Elgin Academy’s final graduation ceremony was a bittersweet moment as the 11 graduates of the class of summer 2024 received their diplomas in a historic event. Many of the graduates had been at the school since kindergarten and completed their requirements a year early to receive their Elgin Academy diploma before the school closes this month. The ceremony was filled with emotions as families and alumni bid farewell to the school that has been a part of their lives for many years.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Head Doug Sept praised the resilience and adaptability of the graduates in the face of the school’s closure. He emphasized the importance of embracing change and facing adversity, traits that will serve the graduates well in the future. Valedictorian Quinten Padula and alumna Jennifer Sampson also shared inspiring words with the graduates, encouraging them to carry the spirit of Elgin Academy into the world beyond.
As the ceremony came to a close, Interim Head Paul Druzinsky reminded everyone that Elgin Academy will always hold a special place in their hearts. The graduates, their families, and guests joined together to sing the “Elgin Academy Hymn” one last time, marking the end of a chapter in the school’s 185-year history. #ElginAcademy #Graduation2024 #HilltoppersForever #EndOfAnEra #EmbraceChange #BittersweetMemories
Elgin Academy’s final graduates receive their diplomas in bittersweet ceremony