Skyline High School Celebrates the Class of 2024

On a beautiful Thursday evening, Skyline High School celebrated its Commencement Ceremony, marking the graduation of the Class of 2024. The event, held on May 16, 2024, was filled with inspiring speeches, heartfelt memories, and joyous celebrations.

The ceremony started with a warm welcome from Christina Keresztesi, the Senior Class President. Addressing her fellow graduates and the gathered crowd of family, friends, and staff, she reflected on their shared journey. “We didn’t get a freshman homecoming or even a real in-person first day of high school,” Christina noted, emphasizing the unique challenges the class faced due to the pandemic. She also paid tribute to a late classmate, Brody Michael, whose memory inspires the community.

Christina’s speech highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the Class of 2024. “Nothing in life is guaranteed,” she said, urging her peers to embrace life’s uncertainties and not let the fear of making mistakes halt their pursuit of success. She shared personal anecdotes, including her nervousness during morning announcements, which reminded her to take risks and push past anxieties.

Following Christina’s remarks, the Skyline Singers performed “It’s Time.”  Their performance was followed by a musical feature from the Skyline Band, which played “Music from the Motion Picture – How to Train Your Dragon.”

Principal Danelle Sperling then took the podium, donning her dual hats as both a principal and a proud parent of a graduating senior. She praised the graduates’ kindness and resilience, recounting their elementary to high school journey. “You have shown that caring is not passive but an active choice and force for good,” she said, encouraging the students to continue making positive life choices. She also honored Brody Michael, reminding everyone of the lasting impact of his kindness and spirit.

The ceremony included a poignant moment as Logan’s bell was rung in memory of Logan Maiatico, a graduate of the Class of 2021. This moment of reflection allowed attendees to honor those who have supported them throughout their journey.

Superintendent Dr. Chris Ballinger presented the prestigious Carl and Emily Thompson Charitable Trust Scholarships. This year’s recipients were Kaitlyn Antonelli, who will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study economics, and Madelyn Sperling, who will be studying Environmental Conservation and Society at Virginia Tech. Both students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

The recognition continued with John Natalie honoring the distinguished honor graduates, students with GPAs of 4.0 and above, and those with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99. This acknowledgment underscored the academic excellence within the graduating class.

The ceremony also took a moment to honor graduates who have chosen to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. Ryan Covert and Charly Cruz Gonzalez were recognized for their commitment to their country and wore red, white, and blue cords to symbolize their dedication.

The Skyline Singers and Band played the school’s alma mater as the evening progressed, evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia. The night’s highlight came with the presentation of diplomas, each student crossing the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma, marking the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Finally, Dr. Chris Ballinger declared the class of 2024 as graduates of Skyline High School, sending the graduates off with a message of continued pride and connection to their alma mater.

The Skyline High School Commencement Ceremony was a memorable event, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024 and sending them off into the world with hope, pride, and a strong sense of community.

Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk – Soar High graduates!

Watch the Skyline High School Commencement Ceremony on this exclusive Royal Examiner.