Ceremony honors achievements and future plans of students across the district
By The Woodlands Student Center Staff
Monday, December 16, 2024, 10:30 PM
SPRING, Texas - The Grand Oaks High School Auditorium buzzed with excitement Monday evening as Conroe ISD honored 112 midyear graduates in two heartfelt ceremonies. Students from across the district walked across the stage, celebrated not only for their academic accomplishments but for their perseverance and hard work in reaching this milestone.
Proud families streamed into the auditorium, carrying bouquets of flowers and brightly colored balloons. The Grand Oaks High School quartet sat at the back of the room, providing soft, elegant music during the arrival of guests. Teachers dotted the crowd as well, many sitting quietly with pride—and, for a few, tears in their eyes—as their students crossed the stage.
Dr. Chris Povich, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, welcomed families and guests, acknowledging the dedication of parents, teachers, and mentors in supporting the graduates. He also took a moment to explain the absence of Conroe ISD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null, who could not attend as he was celebrating his daughter’s graduation from nursing school in Dallas. Dr. Povich shared that Dr. Null wished to extend his heartfelt congratulations to all of the graduates and their families on this special occasion.
The Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, setting a dignified tone for the evening. In the first ceremony at 6:30 PM, student leaders guided the pledges with poise, beginning with Scott Starzyk from The Woodlands High School leading the United States Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Meah Sharp from Oak Ridge High School leading the Texas Pledge. This ceremony recognized graduates from The Woodlands High School, Grand Oaks High School, College Park High School, Caney Creek High School, Oak Ridge High School, and Conroe High School.
During the 8:00 PM ceremony honoring Washington High School graduates, Timothy Schaffer led the United States Pledge of Allegiance, and Levi Camillo followed with the Texas Pledge, continuing the evening's spirit of respect and celebration.
On stage, members of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees congratulated each graduate with a handshake, presented students with their diplomas, and paused for a ceremonial photo, taking time to acknowledge the students' hard work and accomplishments. As graduates made their way across the stage, each high school principal stepped forward to join the line, offering personal congratulations to the students from their respective schools. This heartfelt gesture added an extra touch of pride and connection to the evening. For families watching, the moment their graduate's name echoed through the room felt monumental. Cheers and applause erupted, while phones and cameras snapped to capture memories of the proud occasion.
Several student-athletes were among the graduates, taking the opportunity to complete their fall semester early in order to begin college programs ahead of schedule. By graduating midyear, these athletes will enroll in January to participate in spring training and start their college coursework. Notable graduates include:
Scott Starzyk (The Woodlands HS) – Football, University of Arkansas
Samara Coleman (Grand Oaks HS) – Volleyball, University of Pittsburgh
Ty Rupe (Grand Oaks HS) – University of Texas at San Antonio
Ella Lewis (The Woodlands HS) – Volleyball, Arizona State University
Amalia Torrealba Adames, a senior from Grand Oaks High School, delivered heartfelt remarks that resonated throughout the room. She reflected on the challenges faced and encouraged her classmates to move forward with resilience.
"The road may not always be grassy or unblemished," she said, "but it is ours to pave with courage, determination, and the knowledge that we have the strength to build new connections and thrive in the communities we are about to climb." - Amalia Torrealba Adames
The auditorium was filled with energy—equal parts relief, pride, and anticipation. Parents and grandparents wiped tears of pride as students crossed the stage, many flashing confident smiles or giving waves to loved ones. Following the ceremony, graduates spilled into the lobby and outdoor spaces, where family and friends eagerly waited. Groups gathered for photos in front of holiday decorations and school banners, diplomas proudly displayed. Some graduates were showered with hugs, while others were handed fresh flowers and shiny balloons. Teachers mingled with families, offering final words of encouragement to their students. Laughter and excitement carried into the cool evening air as families lingered, savoring the moment.
The evening highlighted not only the students' achievements but also the sense of community that makes Conroe ISD a family.
The graduates represented seven district high schools:
Washington High School – 59 graduates
Conroe High School – 16 graduates
Grand Oaks High School – 12 graduates
Oak Ridge High School – 10 graduates
The Woodlands High School – 9 graduates
College Park High School – 3 graduates
Caney Creek High School – 3 graduates
Photos: Official photos from the ceremony are provided by Flash Photography. The company will contact each graduate's family with a department code to access the photos. If you do not receive this information within 10 days, please reach out to your campus or contact Flash Photography directly for assistance.
For more details or to access the photos, visit https://www.flashphotography.com/
Video: For those unable to attend or wishing to relive the special moments, Conroe ISD is providing a video recording of both ceremonies on YouTube. The full commencement events can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2TMdlPml5k, allowing families, friends, and
Mark your calendars for the upcoming spring graduation ceremonies celebrating the Class of 2025:
Grand Oaks | Friday, May 16, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
Washington | Saturday, May 17, 10:00 AM | Ark Church, Conroe |
Oak Ridge | Monday, May 19, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
Caney Creek | Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
Conroe | Wednesday, May 21, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
College Park | Thursday, May 22, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
The Woodlands | Friday, May 23, 7:30 PM | Cynthia Woods Pavilion |
These ceremonies will honor the hard work and accomplishments of the graduating seniors and provide an opportunity for family, friends, and the community to celebrate their achievements.
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