CLARKSTON, Mich. – On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 491 seniors from LOHS graduated in a ceremony held at Pine Knob Music Theatre. The graduating Dragons gathered in the outdoor music venue that has held bands such as Chicago, The Beach Boys, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Miller Band – just to name a few.
“Pomp and Circumstance” played the graduating class in, eager to sit down and begin the ceremony, the “Star Spangled Banner” played and LOHS Principal, Dr. Daniel Haas, welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction. A video presentation played, highlighting the seniors’ past year at LOHS.
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Next, Danielle Bresett, President of the Board of Education gave a few brief remarks.
“As you step into the next phase off your journey, I encourage you to embrace this mindset: embrace the fun in tackling challenges that seem impossible…” Bresett said. “Seize these moments with confidence and a sense of adventure, the world is waiting for the unique contributions that only you can make.”
The Superintendent of LOCS, Ben Kirby, gave an inspiring speech after Bresett’s remarks.
“Whether you are moving on to the Military, learning a skilled trade, vying for one of the over 200 jobs that will be filled at the GM Orion Plant, or moving on to college – you have the foundation to be successful,” Kirby said. “Dragons, the world is a better place because you are in it.”
This is Kirby’s last LOHS graduation as Superintendent, he recently took a superintendent position at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids – he starts the position next month.
After a performance of “We Rise Again” by the LOHS Choir, Elizaveta Bruner gave the student message titled, “With Roots, We Grow.”
“We came to LOHS ready to make it count, and we are leaving as leaders, our diplomas will be proof. We were greeted with the ideas of strength and the ability to succeed here each morning hearing Dr. Haas telling us: make it count, be a leader – let Dr. Haas’s consistent motto live with you,” Bruner said. “There is a universal truth we must face: everything eventually ends”
Ryann Pawlaczyk gave the next student address, the leadership message, titled, “Celebrate the Possibilities.”
“Without the friends we have made over these four years, I don’t know if we would be the people we are today….” Pawlaczyk said. “Today we celebrate our accomplishments, but also the endless number of possibilities that lie ahead of us.”
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Principal Haas gave the final address before the presentation of diplomas and the moving of the tassels.
“Protect the Thunder’s entire message, is about the understanding that you are never alone, and you always have people to back you up and to be your safety net,” Dr. Haas said. “Be sure to always take pride in your accomplishments, and ownership in your actions. You’re going to do great things and remember: your LOHS Thunder is always right here supporting you – thank you, Go Dragons.”
Pawlaczyk took the stage once more after all the diplomas were presented to the graduates to finish off the ceremony with the moving of the tassels. All of the graduating Dragons moved their tassels from one side to the other to signify their accomplishment and then threw their caps up in the air to celebrate.
“Congratulations Dragons, you have now graduated!” Pawlaczyk cheered.
To view the speeches and ceremony in full, visit orionontv.org/watch.