Bridges High School kicked off graduation season on Friday with its Class of 2024 commencement ceremony, held a short walk from the school at the Orchard in Carbondale.
“The class that I see before me has shown the perseverance and resilience essential to arriving at this point,” Principal Suzanne Fitzgerald said as part of her introductions. “It is my privilege to be here to hand you a diploma today.”
With nearly 30 listed graduating seniors, the roughly hour-long program included short speeches from her and class valedictorian Rosemary Cannon, who got an assist from salutatorian Saori Suarez.
“Your journeys have been full of battles that have come in all forms, and I know you have faced adversity with uncommon strength and determination to be here today,” Fitzgerald said. “You have shown all of us that you are deserving of this honor. We are so excited for you to be able to take the next step.”
The top of a senior’s cap is seen during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Erick Vazquez proudly looks at his diploma during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Bridges High School Principal Suzanne Fitzgerald gives introductions during their graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Valedictorian Rosemary Cannon gives a talk during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Valedictorian Rosemary Cannon, left, with salutatorian Saori Suarez, gives a talk during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Jose Canas walks across the stage during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Caitlyn Johnson poses with her diploma during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Leslie Gomez Ramirez walks across the stage after receiving her diploma during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A senior gets a hug during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Seniors present tokens of gratitude to friends and family during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Seniors present tokens of gratitude to friends and family during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
A senior gets some help with her wardrobe during the Bridges High School graduation ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Orchard church in Carbondale. Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
About $5 million in repairs will take place at the Aspen School District this summer, using much of what is left of the 2020 voter-approved $114 million bond to address deferred maintenance.