Cape High Class of 2024 celebrates commencement

On June 4, 502 seniors stepped on the turf at Legends Stadium to receive their diplomas as the 55th graduating class of Cape Henlopen High School.

In welcoming attendees, Principal Kristin DeGregory reflected on four years ago, when she first came to Cape High, just like the Class of 2024. 

DeGregory said she envisioned the graduates as freshmen, navigating one-way hallways, sitting at desks in the cafeteria with unique schedules and limited guests at their extracurricular events.

“You worked through those challenges and became the leaders of our school,” she said.

DeGregory said she thought about what the graduates had taught her.

“Hard work does pay off,” she said. “You can be a good, decent human being and make a mistake. The important thing is you learn from it.”

The Class of 2024 is college, career, trade or military ready, DeGregory said.

“May you always cherish the moments that have made you smile, but also the moments that have tested you and made you stronger,” she said. “Remember the friendships you have cultivated, the teachers who have inspired you and the support network that will always be here for you.”

As a 17-year-old kid with lots to learn about life, class valedictorian Morgan Newcomb said she felt in no way, shape or form qualified to give any groundbreaking life advice.

“However, I have been extremely fortunate in my life to have numerous positive role models who do know what they’re doing and they do have some great advice,” she said.

The biggest piece of advice she was given, Newcomb said, is to find personal balance. Many in the audience might have expected her to have spent every second studying, she said, acknowledging she did work hard. 

“More importantly, I strived to have fun,” she said. “I believe it’s important to know when to put down the work, to go to the game, to go to the party, to complete the side quest. Life is supposed to be enjoyable. Go out, do it for the plot, smile a lot and, as I love to say, live for the day.”

Delivering the student address, Class President Jack Huss said it was time to turn a new page in the book of life.

“A book that has chapters ripped out of it due to mask wearing, COVID tests and social distancing,” he said. “Those chapters are long in the past, and now the fun part can begin.”

He said it’s no longer time for parents to tell you your outfit doesn’t match or for teachers to breathe down your neck to take your pre and post tests to see how you've grown.

“It’s time for the part where you can be who you want to be, explore the world and get out of your comfort zone of this little place we call ‘slower lower,’” he said.

Cape is the best school in the state, Huss said, and has prepared all students for success in life. He said he reflected on the moments along the class’s journey to graduation.

“These moments, both big and small, have shaped us into who we are today,” he said. “They’ve taught us resilience, perseverance and the importance of community. We, the Class of 2024, have celebrated each other throughout joyful state championships, and amazing performances put on by the band and theater.” 

Classmates have also supported each other through the tough times, he said, like when you find chunks in your chocolate milk or receive in-school suspension for skipping class. The knowledge, friendships and connections made will guide them in the future, he said. 

“We’ve made it through high school, and that is already one hell of an achievement,” he said. “So, to my fellow graduates, here's to our future. Let the good times roll.”

In presenting the class gift, Vice President Jack Schell said the new Viking mascot costume is a symbol of the class’s commitment to giving back to the school and future generations of students in appreciation for all that has been done for them.

“This gift will benefit everyone, especially the person who was wearing the old mascot costume, because it smelled really bad,” he said to laughter.

In his speech, Superintendent Bob Fulton reflected upon his own high school graduation, which occurred exactly 40 years ago.

He shared some words of advice given by his parents as he left for college. Life doesn't owe you anything, he said, and everything worth having is earned. Every moment counts, he said, so enjoy time with friends, family and loved ones whenever possible. 

Also, remember actions will always speak louder than words and will be how people are judged, he said. One’s success depends on others, he said, and one’s path is determined by the choices they make. 

“And finally, there are no guarantees in life,” he said. “The only guarantee is that your life will have ups, downs, twists and turns, and the level of success and happiness you have will depend upon how you react to those challenges.”

All students wore blue gowns with gold bands on their arms, the colors of Cape Henlopen School District. 

This year’s ceremony marks the 145th anniversary of the awarding of public school diplomas in the Cape Region. 

Check back for more graduation photos, and see more coverage in the Friday, June 7 issue of the Cape Gazette and the commemorative graduation booklet in the Tuesday, June 18 edition.