Williamsburg High School graduates Class of 2024

May 21—WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Independent School District (WISD) graduated 69 seniors at its 2024 commencement ceremony.

The graduation took place Sunday afternoon in the J.B Mountjoy Gymnasium.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper announced the retirement of longtime WISD director of instruction Loren Connell, who also serves on the Williamsburg City Council.

Connell received a standing ovation as thanks for his time at the school district.

Housekeeper also reminded graduates that WISD would "always have a place for them" and that they were welcome to return anytime. Furthermore, Housekeeper also left each student a goodie bag which contained items to remind students to always be grateful. The bag contained a flashlight — to illuminate the positive; a compass — to point one in the right direction; and a notebook with a 30-day gratitude challenge, which Housekeeper suggested each student make use of.

Williamsburg High School Class of 2024 Valedictorian Emma Jarboe also spoke during the ceremony. Jarboe's address expressed her immense gratitude not only toward her fellow classmates, but also to her parents, teachers, staff at the school, and God.

Jarboe encouraged her fellow graduates to always give their best and to also look forward to the lives they have ahead of them.

Additionally, a moment of silence was held for two students from the Class of 2024 who passed away prior to their commencement ceremony.

Nicholas Rainwater and Jamari Johnson were both members of the class of 2024, but tragically passed away in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

The two students were also given their own memorialized seats at the graduation, as well as two candles on stage.