On May 29, North Harford seniors left the hawks nest. Graduation was held in Harford Community College’s arena, and was the 11th HCPS school to walk the stage. Students receive their diplomas and prepare to head off into a new chapter. 

     First, during graduation, students entered and sat in their assigned place. After a greeting from Principal Mr. Micheal Quigg, the Senior Class President, Patrick Green presented his prepared speech. A few remarks later, Co-valedictorians Angelina Ramos and Kendall Chandler. Salutatorian Samantha Hawk led the tassel turn.

     Ramos in particular, knew exactly what she wanted to say when up on stage. “When I started writing [my speech], I could only really think of the people who made it all possible for me to succeed,” she starts. “I decided to dedicate it to my parents since they were the ones to inspire me.” Her counterpart Chandler also has a pretty clear vision of what she wanted her speech to look like.  “I knew I wanted to talk about my Lord and savior Jesus Christ because I would not have made it through high school without Him,” she shares. “ I also knew that I wanted to be honest with everyone, not just sharing cliches but being vulnerable and speaking words of truth and life over the audience.”

     While reflecting on the day as a whole, graduates share their favorite memories.  “One of the most enjoyable parts from that day was taking pictures with everyone before and after,” explains Ramos. “I loved seeing everyone!” Chandler agrees that being surrounded by friends made the day extra special. “My favorite memories from the day were all really sweet moments of getting to pray bold prayers with people who have impacted my life significantly—one of my best friends from FCA drove to my house while I was getting ready for graduation to surprise me.” 

       Now that seniors have officially walked the stage, the majority are taking a second to reflect on what they learned throughout high school. “I think high school has prepared me well academically for college because I maintained a challenging course load throughout my four years which will hopefully make the transition to college classes smooth,” says Chandler. Outside of academics, Ramos is grateful or the friendships that she will take with her. “high school taught me consistency and gave me some of my best friends,” she remarks. I know [they] will continue to cheer me on even when we aren’t together.”

     Now that seniors have officially walked the stage, majority are taking a second to reflect on what they learned throughout high school. “I think high school has prepared me well academically for college because I maintained a challenging course load throughout my four years which will hopefully make the transition to college classes smooth,” says Chandler. Outside of academics, Ramos is grateful or the friendships that she will take with her. “high school taught me consistency and gave me some of my best friends,” she remarks. I know [they] will continue to cheer me on even when we aren’t together.”