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PHOTOS: More than 80 Longhorns say goodbye as graduation ceremony hits Basalt

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Austin Colbert
  

Counselor Samila Trevisan hugs Sara Blazier while Owen Lambert looks on after Trevisan named them both to the BHS Wall of Fame during the Basalt High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Basalt.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times

Jake Allen recalled his early days, not all that long ago, of being a substitute teacher at the middle school after a short career in politics. So, when looking out on Basalt High School’s class of 2024 during Saturday’s graduation ceremony, it felt a little like coming full circle.

“This class is particularly special to me. Looking out at all of your faces, I’m flooded with memories,” said Allen, now a full-time social studies teacher at BHS who was selected by the seniors to deliver the class address. “It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve worked with many of you on and off for the better part of the last eight years. To the graduating class of 2024, this is your moment. You have overcome countless obstacles to reach this milestone, and we are all extremely proud of your accomplishments.”

Around 85 graduates walked across the stage on Saturday morning on the BHS football field. While the wind was gusty at times — leading to more than one cap going flying — the rain held off to keep the roughly 90-minute ceremony on the dry side.

Basalt’s graduation ran at the same time as many of the other Roaring Fork School ceremonies across the region on Saturday.

Graduates toss their caps skyward to close out the Basalt High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Basalt.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Social studies teacher Jake Allen delivers the class address during the Basalt High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Basalt.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times

“It’s been an honor to lead the school and to be here today. We couldn’t have asked for a better class to represent,” said head girl Sara Blazier, who had as much stage time as anyone on Saturday. “Don’t worry, juniors who are listening, it only gets harder. Senior year was filled with many joys, laughs, and hard work. Regardless, I wouldn’t trade senior year for the world.”


Not only did she give a speech as one of the head students, alongside Kyle Solis Martinez, but she also did so as the class salutatorian, alongside her close friend and class valedictorian, Owen Lambert.

BHS counselor Samila Trevisan was brought on stage to name the latest Wall of Fame award winners, with two seniors being named to the physical wall space inside the school each year. No surprise, Blazier and Lambert were on the receiving end of that, as well.

Principal Megan Hartmann gives introductions during the Basalt High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Basalt.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Salutatorian Sara Blazier gives her speech during the Basalt High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Basalt.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times

“Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and shared experiences,” Lambert said in his speech. “Graduation is a moment of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead.”

This was the first BHS graduation with Megan Hartmann serving as principal. The former assistant principal was promoted to the permanent head role back in February after having served in an interim role since Peter Mueller resigned as principal last summer.

She offered her own bit of advice to the seniors.

“You have unique strengths that make this graduating class particularly inspiring. It is important for each and every one of you to celebrate your strengths, recognize what you are capable of, and use your strengths to make this world a better place,” she said. “Embrace the adventure. I need you to know that today is not goodbye. We expect you to come back and share your stories with us. You are Longhorns, through and through. This is a celebration of all you have brought to Basalt High School and all you will come to accomplish.”

Aspen High School’s class of 2024 graduation ceremony is scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. inside the Michael Klein Music Tent.

acolbert@aspentimes.com

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