TROY – New Horizons High School held their graduation for the two sessions at The Hungate Performing Arts Center Friday with 97 students receiving diplomas.

Each session was introduced by Johnathon White with a special thanks to all for attending and recognition of all the staff and members of the school board in attendance. During the opening of the first session, White asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Matthew Robinson who passed away Dec. 31, 2023. He was also remembered with a seat where he would’ve sat and his diploma displayed for his fellow classmates, family and friends to honor his memory.

Matthew Frederickson, superintendent of R-III schools, was in attendance and gave words of congratulations and encouragement to the graduating class.

“Tonight’s a celebration and powerful moment that marks both an ending and a beginning, the closing of one chapter and the turning of the page to the next”. Frederickson said “The path that brought each of you to this stage tonight may have looked a little different, may have been filled with twists and turns and challenges and breakthroughs, but you made it.”

Student speakers for each session thanked everyone who helped them and explained what being a student at New Horizons meant to them.

Janate Colbath was the first to speak for the first session.

“For the longest time in my high school career, I never imagined I’d be standing on this stage today, wearing a cap and gown preparing to graduate,” said Colbath “School was always something I struggled with, not just academically, but emotionally too. There were times I didn’t see a clear path forward, times when I doubted if I’d ever make it to this moment. That all began to change when I walked through the doors of New Horizons.

“To my fellow graduates, congratulations. We did it. We overcame challenges, we stayed the course, and we made it to the finish line. No matter where you go next, always remember how far you’ve come. Be proud of your journey,” Colbath said.

Amy Johnston had the privilege of introducing the outstanding Senior award for each session.

The outstanding senior student for the first session was Davion Wray and second session was Zach House.

Air Force Veteran Ian Porter recognized the seniors who are entering the military after graduation with a red, white and blue honor cord and a challenge coin, including: Sebastian Burbridge, Elizabeth Carver, Dwight Kassman and Degan Wieberg.

Davion Wray was the second student speaker for the first session.

“Before coming to New Horizons I was in and out of the hospital not knowing if I was going to graduate, dropping out was a big contemplation, but my beautiful mother insisted I give New Horizons a chance,” Wray said.

Erica Gifford explained the tradition of the ‘Run of the Roses’.

“Each of you have someone in your life that has helped you along the way, offering support and encouragement when you needed it the most. The run of the roses is the opportunity for you to acknowledge those people in your lives and to share thanks and gratitude with them,” Gifford said. “Each graduate will select two roses and hand them to two individuals of your choosing that supported you along the way.”

As music plays the students went into the audience and handed out the roses as thanks for the support shown to them during their time in high school.

Second session’s first student speaker was Dakota Dame.

“I remember that 2025 felt like a lifetime away. I thought I’ve got time before this day comes but here I am standing in front of you all. Thank you, New Horizons, for helping me grow, to show me that my dreams are worth chasing and for guiding me through this day today,” said Dame.

Anna Carlton was the second student speaker.

“When I first heard about New Horizons back in middle school, I knew it could be a place for me with a smaller more supported environment, it sounded exactly what I needed,” said Carlton. “When I found out I was officially going to New Horizons everything changed, I finally felt like I had direction. The teachers were incredible, they supported me every step of way even though I had fallen behind, they never gave up on me, they helped me catch up, stay focused and most importantly to believe in myself. Thanks to them I’m proud to say I’m graduating on time”.

After diplomas were awarded for each class, White closed with words of encouragement for the graduates.

“When you share life experiences, as we have, you become family and that feeling of family is because of all of you,” he said. “You are all the best parts of New Horizons High School, you represent compassion, empathy, perseverance, kindness, love and so much more. I challenge you to take your experiences and what you learned and use it as motivation for making the rest of your story remarkable. Look to the future with confidence 2025 and get excited about all of your next New Horizons.”