“Mix optimism, hope and hard work.”

The words of Dr. Anthony Vladu, superintendent of Gloucester County Public Schools, touched the hearts of the more than 300 Gloucester High School seniors preparing to graduate Saturday morning in the school’s 71st commencement exercises ON the GHS athletic field.

The most important advice Vladu had for the graduates was to always have “optimism and hope for the future.”

According to Vladu, the Class of 2024 has earned $1.6 million in scholarships. As for next steps, Vladu said 159 students will attend college, 97 will go straight to the workforce, 18 will attend trade schools and 13 will go into the military.

“Thank you for protecting our freedoms,” he said to those 13.

Vladu told the graduates that attitude and determination are what really matter in life. He also encouraged them to chose to remain optimistic, despite the struggles they will inevitably face in life.

“Thank you, and good luck,” concluded Vladu.

“Let me be the first to say to you ‘congratulations,’”said Dr. Stefan Mygas, GHS principal, in his welcoming remarks.

Mygas detailed the unique quality of the Class of 2024’s high school experience from beginning freshman year with virtual learning to ending senior year with the GHS renovation project.

“Your experience was very different,” he said.

“You were at home, logging onto a computer,” continued Mygas. “Our building was empty without you.”

The members of the Class of 2024 returned for sophomore year and were pressed with a challenging task, “rebuilding the community of Gloucester High School,” he said.

“I’m most proud of who you are, and you should be too,” said Mygas.

In conclusion, he said, “I wish you nothing but the best.”

Duke of the Year Samantha Wooldridge provided her own remarks.

“We made it, but, of course, we couldn’t have made it alone,” said Wooldridge.

She thanked her family, friends and the teachers that helped her on the path to high school graduation.

“You are the reason all of us are graduating today,” said Wooldridge to the teachers.

“Thank you for letting me be your Duke of the Year,” she concluded. “It’s been an honor.”

GHS Class President Andrew Carter praised his classmates’ successes, as well as the way they were each able to overcome low moments.

“We are all here today,” he said. “Resilient to it all.”

Carter concluded his speech by encouraging his classmates to go anywhere they desire in life.

Salutatorian Charles Somervell III compared life to a card game throughout his speech.

“Know what cards you want to have and the rest will follow,” said Somervell.

Somervell concluded his speech with a thought-provoking question for his fellow graduates: “The only question is: What’s your move?”

In her valedictorian speech, Kearney Palas talked about the importance of making a commitment to yourself and following through. In her freshman year, Palas promised herself she would be valedictorian of her class and she kept that promise.

“Never stop striving for a better life,” said Palas.

After school board chairman Troy Andersen conferred the diplomas, the more than 300 seniors received their diplomas and exited Dukes Stadium to embark on their own distinctive paths.