‘Changing lives:’ Hart High School students’ pasts and future

Graduate Sophia Cranshaw displays her diploma to her parents in the stands during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduate Sophia Cranshaw displays her diploma to her parents in the stands during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal
Share on facebook
Share
Share on twitter
Tweet
Share on email
Email

Graduating Hart High School students dressed in red and black robes made their way into the center of College of the Canyons’ football field on Tuesday.  

Student Issac Kim welcomed the graduation audience in English, while student Kiomy Iraheta Escobar welcomed them in Spanish and student Ridley Downs welcomed them in French.  

Graduating seniors march to "Pomp and Circumstance" as they proceed to their seats during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduating seniors march to “Pomp and Circumstance” as they proceed to their seats during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

The sea of black and red united these students in this moment, marking the end of a four-year journey.  

“Know that we at Hart High School will always be your own, sweet Hart,” said Hart Principal Jason d’Autremont.  

Graduates toss their caps in the air after the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduates toss their caps in the air after the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

Student speaker Madison Haynes took to the podium as her classmates shouted, “Madi we love you!” 

Haynes transferred to Hart in her junior year. She conquered the common fear of being the “new girl” on campus by realizing how different Hart was.  

Gradating senior Nicholas Hernandez calls supporters in the stand on his cell phone during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Gradating senior Nicholas Hernandez calls supporters in the stand on his cell phone during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

“As I walked through those doors, I knew that Hart High School was different,” said Haynes. “It wasn’t just the campus or the exceptional academic programs that caught my attention, but rather the welcoming and inclusive community.” 

Haynes had never experienced this sense of inclusivity in any other high school setting.  

Graduating seniors march to "Pomp and Circumstance" during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduating seniors march to “Pomp and Circumstance” during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

As she graduated on Tuesday, she recognized that it is not just the brick walls that she will miss.  

“School is not just the building, it’s the people who make up this institution,” said Haynes.  

Graduate Chris Downs, right, celebrates with Principal Jason d'Autremont  during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduate Chris Downs, right, celebrates with Principal Jason d’Autremont during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

The second student speaker, Jad Shephard, furthered Haynes’ remarks by stressing the importance of them being “the class of 2023.” 

“We have proven that we are resilient, we are successful and we can persevere through the darkest of hours by standing together and facing the challenges head-on,” said Shephard. 

Supporters search for their graduates on the field after the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Supporters search for their graduates on the field after the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

The togetherness of the Hart graduating class of 2023 transcends further than the students’ last four years at the school or the one day they are officially graduates — it goes into all of their futures, the speakers said. 

“We will take those memories far into the future,” said Shephard. “You remember the resilience that came from this graduating class.” 

Madison Haynes strides to the podium to give her Commencement Address during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Madison Haynes strides to the podium to give her Commencement Address during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

The last four years, this graduating class has experienced football games, a global pandemic and watching the sunrise together. Together they are bonded and together they were changed, the speakers said.  

“That’s the thing about Hart High School,” said Haynes. “It changes lives.” 

Graduate Teagan Heinze, right, receivers her diploma from Dr. Cherise Moore during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Graduate Teagan Heinze, right, receivers her diploma from Dr. Cherise Moore during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

Changing lives is a sentiment that d’Autremont wants his students to continue pursuing themselves.  

“I want to leave you here tonight compelled to do one thing: Be a leader,” said d’Autremont. 

Jade Shephard gives her Commencement Address during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023.
Jade Shephard gives her Commencement Address during the William S. Hart High School Commencement held at College of the Canyons on Tuesday, 053023. Dan Watson/The Signal

Related To This Story

Latest NEWS