The 290 graduating seniors of La Plata High School streamed into Regency Furniture Stadium Wednesday morning for commencement exercises led by valedictorian William Alcorn and salutatorian Alan Sebastian.
Sebastian plans to attend the University of St. Thomas to study philosophy.
“We share a common goal today to celebrate our graduation,” Sebastian said in his address. “We are resilient and our presence here today is a testament to our collective strength and determination,” Sebastian said. “As we move forward let us carry with us the lessons we’ve learned, the friendships we’ve made and pride we have as being a part of the Class of 2024.”
Alcorn, who earlier this academic year earned a perfect score on the ACT, heads to the University of Alabama in the fall with plans to study accounting. In his address to his classmates, Alcorn said that life moves slow, that it is a long game. “You have to go piece by piece in the game that’s life. Life doesn’t give up on you, so we can’t give up on it,” he said. “Every day holds the potential for new opportunities, memories and the chance to rebound.”
Alcorn urged his fellow graduates to take their lives “pitch by pitch,” and not try to succeed at everything and instead learn from those around them who are more experienced, try new experiences, meet new people and never stop learning.
“We don’t know everything, but other people have seen enough that most learning is at our fingertips,” Alcorn said. “All we need to do is ask people or take notice of things. Stay curious and keep a steady eye on what goes on around you. Lessons are everywhere and it rarely hurts anyone to learn more.”
The Warriors Class of 2024 collected more than $25 million in scholarship offers.
CCPS continues graduation ceremonies Wednesday at Regency Furniture Stadium with Westlake High School set to hold commencement at 1 p.m.
CCPS is livestreaming all graduations at www.ccboe.com and on its Vimeo and YouTube channels. Go to https://www.ccboe.com/quick-links/graduation-2024.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).