A time to remember, a time to celebrate

CENTER LINE/WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — With cheers, hugs and tears, high school graduation is a bittersweet time.

Emotions can run high as parents can’t believe their children grew up so fast, and teachers have to say goodbye to students.

There’s also a feeling of accomplishment, the excitement of what the future holds, and memories on which to reflect.

Earlier this month, local students officially graduated from high school. The Warren Weekly emailed local school officials to get some insight into the Class of 2024.

 

Center Line Public Schools
Class song: “Congratulations,” by Post Malone.

Graduation was June 1 at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica. There were 143 Center Line High School graduates, five certificates of completion, and 48 graduates from Academy 21, which is the district’s hybrid program.

According to the district’s college advisory, 40.7% of the students plan to attend a four-year university with 28.7% enrolling in community college. Just over 15% will attend a trade school, 11.3% will immediately join the workforce and 2.7% enlisted in the military. According to Center Line Superintendent Joseph Haynes, chosen career paths include barber school, firefighting, business, engineering and health care.

“Many reflect the work we are doing in our Academy model, following one of our eight pathways,” he said. “We hope we helped our graduates establish a path to a career that they will love. No matter how far life takes you, Center Line is home and you are always welcomed back.”

 

Fitzgerald Public Schools
Class song: “I lived,” by One Republic.

Class colors: lavender and black.

In a commencement ceremony held June 7 inside the Fitzgerald High School Auditorium, 177 students graduated. The graduates already have post-secondary education plans: 48% will attend a four-year college, 24% will attend a two-year college and 5% will attend a trade/vocational school. Another 23% are entering the workforce.

The students plan to pursue careers in nursing, computer science, marketing, dentistry, business and more. Some parting advice from school officials: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, life is about living and learning. Try your hardest and be proud of who you are.”

 

Van Dyke Public Schools
There might be a future fashion designer, airline pilot or biochemist from the Class of 2024. A total of 99 graduates of Lincoln High School earned their diplomas, and 22 graduated from the Success Academy.

The commencement ceremony was June 3 at the Macomb Community College Sports and Expo Center in Warren. The class songs included “All the Stars,” by Kendrick Lamar, and “All the Lights,” by Kanye West.

To remember the occasion, the students chose midnight blue for class color, red rose for class flower, ruby for class gem, and “Cherish yesterday, live for today and reach for tomorrow” as class motto.

According to Superintendent Piper Bognar, the common majors are business, exercise science, psychology, nursing, dental hygiene, graphic design, music, social work, fashion, accounting, dermatology, biomedical engineering, theology and environmental sciences.

“We wish all students in the Class of 2024 the best of luck in their future endeavors,” she said.

 

Warren Consolidated Schools
A total of 926 students graduated: 283 from Cousino High School, 283 from Sterling Heights High School, 257 from Warren Mott High School, and 102 from Community High School.

The Community High School graduates walked across the stage of the Warren Consolidated Schools Performing Arts Center in Sterling Heights on May 28 to receive their diplomas. The other three schools had separate ceremonies on June 1 at the MCC Sports and Expo Center.

Cousino chose “Memories,” by David Guetta as class song, and red and black for class color.

“24K Magic,” by Bruno Mars was the Sterling Heights class song. The class color is sage green.

Over at Warren Mott, students selected “Can’t Hold Us,” by Macklemore with navy, black and dark purple for colors.

The graduates will work in fields including health care, medicine, education, business, engineering, computer science, social sciences, law and others with 65% enrolling in college, 10% in trade school, and 20% entering the workforce. The remaining 5% will defend the country by joining the military.

Superintendent Robert Livernois had some advice for the graduates.

“I encourage you to be a part of something bigger than yourselves.  Whether you start your own family, maintain a close circle of friends, serve your place of worship, or go on to success in the workplace, BE A PART OF SOMETHING, because you will help make the world a better place, and you will be better because of it,” he said.   

 

Warren Woods Public Schools
The achievements continued with 245 Warren Woods Tower High School students and 63 Enterprise High School and adult education students graduating.   

The Warren Woods Tower ceremony was June 10 at the MCC Sports & Expo Center. The Enterprise and Adult Education was June 6 at the Warren Woods Middle School auditorium.

Warren Woods Tower grads reminisced with the class song, “The Good Old Days,” by Macklemore. Their chosen colors are blue and black.

The graduates already have their futures planned out with 80% attending college, 19% going into skilled trades and the workforce, and 1% enlisting in the military. ChatGPT, business, engineering, education, and fine arts are among the poplar career choices.

“Remember to always believe in yourselves, even when faced with doubts or setbacks,” Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici said. “And never forget the importance of kindness and empathy in making the world a better place for everyone.”

 

De La Salle Collegiate High School
The 119 graduates received their diplomas May 18 at Grace Christian Church in Sterling Heights. According to school officials, 99% of the graduates will attend a four-year university or college with 1% attending a military academy or going directly into the workforce.

Potential careers include business, finance, medical, electrical engineering, professional flight, accounting and biology. The graduates were reminded not to have anxiety about the future and to leave everything in God’s hands for he will take care of you.

 

Regina High School
Class song: “Slipping Through My Fingers,” by ABBA.

Class colors: black and green.

On May 23, at St. Isadore in Macomb Township, 72 seniors graduated. In addition, 97% of the students enrolled in college at 31 institutions, including Georgetown University, Notre Dame College, and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Most Regina graduates are pursuing majors in the medical field and STEM fields.

Principal Ann Diamond had many words of wisdom for the Class of 2024.

“As you step into the broader world, remember the strength you draw from your faith and the Regina community that has nurtured you. The spirit of sisterhood that binds you together will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration, no matter where your paths may lead.

“In times of uncertainty, lean on the wisdom and grace that have been imparted to you. Trust in your abilities, and never underestimate the power of your voice and actions. The world is in need of compassionate leaders, bold thinkers, and empathetic hearts — qualities each of you embodies,” she continued.

“We are immensely proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to the incredible futures that await you. As you embark on this next journey, carry with you the blessings of our school community and the unwavering belief that you are capable of making a profound difference.

“May you always walk in faith, shine with the light of truth, and lead with love. Congratulations, Class of 2024. Go forth and make your mark on the world.”

 

Moving forward
Overall, many students will be attending Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Macomb Community College, Eastern Michigan University, the University of Detroit Mercy, Oakland University, Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, Ferris State University and Western Michigan University.

Other choices are Dorsey College, Lansing Community College, Lawrence Technological University, Saginaw Valley State University, Schoolcraft College, Madonna College, Northwood University.

Some students will relocate to attend the University of Southern California, Bob Jones University, Alabama A & M University, the University of Toledo, Missouri Western State University, Minnesota Mesabi Range College and Bowling Green State University.