CHARLOTTESVILLE — The Eastern Hancock High School Class of 2024, dressed in bright, royal blue caps and gowns with white stripes around the arms, was filled with joy after 98 seniors officially graduated Sunday afternoon.
Eastern Hancock district officials held a commencement exercise ceremony inside the school’s gymnasium, packed with family and friends.
Principal Adam Barton had a broad smile on his face as he opened the ceremony saying he was thrilled for the community, family and friends to share in the special occasion with the students.
“The Class of 2024 embodies everything we hope for,” Barton said. “We are happy we have been a piece of each of their journeys.”
Senior Griffin Lawrence was the Class of 2024 Valedictorian, and Emily Hodges was the Salutatorian.
Griffin, who plans to be a chemical engineer, thanked school officials and the community for their support and offered some advice.
“There are some challenges we will all face,” Griffin said. “So my first piece of advice is to maintain your connections.”
He also suggested that just because many are moving on to other things, it doesn’t mean they can’t continue to visit Hancock County and keep in touch. He also suggested for students to be open to trying new things.
“Graduates, I hope you all know you’ve put in a tremendous effort and all deserve to be here,” Griffin said.
Emily, who also plans to be an engineer, told the crowd she was honored when asked to give a commencement speech. She said the last four years have been anything but easy for the seniors.
“We even had to deal with COVID, which drastically changed our learning, but we persevered,” she said.
Emily then thanked the Eastern Hancock teachers who she said made profound impacts on student lives.
“We the Class of 2024 are very appreciative of each of you,” Emily said. “Congratulations Class of 2024, you’ve found a way and you have done it.”
Senior Brandon Metz gave the invocation and called the Class of 2024 the best the school has ever had because they are the only Class of 2024. He then asked God to guide the group and make each student’s path clear and known.
Lauri Johnson, science teacher, gave the facility address to the group and called them a remarkable class.
“Your list of achievements is very long,” Johnson said. “Eastern Hancock might be small, but we are mighty.”
District officials also remembered senior Lindsay M. Locker, 17, who was killed in a car accident Nov. 26, 2023, but would have graduated with this year’s senior class. Officials invited her little sister, Lauren Locker, to step on stage and accept Lindsay’s diploma.
“She was a proud Eastern Hancock Royal,” Lauren said. “She was a cheerleader and a FFA (Future Farmers of America) member. She was full of life and would do anything for any of you sitting before me now. I want to thank each of you for giving my sister a great school to grow up in. Congratulations, seniors. You made it.”
After handing out diplomas, superintendent George Philhower declared the Class of 2024 to be official graduates.
Eastern Hancock Class of 2024 Graduates
Hunter Edward Adams
Tatem Grace Adams
Alina Renee Alford
Nicholas Riley McDaniel Arnold
Wyatt Thomas Arnold
Zane I Badgley
Kevin R. Beaver
Brayden A Bish
Carlyn D Blue
Abigayle Bolding
Samantha G Bolding
Carson Jacob Borden
Dylan D Bowman
Rylee Nicole Carter
Mikayla Sue Cavaletto
Wesley Chittum
Sarah Joanne Clark
Makenna G Collins
Gretchen Jean Combs
Gracie M Cook
Jackson J Cook
Sky Dawn Currence
Emma E Dagley
Colton R Dishman
Caroline J Ebert
Joel G Effing
Madison L Engleking
Olivia Evans
Madison R Fancher
Aden J Garrison
Kolton J Gilbreath
Logan Robert Gilman
Grace Rose Graham
Emily Louise Grant
John Henry Gray
Olivia Shea Gray
Charles P Halcomb
Nevaeh J Hammons
Savanah Grace Hardin
Mikayla L Hardy
Riley J Harless
Rick D Hayes
Brayden M Hill
Emily Samantha Hodges
Joshua M Hoover
Logan Alexander Hoskins
James Dylan Peyton Jenkins
Sol Nahomi Jimenez-Mendoza
Estefani Rubi Jimenez-Mendoza
Brock Elliott Michael Jobst
Caleb Steven Johnson
Hayden Rileigh Jones
Braylon Scott Jones
Lillian Grace Keith
Matthew D Lane
Griffin D Lawrence
Lindsay M. Locker
Dakota G Long
Makinnzi Marshall
Andrea Sue McClard
Kyle D Messer
Brandon Metz
Samuel J Miller
Luke Morris
Kaitlyn Ann-Marie Morris
Aaron Dale Nigh-Vest
Olivea Maree Noe
Makenzie O’Neal
Jeremiah Oudia
Victoria G Parker
Charity Orion Payton
Aaron Isaac Redmon
Seth Michael Richey
Rose Maria Rosales
Kinzie Paige Rottinghaus
Alexandria Saavedra
Lillian Lorane Scott
Gavin M Scroggins
Dominic Leland Shelby
Allissa Faye Smithson
Cameron N Spegal
Sydney Lynn Springman
Chase Thomas Stewart
Brayden Scott Sullivan
Bryant James Sullivan
Lexi Michela Swauger
Eugene Ray Thomas
Benjamin S Tutrow
Augustus James Upchurch
Cameron David Volz
Donovan Romale Watson
Ruby M White
Carter L Wickard
Jacob C Wickard
Kyle W Wigley
Caiden L Willis
Hailey Lynn Willis
Brooklyn D Willis
