MTHS sends Class of 2024 off in style

Education is a journey highlighted by progress and growth and development. For many, the formal scholastic process begins around kindergarten and ends in high school.

But graduation doesn't mark the end of the educational journey; it only celebrates a milestone. Because during those formative scholastic years when we learn how to learn, we learn that learning never ends.

On June 6 at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, Manheim Township High School (MTHS) celebrated the 2024 edition of its annual graduation ceremonies. The educational milestones of an all-time high 471 students were recognized.

"I think the main reason commencement is so important is that our graduates deserve time dedicated just to them to celebrate all their hard work over the last 13 years," said Tara Newhouse, an assistant principal at MTHS. "It also serves as a way for families to be there and celebrate and for faculty and administrators to see their students cross the finish line."

"It was phenomenal," continued Newhouse. "It went so incredibly smooth, and it was filled with positivity. The timing went really well. It was beautiful."

In front of a packed house, members of MTHS' Class of 2024 processed through a line of applauding, high-fiving teachers to their seats near the front of the stage. Following the playing of the national anthem and the MTHS alma mater, a welcoming message from prinicipal David Rilatt, and musical performances by the student ensemble The Troubadours and the MTHS band, the students and members of their support staff in attendance listened to addresses from seniors Ansa Khan, Clara North and Hadassah Innocent. The audience heard from superintendent Robin Felty, and Rilatt gave his principal's speech before the achievement awards were presented.

At that point, each of the 471 members of the Class of 2024 had his or her name read and received a diploma from a member of Manheim Township's school board. After a short message from MTHS assistant principal Lisa Lyons, the ceremony was turned over to class president Suraj Parikh, who instructed his classmates to "turn their tassels."

The new graduates then turned and faced their families and friends, as well as members of the community.

"It was chaotic and overwhelming in the most positive way," said Newhouse of the ceremony. "There was so much going on. Everyone was there for a positive reason. There were smiles; there was a buzz. Everyone was there for a bigger purpose, which makes it special for the kids."

"The diversity we have within our Class of 2024 makes it special," added Newhouse. "We have so many talented kids. We have so many kids who were involved in things. They were incredibly patient. They were accepting. They were kind."

In the morning hours on that graduation Thursday, members of MTHS' Class of 2024 were addressed by a group of distinguished alumni.

"Some of our graduates are already set up in career fields," said Newhouse. "Some are going to college. Some are going to college to play sports. Some are going into the military. It's an incredible split of all the amazing things that these kids are going to do."