Congratulations Class of 2024!

With the close of the school year, we celebrate our students, staff, families, and broad-based community support. At graduation on June 7, we launched the graduating Class of 2024 into adulthood. I have been impressed with this record-setting class. Despite starting high school in distance learning during the pandemic, they have worked hard and achieved goals. 

A few weeks ago at the Dollars for Scholars scholarship reception at CIHS, each scholarship recipient met face-to-face with a donor. During personal discussions, they talked about their plans for the future. Yes, they are nervous, and they know plans may change, but they are also excited and confident about their futures. 

This clarity and confidence didn’t appear overnight. It results from intentional efforts by many adults who support and inspire our students - at school, at home, and in our community. 

Nearly two years ago, our District Strategic Planning Team set an objective for all students to graduate with a plan for their future. Not all high schools set such a goal. However, this community and our staff wanted to provide opportunities for students to explore and plan for careers and their futures. The lessons they have learned in classes, in activities, and around the community have provided a strong foundation and allowed them to envision their future.

Former Bluejacket Superintendent Dr. Ray Hoheisel spoke to scholarship recipients at the Dollar for Scholars reception. He noted that the Class of 2024 has received the most local scholarships ever awarded at CIHS—more than $236,000. 

“This is the community speaking loud and clear,” Dr. Hoheisel said, “that we value education beyond high school and want to help our young people take the next step to reach their potential.”

You see, a high school diploma is a passport to more learning. Whether students are going into the military, an apprenticeship, the workforce, technical or trade school, community college, or seeking a four-year, six-year, or eight-year degree, they must keep learning beyond high school. 

The Bluejacket Class of 2024 has demonstrated an outstanding ability to learn, adapt, and achieve. Their accomplishments include:

Our seniors accumulated 2,289 college credits through College in the Schools, a school record. In addition, 28 students earned college credits through St. Cloud Tech’s Vocational Welding Program. Combined, these credits and scholarships will save our 2024 graduates and their families more than $2 million in college tuition—the most of any CIHS graduating class in history. 

Seven students earned a 4.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and shared the title of Valedictorian; 111 seniors graduated with Honors (a 3.33 or better cumulative GPA), and 64 seniors earned Honors with Distinction (a 3.67 or better cumulative GPA).

Emily Aures, Samantha Kinnunen, and Taylor Kinnunen are National Merit Scholars, distinguishing themselves among the top 1% of all graduating seniors in the nation. 

The National Honor Society has 26 members of the Class of 2024 who demonstrated exceptional scholarship, character, and service. 

Nine of this year’s Bluejacket class are enlisting in the military and taking the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States: James Burdick, Keith Hout, Boone Mulder, Shawn Sorenson, Vang Lee Yang, Christopher Williams, Dylan Pepple, Rory Plumley, and Gregory Shermer. 

School Board Student Representative Savannah Stennett earned honors as an AP Scholar, completing four or more Advanced Placement courses and at least one college course during high school. 

Bluejacket athletic teams earned MSHSL Awards for Academic Excellence based on each team’s average cumulative GPAs. Silver Awards went to Football, Boys Soccer, and Boys Golf. Team Gold Academic Awards went to Volleyball, Girls & Boys Swimming and Diving, Girls Soccer, Girls & Boys Cross Country, Girls & Boys Tennis, Girls & Boys Basketball, Speech, One Act Play, Mock Trial, Gymnastics, Baseball, Girls Golf, Girls & Boys Track and Field, and Softball.

Three of our Bluejacket teams qualified for State: Speech, One-Act Play, and Economics, which finished second at the State Economics Competition!

In individual events, Ava Hari presented in the Interior Design category at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference; Merlyn Zortman, Jenna Anderson, and Andrew Jaques competed at state in Speech. Jenna Anderson took 5th, and both Andrew Jaques and Jenna Anderson were selected for the All-State Speech team. Jonas Kennedy was selected to the All-State Symphonic Band.

Zeke Kokoris, Hailie Grant-Bazille, and Morgan McCauley qualified for state in Adapted Bowling. Jonas Kennedy qualified for State in Cross Country. Hannah Bingham finished 5th in State in 300 Hurdles.  Micah Wilson placed 7th in State Pole Vault. Leo Edblad took 3rd in state in Wrestling. 

This year, 13 Bluejacket student-athletes signed Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level next year.

This is just a sampling of the achievements of this class. Over the last four years, they have learned lessons far beyond those written in the curriculum. They have learned that opportunities are sometimes disguised as challenges. They have shown they can dream big and work hard to make those dreams a reality. They are ready for adulthood, and they are ready to contribute as responsible citizens in our community. In many ways, they already have.

Educating our youth is the greatest investment we can make in our country's future. It takes a partnership among our schools, staff, families, and community. On behalf of our graduates, thank you for your continued support. Congratulations, Bluejacket Class of 2024! Go Big Blue!

 

Nate Rudolph
Superintendent