Princeton High School (PHS)’s Class of 2024 did not start their high school journeys in a normal fashion as the COVID-19 pandemic was changing aspects of everyday life.
Navigating the challenges to the start of high school, the Class of 2024 reaped the rewards of their hard work when they walked across the PHS front lawn stage in their blue caps and gowns to officially graduate high school on June 14.
“Everyone knows that high school began with an abnormal start, but we finished stronger and more prepared to face the challenges the world presents,” said Aiden Linkov, president of the Class of 2024. “In over the past four years we all showed up.
“Whether it be in the classroom, in sports, or even our community. I have read countless local stories on our grade giving back to others, helping research, and taking initiatives to create a safer and more inclusive Princeton.”
In front of fellow graduates, families, and school administration, Linkov noted that their lives are going to change and each of the graduates are going on their individual paths.
“I am confident in our ability to make change and continue the hard work you started here at this school,” he said.
A PHS tradition during the school’s commencement ceremonies is the senior address from four students on the concept of achievement, community, spirit and future.
For the Class of 2024, senior Lawrence He delivered his remarks on achievement expressing to fellow graduates that achievement should only be defined by themselves.
“Throughout our lives we have been measured by countless grades, awards, and recognitions,” he said. “We have been taught to strive for different milestones that society deems as markers of success but as we move forward, we must remember that true achievement is not defined by others but by ourselves.
“If we treat life as a game to collect the most accomplishments then our diplomas become just another sheet of paper. Instead, we must see achievements as the tip of an iceberg supported by the culmination of perseverance, healthy relationships, and sacrifice.”
He asked his fellow graduates to not only reflect on what they have done but what they dream of doing because “achievement doesn’t have a finish line.”
On community, senior Dany Melchor Garza, who is a Cranbury resident, explained that PHS is different and unique from other communities because the community at the school gives students opportunities to stand up.
“In this community we can meet some of the worlds most accomplished scientists, engineers, historians, artists and writers,” Garza said. “At the same time, there are many Princeton students who work full-time jobs outside of school hours to pay for food, rent, and maybe also save money for families in their countries.
“Some of the students in this graduating class are entirely on their own and many have a struggle with all of the insecurities that life can throw at them,” he continued. “At the same time, I think every person that is graduating today can thank someone who welcomed them as part of this community and encouraged them to stay, study and reach their potential.”
Garza added how he hopes his classmates carry good memories of the time they have spent at PHS and use what they learned wherever they choose to map out their futures.
Speaking on the concept of spirit, senior Leah Rose-Seiden spotlighted the school’s spirit with athletic achievements accomplished this year in girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer, and girls’ field hockey, the teachers’ spirit at the school, academic spirit and the student tech crew and performers in theater productions.
“While spirit is demonstrated in many activities, the first thing that comes to my mind when thinking about school spirit is athletics,” she said, adding that PHS athletes loved the support.
“This year was special as both girls’ volleyball and boys’ soccer won state championships in front of Princeton Tiger Cage and Tiger Cage 2024. Yes, there are two Instagram accounts for student section that compete. This is how much spirit we have.”
Rose-Seiden shared how she has seen PHS spirit modeled by teachers who go the extra mile to give students opportunities and on the academic spirit at PHS.
“The academic spirit here can be intense,” she said. “At times it felt like we were all competing for admission slots at the same 20 colleges, but I never felt like people wanted anything but the best for each other. Personally, I felt having smart determined people around me made me want to work harder.”
On the concept of future, senior Ayan Khanna said at the end of the day the future can be anything.
“I think I speak for all of us graduates when I say that this past year has been full of a lot of high school lasts,” he said. “Last time playing a sport, last club meeting, last rehearsal, last time taking a physics test, I’m ok with that one.
“What we overlook about these lasts is how fortunate we are to be in a situation where we can acknowledge them, where we can take the time to really appreciate each one of them. Cause too many times in life we go through lasts without realizing.”
Khanna encouraged fellow graduates to have dreams and aspirations.
“No one knows how your life is going to play out beyond this moment,” he said. “Honestly, I think that is the most exciting part. Cherish your lasts, but be excited for your firsts. Look forward to the future, but don’t forget to live in the present because this is the youngest you will ever be.”
PHS Principal Cecilia Birge went on to praise the Class of 2024 as nothing short of inspiring.
“Remember when we first met, we were little squares via Zoom on your computers,” she said. “Some of you did not see the inside of our school until your sophomore year. Here we are celebrating not just your survival of Zoom school but the incredible journey you have a made. You have demonstrated what it means to be resilient in the face of unprecedented challenges.”
Birge noted how the Class of 2024 adapted, navigated new ways of learning and supported each other in uncertain times.
“You have developed grit, determination and the importance of understanding that you are capable of doing anything,” she added. “As you step into the next chapter of your lives remember the strength you have built here at PHS.”
Princeton High School Class of 2024 throw their caps in the air at the end of graduation on June 14.
Class of 2024 decorated graduation cap.
