Charles City graduates Class of 2024

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Class of 2024 walked across the stage to celebrate their graduation at the high school commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

With a welcome from Associate Principal Susan Johnson and a musical introduction from high school band and concert choir, the ceremony highlighted student achievements as Principal Jeromiah Bliss recognized the class’ top honor students.

Out of the Class of 2024, the top 10 cumulative grade point averages belonged to, in alphabetical order, Morgan Bettesworth, Anton Dittmer, Madison Haus, Hannah Hoffman, Madison Lensing, Jada Litterer, Jameson Mayhew, Taylor Myhre, Taylor Quade and Mackenzie Zweibohmer.

Mackenzie Zweibohmer was named valedictorian and Anton Dittmer was named salutatorian.

Recognized with silver cords for their volunteer work were Josette Benning, Alexander Haus, Madison Haus, Jada Litterer, Zadie Pittman and Mackenzie Zweibohmer.

Receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, a first for Charles City High School, were Anton Dittmer, Adrian Ibarra, Morgan Bettesworth, Emily Jones, Jameson Mayhew, Destiny Vargas, Kelly Collins, and Zadie Pittman.

Following the awards, student speakers Jameson Mayhew and Taylor Quade took to the podium to address the audience and their peers.

“Thanks for outing me as the biggest teacher’s pet,” said Mayhew on being the staff’s choice for delivering the address.

Mayhew and Quade thanked their teachers and families for the support they’d received through their high school career and shared memories of the good times and challenges that made their class unique.

“This is our class story and nothing could make it like the others,” said Quade.

Finally, it was time for the presentation of diplomas. Families and friends cheered as the 126 students walked, or in Jordan Young’s case, back-flipped, across the stage to receive their diploma and be officially recognized as the graduating Class of 2024.