by Lisa Schauer
Thirty-six members of Hancock High School’s class of 2024 walked across the stage to accept their diplomas on Tuesday evening, May 28 in the school’s auditorium.
The Hancock Middle-Senior High School band played the processional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduating senior class filed in, proudly wearing their caps and gowns.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, and playing of the National Anthem, Principal Jennifer Ruppenthal welcomed a full house, presenting the class of 2024.
Senior class president Amy T. Davis delivered welcoming remarks to her peers, encouraging them to follow their dreams.
The salutatorian speaker was also Amy T. Davis.
Davis is the daughter of April and Richard Davis. She has already completed one year of her Associate’s degree in Business Administration at Hagerstown Community College through the early college degree program. She plans to begin training as an emergency operator/dispatcher.
The valedictorian speaker was Haylee C. Penwell.
Penwell is the daughter of Heather Cook and Stephen Penwell. She has already earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration at Hagerstown Community College through the early college degree program, where she was on the Dean’s List for three years.
Penwell will be attending Giumenta School of Real Estate in Florida to earn her real estate license.
Assistant vice principal/athletic director Kermit B. Moyer presented the diplomas.
Moyer was assisted by Carly J. Pumphrey, supervisor of K-12 English and social studies, and by Washington County Board of Education member April A. Zentmeyer, Ph.D.
Class advisor Melinda Mills presented the class flower, a white rose.
Wearing a bronze cord and graduating with honors were Miranda Bolinger, Jayla Calderon, Makynzie Golden, Dominick McKee and Casey Row.
Graduating with high honors and wearing a silver cord was Skylar Smith.
Donning a gold cord and medal, and graduating with highest honors were Amy Davis, Noah McCormick Fischer, Haylee Penwell, Keelyn Seal, and Hannah Stouffer.
A total of 24 annual scholarships were awarded, including Allegany College of Maryland presidential scholarship; American Legion Webster B. Harrison Post Scholarship; Career Technology Education award of excellence; CNB Bank of Hancock scholarship; Hancock Athletic Booster Club scholarship; Hancock High School alumni association; Hancock Lions Club scholarship; Hancock Lioness Lions Club scholarship; Hancock Presbyterian John and Merie Keefer memorial scholarship; Hancock Rotary Club scholarship; Home Builders Association award; John Phillip Sousa award; mathematics award of excellence; Mendy Keefer Soders scholarship; Merit Scholarship award; Odell Rosen scholarship; Ray “Butch” Keefer scholarship; Tonoloway Rod and Gun Club scholarship; US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis award; Washington County college fair scholarship; Washington County Commissioners’ Youth Meritorious award; WCPS student service learning honor award; Valley Health/War Memorial Hospital scholarship; and the Van Hollen public service award.