With lots of enthusiasm and a little bit of melancholy, the Class of 2024 at Saint Edward’s School celebrated their commencement on Saturday.

The festivities started shortly after 8 a.m. with a class photo followed by breakfast and some last-minute instructions for the 55 graduating seniors. At 9:30 a.m., the school’s 51st Commencement ceremony began with pomp and circumstance.

“I take great comfort that each of them has the foundation educationally and ethically to do good in this world,” said Jack MacMullan, Associate Head of School/Head of Upper School during opening remarks.

“The excellence this class has demonstrated is evident,” said Head of School Stuart Hirstein, touting the capabilities of students who he believes can find “cures for diseases, hunger, and climate change.”

“They truly believe in giving back,” Hirstein said, noting that the class amassed 6,500 hours of community service.”

The senior class chose two guest speakers: Lori Infanzon, an AP history teacher, and Whitney Barnes, an AP English teacher. The two spoke about the importance of making connections and meeting challenges.

Many of this year’s graduates are staying in Florida for college while others are heading to universities across the country.

Kiley Donovan has spent the past 14 years at her alma mater. “I’m ready for the new chapter but sad to leave this one,” she said. She committed to playing golf at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she will pursue a degree in marketing and sports media.

“I am so excited. I’m feeling grateful for my experience and education at Saint Edward’s,” said Grace Haller, who will major in English on a pre-law track at the University of Florida.

“It feels bittersweet,” said Emmy Dichter, who plans to focus on entrepreneurship at the University of Utah. “I’m very excited.”

Carrington Brown, who’s been at Saint Edward’s for 15 years and loves the size of the school, plans to major in business at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, while Millicent Critchfield, who has spent 14 years at the school, will major in  environmental science at the University of Colorado in Boulder.