Brookside High School Class of 2024 told to treasure the memories it made

LORAIN — One-hundred and twenty-six graduates of the Class of 2024 at Brookside High School walked Sunday across the stage at the Lorain Palace Theatre to accept their diplomas and move on to their next adventures. Top graduates and student speakers took time to reflect on how important memories are, and what theirs were of the time they spent together. Class of 2024 President Ava Judy said she and her peers survived a global pandemic, early school mornings "and worst of all, facial acne" to make it to the stage for Sunday's event — the 100th commencement in Brookside history. "Despite these odds, here we are, graduating," she said. "Growing up, all I ever dreamed about was this moment. Like many of you, I always heard myself saying the phrase: 'I simply can't wait.'" What she said she meant was: "I couldn't wait for the bell to ring, I couldn't wait for summer to begin, I couldn't wait to have my own car, and most importantly, I couldn't wait to finish high school." "All those moments we couldn't wait for have now become memories," Judy said, just like late-night trips to Taco Bell, classes on Zoom, and old social media trends. Senior speaker Jazelle Fraise said Sunday was the end of more than 2,000 days and 13 years of school, and each student on the stage took their own path. Graduates can be proud of their accomplishments and trophies, but "as I have realized, there's nothing more meaningful than all the memories you made to get there," Fraise said. "Take time to enjoy the journey, and not just the reward." Senior speaker Brianna DeLeon encouraged her fellow graduates to "all strive to be the best versions of ourselves," and know that to grow, you have to learn from your mistakes "and grow from them." Adults have more responsibility, and there will no longer be a parent or guardian standing at graduates' sides to give them advice or tell them what to do, she said. There will also be a need for the new adults to determine what they want from life, DeLeon said. Ask for help, work hard, be determined, and you can do anything you set your mind to, she said. Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Schools Superintendent Mike Cook also praised the "passion and commitment" of teachers and staff, which were "instrumental in guiding these students." "Graduates, as you embark on the next chapter of your life, whether it be furthering your education, entering the workforce or exploring new opportunities, remember that the foundation you have built here will support you in all your endeavors," he said. "Instead of focusing solely on what you're going to do, think about who you want to be," Judy told her fellow graduates. Sunday's entire ceremony can be viewed online on the Cardinal Community TV YouTube page. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.