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Luisa Pahulu, wearing a taʻovala (an article of Tongan attire), walks with other students to their seats at Menlo-Atherton High School on June 7, 2024, during the graduation ceremony. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Students toss their hats at Menlo-Atherton High School on June 7, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Ziomara Navarro, Jace Furman, and Carson Sanie hold teddy bears made by Danette Bathauer Grinstead, a drama teacher. They represent every role they had in a theater production. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Friends and family cheer for the graduates at Menlo-Atherton High School on June 7, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Derrick Kennedy gave a speech about “standing up for each other” at the Menlo-Atherton High School on June 7, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Juliana Ventura Gonzalez receives her diploma after her motivational speach on stage: “You can make things a reality if you put your mind into that” at Menlo-Atherton High School on June 7, 2024. Photo by Natalia Nazarova. 
Posters on the walls for Omar Hussain, who didn’t graduate this year at Menlo-Atherton High School. A week before graduation, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Hussain passed away from an unexpected heart attack. Photo by Natalia Nazarova.
On June 7, Menlo-Atherton High School graduated 506 students during its 73rd graduation ceremony on Coach Parks Field on the Atherton campus. Friends and family gathered to support the Class of 2024 as they take their next steps toward new experiences and opportunities.
Seniors Derick Kennedy, Camila Leiva Ferrera, Juliana Ventura and Jace Furman gave speeches. Tears were shed by some speakers as they reflected on their high school experiences, achievements and hardships.
A moment of silence was taken for two M-A students who died this year: Omar Hussain, a senior and Lucy Lunt, a sophomore. Hussain’s father received his diploma in honor of his son who died of a heart attack on May 26 — one week before graduation.
Principal Karl Losekoot described the students at M-A as “bright, gritty and fun” while also “humble, hardworking and thoughtful.” In his speech, Losekoot highlighted the achievements of the school’s robotics club, newspaper, leadership, cultural clubs and more.
“Each and every one of you is successful and we are proud of what you have accomplished, proud for what you have brought for this community and eager to see what you will do next,” said Losekoot.
Sequoia Union High School District school board President Shawneece Stevenson recognized the families of the Class of 2024 and thanked them for entrusting the district in supporting their children’ academic growth.
The school’s choir performed “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers before school administrators called each student to the stage.
Faculty members hugged and shook hands with smiling students as they were handed over their diplomas.
Students from M-A will continue their educational journey at Stanford, San Jose University, University of California at Los Angeles, Yale, Cañada College, and more. Other students will be exploring opportunities in the military and the trade industry.
The ceremony was also live streamed on YouTube.
View the list of graduates at almanacnews.com/education/2024/06/07/menlo-atherton-high-school-the-graduating-class-of-2024.
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