CRHS Class of 2024 Graduation

Today, I had the honor of participating in the Crystal River High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony. It was a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of our Pirate graduates. As the graduates marched to the stirring notes of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played beautifully by the CRHS Band under the direction of Mr. Charles Ramsey, a sense of pride and accomplishment filled the air.

The ceremony began with a special acknowledgment and heartfelt thank you to the Honorable Virginia “Ginger” Bryant, a dedicated public servant who will retire at the end of her school board term in November 2024. NJROTC Senior Naval Instructor CWO5 Liz Rivera, USN (Ret.), led the tribute. Ms. Bryant, a CRHS Pirate alumna (Class of 1965), has devoted 54 years to education, including 30 years as an English and reading teacher at Crystal River Middle School, followed by 24 years as a school board member. Her tenure makes her the longest-serving elected school board member in Citrus County’s history. In recognition of her service, Warrant Officer Rivera presented Ms. Bryant with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, thanking her for her unwavering dedication. Ms. Bryant has profoundly impacted countless students, and the entire CRHS Pirate and Crystal River community expressed their gratitude.

The graduation ceremony featured inspiring speeches from several notable students. Senior Class President Michael Miller delivered a touching message and presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers to Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel. This graduation marks the last time Superintendent Himmel will preside over a ceremony at Crystal River High School. Michael praised her for her 20 years of dedicated service, stating, “She always has a smile on her face. Most importantly, she puts students first. She cares about us. She cares about teachers and staff. She cares about the entire community. Our district is absolutely blessed to have her as our superintendent. Let’s give her a huge round of applause.” The audience responded with resounding applause, acknowledging Superintendent Himmel’s significant contributions.

Savannah Lewis delivered the Reflections speech, sharing her thoughts on the journey the graduates have taken together. Aida Canetti gave the Vision speech, drawing inspiration from a famous quote by Rocky Balboa: “It ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” Aida encouraged her classmates to remember that with hard work and perseverance, they could achieve anything. “No dream is too far for you to reach, no challenge is too hard for you to overcome, and no goal is too difficult for you to try,” she said.

We also want to thank the educators, staff, volunteers, mentors, family members, and the community, all of whom played vital roles in supporting the graduates. Their collective efforts have helped shape the students into the accomplished individuals they are today.

As tradition dictates, the CRHS graduation ceremony concluded with the singing of the school’s Alma Mater, a moment that always resonates deeply with attendees. The event culminated in the firing of the famous CRHS Pirate cannon, sending Superintendent Himmel and the Honorable Ginger Bryant off with a literal and figurative “bang.”

Congratulations to all our graduates! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead. May you continue to strive for excellence and carry the spirit of the CRHS Pirates with you wherever you go.

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