Excitement, anxiety, happiness and a tinge of bitter-sweetness culminate as 14 years of schooling turns into less than 60 days. On May 29, the Miami Palmetto Senior High class of 2024 will meet the end of an era and introduce new beginnings as they graduate high school and enter their adult lives.

The graduation ceremony will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami.

The ceremony consists of congratulatory speeches from the administration, speeches from the Student Council President and Class of 2024 Presidents and performances from the American Sign Language club, Advanced Orchestra and Band.

Following this, students have their shining moment to walk across the stage as their name is called to collect their diploma from principal, Victoria Dobbs. Then, students sing their alma mater for the last time, holding up the number zero with their hands, indicating they are leaving MPSH. After this, they turn their tassels from right to left and officially become alumni.

A significant amount of work and dedication from administration and activities goes into setting up graduation to make the occasion extra special.

“Graduation is more than just a senior event, it is a dream. A dream for students, parents and loved ones alike. The dream of watching that proud senior walk the stage and display such a huge accomplishment. For that reason, it is the job of the Activities Director, administration, and Student Council to turn that dream into a reality and that is the most difficult aspect. The ceremony must be perfect and scheduled down to the minute, but it is ultimately an overwhelming game of Tetris that always changes … We do our best to be on the same page and make it happen,” senior and Student Council President Clayton Detant said.

However, considering a graduating class size of approximately 700 graduating seniors and two senior co-presidents, this year’s graduation will face some timing changes.

“Graduation is going to be a little different this year as we have a later ceremony time and an unusually large class size. With over 700 seniors, that’s a lot of names to be called … Because we have co-senior presidents, that means there will be three presidential speeches instead of the regular two,” Detant said.

As a result of the large amount of work put into planning, the day embraces lots of emotions for every participant.

“Planning graduation is thrilling but also scary as we close this chapter of our lives … It is important for every senior to know that we all have a role to play in that ceremony. It is a time to embrace all our hard work, dedication and sacrifices … It is important that we all appreciate the moment and savor it for as long as we can because it’ll serve as one of the core memories that inhabit our minds forever,” Detant said.

Graduation marks a huge moment in one’s life as seniors step into the course of their life free to forge their paths. For many seniors about to graduate, this brings a wide variety of emotions, with mostly excitement looming at the front.

For senior Kadyn O’Connor, participating in prior graduation ceremonies as part of the ASL club has made her excited that she gets to be the one wearing a cap and gown and turning her tassel this time around.

“I’m super excited to graduate, I’ve been to the past two graduations and it’s very heartwarming … I’m most excited to switch my tassel from right to left,” O’Connor said.

Similarly, senior Melisa Tunon exhibits much excitement about graduating. However, she also opens up about her anxieties about growing up.

“I’m super excited because I get to experience college and kind of start a new chapter. I’m nervous though to grow up and go off on my own, [which is] kind of scary, since it isn’t something I’ve done before, but I know it’s necessary. I’ve seen the previous graduation since I did sign language for it, and it was really cool seeing all the seniors and everything. It’s definitely very bittersweet graduating,” Tunon said.

As for Detant who has played an active role in prior graduating classes, he expresses his feelings, as well as a sneak peek into his presidential speech that he will be giving on May 29.

“Last year I played an active role in the class of 2023’s graduation ceremony … Although, now that it is my turn it almost feels surreal … I will be giving the final presidential speech at graduation in my capacity as Student Council President. And while my speech is very much still a work in progress, I can give a sneak peek into the upcoming message … It all surrounds the topic of Day 1: where every journey begins,” Detant said.

Class of 2024, your time is almost here. Make the most of your time as a Panther, cherish these moments, and best of luck wherever your future may take you.