Naselle graduate Desirae Gifford races to meet friends and family at the conclusion of graduation ceremony.

NASELLE — A small but accomplished 2024 Naselle class held their commencement ceremony last weekend.

Twenty-five students received their diplomas during the Naselle High School graduation ceremony June 8 inside the Lyle Patterson Gymnasium.

Following an opening procession, class president Dean Helvey gave a welcoming address before class speakers, valedictorian Lewis Hoff and salutatorian Alia Lebovitz, each gave their respective speeches. Hoff shared some of his favorite school memories, including the “always unique” experiences in Mrs. Nisbett’s 4th grade class that included a class trip to Goose Point Oysters.

“It was interesting to see how they were picked, shucked and packaged, but the part I remember best was when Derek [Suomela] sucked down a raw oyster in front of the entire class,” Hoff said.

Hoff also reflected on the challenges his class faced, including navigating the covid-19 pandemic.

“It started our eighth grade year, this was a difficult time for many of us. We didn’t get to experience that crucial first year of high school. We didn’t get to see our friends at all. This undoubtedly changed us, but we stuck it out. Even though we got a late start to our high school careers, I think we made the most of it,” Hoff said.

Faculty speaker Greg Nelson reflected on his 37 years in the district and advised the class to be “intentional with your time” and that “every moment matters.’”

The graduates then took seats in the aisle next to their families as a senior slideshow flashed photos of the students, showing them grow from toddlers to teenagers as the Scotty McCreery song “Five More Minutes” played in the dimmed gym.

Scholarships and awards were then presented by principal Justin Laine and counselor Kellyn Hazen, followed by the presentation of diplomas by school board chair Robert Torppa and board member Aris Campbell. Among the class award winners were: Gladys Wilson, receiving the Patty Wiss Memorial Ward; Derek Suomela and Camilla Lozano, American Legion Citizenship Award; Derek Suomela, Bob Chamberlin Award; Lewis Hoff, John Phillip Sousa Award; Derek Suomela, Musical Achievement Award.

Superintendent Lisa Nelson and graduate Derek Suomela then led the presentation of the class and tassel-turning ceremony, officially signifying the Naselle Class of 2024.

Members of the Naselle 2024 class include: Christian Brown, Emma Christian, Margaret Creech-Ware, Jayden Ding, Tristan Gaines, Desirae Gifford, Vienna Gregoire, Allen Haataja, Nancy Haataja, Dean Helvey, Lewis Hoff, Chevelle Isom, Alia Lebowitz, Kamilla Lozano, Moises Moreno, Richard Neat, Jacob Pakenen, Rachel Paul, Carol Ruch, Nicole Steenerson, Avalon Sullivan, Derek Suomela, Gladys Wilson and Kayli Wirkkala.