POTTSTOWN, PA — On June 7, 2024, more than 480 students graduated from Owen J. Roberts High School – making it the largest graduating class in the school’s history. Based on current projections, the class of 2024 is also expected to be the school’s largest for the foreseeable future.
The ceremony began with the Presenting of Colors by students in the high school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, followed by remarks from the class of 2024’s student government, in addition to comments from 2024 valedictorian Julia Robinson and salutatorians Abigail Smith and Vedika Nair.
Later, addressing students and an audience of thousands in attendance, Owen J. Roberts Superintendent Dr. Will Stout encouraged graduates to remember the 3 C’s of leadership that he learned from Colonel Arthur Athens, Retired Vice Admiral at the U.S. Naval Academy – Competence, Courage and Compassion.
“Competence is the ability to acquire and successfully apply the knowledge you gain from both your formal education and your everyday life experiences,” Dr. Stout noted. “Courage is not the absence of fear and doubt, but rather the triumph over those emotions. I encourage you to pursue the right decisions, even if those decisions are not popular.
“Finally, Compassion is caring and respecting others – while acknowledging your differences. Don’t forget to have grace for one another, and never miss an opportunity to be the best version of yourself by showing compassion for others.”
During her speech, Rita Pederson, president of the Owen J. Roberts Board of School Directors, stressed the importance of community to graduates.
“My hope for you today is that you understand, this is your communit and we are your families, your classmates, teachers, coaches, advisors and neighbors,” Pederson shared. “Through all the moments, big and small, your community has supported you – because that’s what a community does. Go out in to the big world if you choose, and we hope some of you will come back and be our neighbors.”
Footage from the OJR’s 2024 graduation ceremony is available online via the school district’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@OJR_SchoolDistrict. Hundreds of additional photos and video can also be viewed online via the district’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheOJRSD.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.