Inclement weather once again disrupted the plans for high school graduation ceremonies, as both Hardin High School and Liberty High School had to shift their commencement exercises to the Trinity Valley Exposition Center on Friday, May 31.
For Hardin, the decision to move the event from the high school stadium and advance the timing by an hour was made to accommodate the unexpected weather circumstances and to allow time for Liberty High School to hold its commencement exercises almost immediately after Hardin HS wrapped up its ceremony.
Despite the unexpected change, graduation went on as planned with Hardin’s 78 graduates accepting their diplomas, posing for photos, and listening to cheers and applause from their families and friends.
Hardin High School Class of 2024, delivers her valedictorian speech at commencement exercises held Friday, May 31, at the TVE Arena in Liberty.
In a display of gratitude and reflection, Cyler Ledbetter, HHS salutatorian, delivered an inspiring speech filled with appreciation for her peers in the Class of 2024, whom she commended for their resilience and achievements.
As she took the stage, Ledbetter shared anecdotes from her high school journey, highlighting memorable moments and the unity forged among classmates. Her speech touched on the challenges faced by the class, particularly navigating through a pandemic, and the transformative growth that had taken place over the years.
“We have faced ups and downs, there’s no doubt about that, but it feels like we were all there for one another even if we did not think so,” Ledbetter said.
Ledbetter encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their individuality and stay true to themselves as they embarked on a new chapter in life.
“We are all different in our own ways, but it has brought us together this year and I am proud of how far we all have come, and I wish you all the best as we embark on this next chapter in life,” she said.
Hardin High School’s Valedictorian Kenadi Frauenberger delivered a memorable speech at the 2024 graduation ceremony, expressing gratitude and reflections on the class’s journey. In her address, Frauenberger humorously shared challenges and triumphs, acknowledging personal growth and the unique experiences of each student.
“It is both an honor and blessing to be standing in front of you as the valedictorian of the 2024 graduating class. I’m not exactly sure how I made it here, but thank goodness I was able to pull it off because both of my brothers were also valedictorians and as competitive as I
am. I couldn’t let them win,” Frauenberger said jokingly. “Today we all will have a moment to feel the glory of a win. As we are handed our diplomas, we will stop and think about all of the good times, the hard times, and all that we have accomplished over the past 12
years. I know that half of our class will be thinking about how much money we could have if we didn’t rely on a daily Red Bull.”
Frauenberger highlighted memorable moments, from playtime nostalgia to high school achievements, underscoring the transition from carefree freshmen to responsible seniors. She also touched on the influence of beloved teachers like Mr. Tom Catchings and emphasized the value of school pride and camaraderie among classmates.
“We’ve gone from looking up to other seniors to now being the role models. We have shown an abundance of school pride and spirit which made our experience entertaining. Everyone loved Friday Night football games where we attempted a win and then ended up at Whataburger to either numb the pain or to celebrate. We came together when it counted for good causes like the canned food drive, and we
even helped each other get out of trouble when we needed it,” she said.
The valedictorian’s speech concluded with an inspiring message encouraging classmates to embrace change and choose personal growth. Quoting John Maxwell, she emphasized the power of choice in facing challenges and striving for greatness.
“Change is inevitable, growth is optional,” said Frauenberger, reciting Maxwell’s famous quote.
Kenadi closed with pride, urging the Class of 2024 to walk across the stage with a sense of accomplishment and to remember their hard work.
“As we leave the familiar walls of the classroom, we will encounter many new ways in which we have to live. Yes, it will not be an easy coasting journey like we all wish was possible, but it is how we see the changes and adjust without letting them set us back. If we are having trouble, we, as seniors, have to be able to step back, get a new perspective, and then face the obstacle head on because like the quote stated: growth is optional. Let’s be the class that grows into our full potential and the class who doesn’t just settle for mediocre. Growth is our own choice, let the struggles be motivation and your light to achieve greatness will be much harder to dim,” Frauenberger said.
Note: Photos for this article were taken by Angel Rick Leal on behalf of Bluebonnet News.
