Beech Tree News Network

The familiar sounds of Pomp and Circumstance filled the air on Friday night, May 17, as the class of 2024 processed into the Butler County High School Gym. Excitement grew as the 128 graduates filed in, escorted by the top 18 juniors in the class of 2025.  After an introduction by Addison Miller, the BCHS NJROTC Color Guard gave the presentation of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Noe Pablo Gregorio. Then, under the direction of BCHS Choir Director, Travis Lowe, Senior Choir performed the National Anthem.  

Next, Senior Lydia Wilcox gave the invocation, praying for blessings of peace and love for her classmates as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

After this, the Senior Choir performed Alma Mater. At the conclusion of the song, BCHS Principal, Stoye Young greeted the crowd and thanked them for attending. He then introduced and recognized Superintendent Robert Tuck, as well the Butler County School Board, BCHS Administrators and Site Based Decision Making Council. He went on to praise the top juniors for their hard work throughout the three years they have spent at BCHS so far. He then expressed his pride for Noe Pablo Gregorio as he has enlisted in the Marine Corps and PE teacher Chaz Pritchard as he has enlisted in the Navy.

This photo and the headline photo by Jeremy Hack.

Young then recognized Kimberlea Embry for thirty-four years of dedicated service and said of her retirement, “you’re finally graduating!”

In a poignant moment, Mr. Young presented an honorary diploma to the mother and sister, Rachel Hayse and Nivia Orellana, of Edwin Orellana, who passed away in his sophomore year at BCHS. A chair was also reserved, among the graduates, to honor their classmate.  

Finally, Mr. Young reflected on the past four years at BCHS with the class of 2024. Mr. Young became principal the same year they began high school as freshmen. Because of this, Young said the group would “always hold a special place in…(his) heart.”

BCHS Assistant Principal, Ryan Humphrey shared that the class of 2024 had earned 1.4 million dollars in scholarships and touted that 90% of the class graduated college and career ready-an all-time high for the school.

In her Valedictorian speech, Briley Webster encouraged her fellow graduates to “remember the good times” and “cherish those memories.”

Senior class president Olivia Renfrow reflected the experiences of the class of 2024 and then introduced senior time, an opportunity for seniors to fellowship prior to the end of the evening.

Family and friends from near and far could support their graduates watching WLBQ’s live broadcast of the event, streaming from the WLBQ YouTube and Facebook pages. Sponsored by Morgantown Bank and Trust, the live feed even included commentary by WLBQ Personalities, Nick Haught, John Embry and Diane Dyer.  

Diane Dyer, of WLBQ, thanked Butler County Schools for facilizing the broadcast and Morgantown Bank and Trust for helping make it possible. “We’re grateful to Morgantown Bank for stepping up to make this a reality and for the cooperation shown by the Butler County School District to make this happen. It’s all about community and we’re glad to be a part of this one!”