22 June 2024 · Office of Communications
Over 320 seniors from the Class of 2024 at Orange High School celebrated their achievements with moving speeches, musical performances, and civic recognition in an exciting ceremony at the Essex County Codey Arena. (Eshaya Draper/Orange Public Schools)
ORANGE, NJ — Orange High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 in a heartfelt ceremony filled with inspiring speeches, patriotic tributes, and musical performances for over 320 graduates and their families at the Essex County Codey Arena in the South Mountain Reservation. The ceremony was live-streamed for the entire City of Orange to view in real-time on Friday, June 21st.
The ceremony kicked off with a grand rendition of the classic Pomp and Circumstance, instrumented by the high school's Concert Band called "Voices in Harmony." Senior Oluwatobi Etuk, the NJROTC's outgoing cadet Commanding Officer, then rallied everyone for her final recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a customary tradition she has commanded throughout her high school years. The Star-Spangled Banner followed, performed by the concert band, with attendees remaining standing in respect.
Yadira Melo, the high school's senior class president, welcomed the parents and peers she had represented during the school year. Principal Jason Belton then gave an impactful address highlighting the achievements and resilience of the graduating class.
"I have been privileged to know the Class of 2024 for five remarkable years in Orange Public Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh II. "In that time, we've launched groundbreaking initiatives like the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, securing over $7 million to benefit our students and transform education in the City of Orange."
Dr. Fitzhugh continued to deliver strong remarks acknowledging the hard work of students, teachers, and parents. Orange Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, Esq., then congratulated the students on their dedication and accomplishments.
During Orange High School's memorable graduation ceremony, students were moved by heartfelt remarks from Valedictorian Josena Noel. Her speech encapsulated the spirit of unity and resilience that defined the Class of 2024, inspiring all who attended and watched the ceremony live-streamed across the City of Orange.
The high school concert band returned to perform Lift Every Voice and Sing, infusing the event with a sense of unity and hope. Salutatorian Jennifer Inamagua shared her journey and insights in her address, inspiring her peers with her academic success and determination. Dr. Erica Stewart later recognized students' unique paths in the high school "Twilight U" program.
Dr. Chris T. Pernell, a distinguished physician leader and advocate for health justice, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Pernell currently serves as the Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity, but her illustrious career includes founding The Esther Group, serving as Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer at University Hospital in Newark, and leading the 1199SEIU/League Labor Management Initiatives' Workplace and Community Health Program.
Dr. Pernell's extensive public recognition includes the ROI-NJ Top 150 Business Leaders and the NJBiz Best 50 Women in Business Award. Her keynote address resonated deeply with the graduates, urging them to pursue equity and justice in their future endeavors.
The ceremony concluded with standout seniors Christoly Georges and Yadira Melo leading the Class of 2024 to belt out the school's Alma Mater. Their spirited performance was a perfect finale, as they had been the heartbeat of school spirit all year long at Orange High School.
The entire Orange Public Schools community extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and wishes them success in their future endeavors. The June 21st, 2024, ceremony can be viewed again at orange.k12.nj.us/graduation/2024.
View additional photos from the event online.
About Orange Public Schools
Orange Public Schools provide a diverse range of opportunities and programs to meet the needs of approximately 5,000 students supported by over 900 staff members in eight elementary schools, one middle school, a gifted and talented academy, a renowned preschool program for children ages three and four, the historic Orange High School, and STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges – one of the top 20 best-performing public high schools in New Jersey according to the US News and World Report.
