Graduation season is upon us, and with it comes a time of reflection and celebration. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all members of the class of 2024. As superintendent, I am honored to share in this momentous occasion with our students, their families, and our dedicated staff.
It is with great satisfaction that we recognize the accomplishments of an incredibly talented group of young people who have enjoyed distinguished careers as students at Hudson High School. As we look back on their journey, there is much to be proud of: high academic achievement, all-state honors, and success in music and athletic competitions. Our graduates' resumes contain quite an extensive list of accomplishments!
I challenge each year’s graduating class to move forward with an expectation of excellence, as modeled by their predecessors. There is no mistake that this year's graduates have succeeded in that goal and set a remarkable example for those who will follow. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring.
When I think about this year’s graduating class, I feel they epitomize our vision for the “ideal graduate.” They have taken advantage of all the opportunities available to them at Hudson High School, forming themselves into well-rounded individuals with deep experience in a variety of content areas.
Our graduates' exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed. Colleges and universities are quick to recognize the distinction that comes with an application bearing the imprimatur of our high school. Similarly, our local and regional workforce values the caliber and preparation of our students, eager to hire individuals who have demonstrated such dedication and skill. It is this group of students who have contributed to Hudson High’s honors and awards, received regionally, statewide, and even nationally for continued and sustained academic excellence.
This class has an average GPA of 3.56, with five students who have achieved the remarkable feat of earning a 4.0 throughout all four years of high school. In total, this class has received $772,834 in scholarships. These accomplishments, while incredible, are not surprising. We expect high levels of achievement from our students, and the Class of 2024 is no exception.
As a school district, we are incredibly proud of our students for their academic achievements, but more importantly, we are proud of the people they have become. Their engagement in various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities has contributed significantly to their personal growth. I have witnessed firsthand their kindness, sportsmanship, and helpfulness to others. Whether it's lending a helping hand to a classmate, serving meals to veterans, or dedicating extra hours to the food bank, their acts of generosity speak volumes about their character.
Even on a snow day, instead of resting, a group of students from this year’s graduating class chose to pack lunches for those in need. These actions will not show up on their transcripts, but that does not mean they went unnoticed. This class has proven themselves to have excellent character.
The theme of this year has been “Change on the Rise.” We’ve incorporated that theme throughout the year, and you may have noticed it as a hashtag on our social media accounts. The selection of this year’s theme was made thoughtfully and intentionally, as our district is going through tremendous changes right now, both physically and as we experience tremendous growth. However, it also symbolizes all the change that is yet to come for our graduates.
So much of their futures are to be determined, with unexpected challenges waiting. This year’s theme implores them to rise to the challenge and embrace change today, tomorrow, and beyond. I know that Hudson High has prepared them to accept this challenge.
Once the graduation ceremony is concluded, our graduates will take the first step into the world. There's no safety net anymore; they're about to embark on the most significant change of their young, now adult lives. It's a mix of excitement and perhaps a hint of trepidation, but they're prepared. As our time together draws to a close, they should know they'll always have a home here, in their school, among their fellow Pirates. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate!
They have met the requirements for graduation, and they have shown themselves to be well-rounded, kind-hearted people. I know they are ready and capable of great things. Congratulations to the Class of 2024, and good luck! I am so proud of each and every one of them.
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