Central High School Celebrates Class of 2024 During Graduation

San Angelo ISD congratulates the Central High School Class of 2024 future-ready graduates! The CHS Graduation Ceremony celebrating 626 graduating students was held Saturday morning, May 25, 2024 at the Angelo State University Junell Center/Stephens Arena. 

CHS Principal Jill Ross welcomed graduates and attendees followed by the presentation and posting of colors, performed by the CHS JROTC, a moving rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by the senior members of the Bobcat Choir, the national and state pledges led by Naudya Alvarado and an invocation given by Tatiana Castaneda. 

Mrs. Ross then introduced special guests in attendance including SAISD Board Trustees Dr. Taylor Kingman, Mrs. Ami Mizell-Flint, Mr. Gerard Gallegos, Mr. Bill Dendle, Mrs. Lupita Arroyo, Dr. Kyle Mills, and Mrs. Pam Duncan. Additionally, she introduced district leadership in attendance including Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran, Dr. Farrah Gomez, Dr. Merl Brandon, Mrs. Shelly Huddleston, Dr. Raelye Self, Dr. Jason Skelton, and Mr. Michael Kalnbach.

Following Mrs. Ross's remarks and thanks, SAISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Moran addressed the class. “I encourage you as you think about your future do not become discouraged, encourage yourself and those around you, and never, ever give up…Meet your problems head on and you will be victorious in life. I’d like to congratulate everyone here on making it to your graduation day. I pray for hope and courage along the way.” 

The class Valedictorian, Ann White, then addressed her fellow graduates. “If I did have to give advice to myself or anyone else, it is to be thankful. Be thankful for the people who support you, for the rights and privileges that you have, and most importantly, be thankful for the small things…Personally, I am thankful for the great teachers that have supported and influenced us, for all the different extracurricular activities offered around campus, and I am most thankful for my entire senior class. This is a class of diversity, perseverance, intelligence and talent. So thank you seniors for helping to make Central High School what it is. Congratulations everyone!” 

Mrs. Ross presented the graduating class to members of the SAISD Board of Trustees and SAISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Moran, who accepted the graduates. CHS administrators, district leadership, and board trustees then presented diplomas to the graduating class. Presenting diplomas to the class of 2024 held extra sentiment this year as students, administrators, and staff donned orange ribbons on their left shoulder in honor and support of fellow graduate Carlie Jo Johnson, who is battling leukemia. The Junell Center erupted with cheers as Carlie was able to celebrate alongside her peers by walking the stage and receiving her diploma. 

The 2024 CHS graduation ceremony closed with a benediction from Salutatorian Mariel Harzke. “As we celebrate this achievement, I urge you to consider the individuals who supported you on the journey that has led up to this moment. Although this milestone is your own, I’d like to remind you to say thank you to those people, because these are the bonds that are the most important in your life. Teachers. Parents. Family. Friends. Thank you. As we diverge on almost 700 separate paths of life, these bonds are what I hope for our futures. Each of our lives will look vastly different, but each will be defined by our relationship with others…Everything about our lives is about to change, and we only have each other. So, be good to one another. Once again, congratulations and good luck!” 

The class then shared one last singing of the CHS School Song and “sic ‘em cats” led by the Top Ten graduates before tossing their caps and celebrating with families and friends. 

The full livestream recording of the CHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel. The recording will broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4 in San Angelo, and will continue to air on Channel 4 for two weeks after the ceremony. 

SAISD is proud of our CHS Class of 2024 graduates and their achievements and honors this important milestone and stepping-off point for their future. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.