A crowd of family and friends packed the Harry M. Ward Auditorium on Saturday morning to celebrate 59 young men and women as they received their diplomas from Mathews High School at the school’s 86th commencement.
“We’re celebrating the achievements we’ve made. We’re celebrating growing up. We’re celebrating our upcoming future,” senior class president Suki Zheng said as she welcomed those in attendance.
“As we move on, life is going to get hard. I mean, when is it ever going to get easy?” she asked. “As you take on this new chapter of your life, make sure to take care of yourself,” Zheng advised her fellow graduates. Zheng ended her comments by announcing that this year’s senior class gift will be outdoor furniture for the courtyard by the school’s gym for students and staff to enjoy.
“This accomplishment doesn’t just belong to me,” salutatorian Kat Murphy said as she began her address. “It belongs to every graduate sitting in front of me who has worked endlessly for the past four yea...