The Out-of-Door Academy students say farewell to high school

By Liz Ramos
| 4:15 p.m. May 24, 2024

Ryan Abernathy is the first to accept a diploma for the Class of 2024 from Head of School Deb Otey.

East County
Schools

Zoe Atwell, a graduate at The Out-of-Door Academy, wanted to live in the moment as she and her friends prepared for their graduation ceremony May 24.

"I want to take it all in and know that it's OK to cry," said Atwell, noting it would be the last time she would be in the same room as the 92 other Class of 2024 graduates.

While Atwell is headed to University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland, while her friends Grace Frazier will go to the University of Alabama, Devon Van Hoesen goes to Florida State University and Emilie McKenna studies abroad for a semester in Italy before attending the University of Tennessee.

"It's sad, but hopefully the good friendships we've made means it isn't the end, and we'll visit each other," Atwell said.

Graduate Olivia Seidensticker, who is going to Wake Forest University, said she's looking forward to expanding her education and learning about things she wants to pursue. She's planning to study business and art history.

The Out-of-Door Academy celebrated its largest graduating class (93) in the school's history.

Deb Otey, the head of school, described the class as talented, passionate, kind, confident and capable.

Axl Aparicio-Jerro plays pool before the graduation ceremony.

MAdeline Crosby, Abbey Burwood and Olivia Seidensticker say their high school diplomas represent their years of hard work paying off.

Although Grace Frazier, Devon Van Hoesen, Emilie McKenna and Zoe Atwell are going their separate ways after graduation, they say they'll maintain their close friendships.

Logan Weitzner and Jacob Douglas say graduation has been a long time coming, but it feels good to celebrate the end of their time in high school.

The Out-of-Door Academy junior Selina Zhang plays violin during the graduation ceremony.

Lisa Cheney and Martha Gulacsy have been teaching at The Out-of-Door Academy's lower school for 28 years and 25 years respectively.

The Out-of-Door Academy faculty and staff Virgene Linse, Patty Young, Shelley Stone, Renee Pitts, Kathy Dozier, Martha Gulacsy, Jeff Horr and Linda Vasilaki look forward to seeing students they've worked with graduate.

Axl Aparicio-Jerro, Mason Alexander, Rebecca Aguilera and Ryan Abernathy are ready to accept their diplomas.

Sean Ball, the head of the upper school, congratulates The Out-of-Door Academy's largest graduating class, which has 93 graduates.

Jacob Kaplan, the Class of 2024's salutatorian, says his class was known as trendsetters in fifth grade and now as the "founders class." "Needless to say, we're special," he says.

Gavin Gargano gives it her all in her final performance for The Out-of-Door Academy.

Ashlynn Calka sings in the senior musical performance.

Thomas Murphy, the chair of the ODA board of trustees, says the Class of 2024 represents the vision of ODA's future.

Trey Naese gives a speech as valedictorian. He is going to the University of Notre Dame for college.

Graduates listen to their classmate Trey Naese give his speech as valedictorian.

Deb Otey, the head of school, wants to remind the Class of 2024 of all they can do. She described the class as talented, passionate, kind, confident and capable.

Ashlynn Calka, Avery Duffy, Ava Banks, Ariel Conway and Emma Arrigo say it's bittersweet to be graduating.

Graduates decorate their caps to show where they are headed next school year.

Joaquin Garcia Argibay beams with pride as he accepts his diploma from Head of School Deb Otey.

Charlie Hugill accepts her diploma from Deb Otey, the head of school.

Nolan Naese accepts his diploma from Deb Otey, the head of school.

Trey Naese, the valedictorian, is congratulated by Sean Ball, the head of the upper school.

Sean Ball, the head of the upper school, laughs after receiving a flower from someone in the audience as he exits.

The Out-of-Door Academy faculty and staff cheer for graduates after the ceremony.

Graduates make their way out of Bayside Church as The Out-of-Door Academy faculty and staff cheer for them.

Melinda Lloyd, an upper school counselor, congratulates and says goodbye to a graduate.

Amy Tribble celebrates with graduate Kaden Tribble and Caroline Przystup.

Tyler Calka, Mike Calka, Ashlynn Calka and Erica Calka celebrate Ashlynn Calka's graduation from The Out-of-Door Academy.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.