Photos Credit: Van Zantes Photography
Aptos High School principal Alison Hanks-Sloan, left, leads faculty into the Kaiser Permanente Arena for the ceremony with PVUSD Board Member Jennifer Holm at right.
The Aptos High School Class of 2024 — which had to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic — had a lot to celebrate at this year’s graduation.
Each graduate’s photo appeared in the program.
Teacher Thomas Whitwam was the staff speaker.
Presenting the diplomas were: Counselors Kristin Fox, Kristen Barrett, Maureen Brandi, John Mason, PVUSD trustees Kim De Serpa and Jennifer Holm, PVUSD Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras, Lisa Aguerria, assistant superintendent, and Rachael Jones, Dominic Lis, Aaron Bielenberg, AHS assistant principals.
And now the graduates are off to make their way in the world.
TOP PHOTO: Graduating senior Greer Hambly gets a high five.
Math teacher Kevin Mitchener sits next to graduating senior Malia Moreno, and valedictorians Samantha Wickham and Owen McGinty.
ASB leaders of the Class of 2024 lead the Pledge of Allegiance: Mariner of the Year & ASB Vice President Elizabeth Evans, ASB Treasurer Ceci Garcia, ASB Secretary Julia Nemec, ASB Communications Director Brisa Becerra-Cornejo, Senior Class Treasurer Ashley Matys, and Senior Class Secretary Chelsea Gomez-Ramirez.
Aptos High School Choir sings the national anthem at the 2024 graduation. Senior choir members from left: Evelyn Potts, Madison Reid, Ellie Christensen, Avery Ruddick, Madelyn Pate, Claudia Romero, Ronja Eilfort and Ji Nay.
The procession: Salutatorian Jillian Wiesner (center) and salutatorian Ronja Eilfort at right.
Senior speakers: ASB President Leyla Martinez-Cordova and Migrant Student Association Vice President Steven Zuniga-Espinoza.
The tassle: Symbol of graduation