region.

“Of our top 26, the grade point average went beyond the top number of 4.5, with our students reaching a 4.68 GPA. SAT scores landed at 1377.”

Dougherty shared a message from 2024 graduate Gabe Kohl, “I want everyone in the class to know that even if you weren't among the elite high academic achievers in this class, you have made an enormous difference to everybody that is sitting to your left or right. Yes it is important what we have done in the past four years, but it is more  important what we do in our futures, that we take our time to really live and love life to the fullest.”

Dougherty said.“We all know that you will make the world a better place because you made Hononegah a better place when you were there. Know that it is your truth to go out and change the world. Challenge yourself to make the world a better place, it needs you.”

Dougherty named early graduates who completed school in just seven semesters.

Dougherty introduced the Top 25 of the class. Several ties raised this number to 26 in 2024.

After technical difficulties the choir opted to perform an outstanding acapella version of “Stand By Me.”

Golden Apple winner and math teacher Alex Hartz gave an introduction of salutatorian Jacob McClarty.

He outlined McClarty's athletic prowess and academic achievements. Jacob is pursuing a degree in astrophysics.

McLarty opened by saying, “When I first learned that I was second in the class, I was very excited and proud. I received a lot of encouraging comments like, 'Only second,' and 'You're the first loser.'

“I want to remind you to be in the moment.”

McClarty told the story of a failed at home experiment while trying to suck an egg into an old Starbucks coffee bottle.

“When we tried to light the egg, our first few attempts were unsuccessful. The obvious solution was to add paper with nail polish and to light it with a match. When trying again we made a mini explosion. Thankfully we didn't burn the house down. Being the geniuses that we are, we never peeled off the shell.... This is a moment we will never forget because we were busy living in the present.”

McClarty quoted educator Michael Stevens, “Be bored, miss out, fall behind, feel timing passing, lose track of time, you might not have the time of your life, but you will have more time in your life. “

McClarty reminded everyone, “Spend time with family, friends, and in nature. Make something explode, be the first loser, enjoy where you are now, you will not regret it.”

School counselor and club advisor Mrs. Aya Ivacic introduced the 2024 valedictorian Sara Salinas. Salinas was a triathlete and a strong club leader. She is studying environment, geography and urbanization, and is inspired to pursue an environmental law degree.

Salinas honored the memory of school psychologist and girls cross country coach Darryl Rohrer who passed away this spring.

Salinas concluded with words from Al Woods from his own valedictorian speech, a message of having faith in yourself and others.

Superintendent Mike Dugan certified the 105th class in the district. “Go forth, be happy, do great things.”

Administrators handed out diplomas to 474 students.

Board of Education President Dave Kurlinkus said:

Class President Paige Bryer reminded everyone to be good to people, quoting Taylor Swift.

Bryer asked students to move their tassels from left to right purple and gold balloons dropped in celebration, propelling graduates into the future.

As the band played, all joined in singing the school song.

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