On May 30, 301 students graduated from Hamtramck High School and 18 students graduated from Horizon High School, which offers adult education.
Hamtramck High School student and National Honor Society president MST Beghum (I’m not certain of the spelling) kicked off the ceremony by sharing her definition of success.
“Real success isn’t just about the next big achievement,” she said. ”It consists of the funny moments, the happy moments, the sad moments and learning through it all to pause and breathe, celebrating each day for what it is and realizing it’s those small moments that make up a bigger picture. And when you least expect it, you will fly.”
Many of the graduates will go on to attend college, with one student going to Harvard and another to Yale. Students will also attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Dearborn, Wayne State University and many others.
Dr. Adnan Abed, Horizon High School principal, also addressed the students and encouraged them to face the challenges ahead.
“No matter where you go or what you do, there will be challenges ahead of you,” he said. ”I’m asking each of you to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.”
Hamtramck Public Schools Interim District Superintendent Jim Larson-Shidler reminded students of their responsibility to continue learning and growing.
“Your education here has given you a strong foundation,” he said “Now it’s your turn to build it. Dream big and challenge yourself. Embrace your success and learn from your setbacks. The future is wide open and it’s yours to take. And most importantly, find your happiness.”
The connection between service and success was the focus of Hamtramck Board of Education president Abdulmalik Algahaim‘s message.
“Wherever life takes you, let gratitude guide your path, honor the community that shaped you and invest your time, talents and achievements back into it,” he said. “Success is not just measured by your personal accomplishments, but by the impact you make on others.”
Another Hamtramck High School student, Malik Mattar (I’m unsure of the spelling) shared his struggle to embrace his identity as a child of immigrants, a story that was likely familiar to many of the graduates. Hamtramck is well-known for its diversity and for attracting immigrants from all over the world.
“Sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them,” he said. “After the hardest days and the quiet moments when we felt like giving up. But they come, they really do.”
Two Horizon High School students spoke about their journey to obtain a high school degree after their student careers seemed derailed.
“For some of us, we accomplished something we never imagined we could,” said Olivia Nassar (I’m unsure of spelling). “But here we are tonight with those who never stopped believing in us. We’re living proof that it’s not only possible, but it’s never too late to conquer the dreams we made as children.”
Fellow Horizon student Edward Robinson (I’m unsure of spelling) echoed Nassar’s message of persistence.
“Never give up and you will never fail at life,” he said.
Hamtramck High School valedictorian Habiba Chowdry (I’m unsure of spelling) reflected on the privileges students in American schools enjoy.
“Students from countries who are more underprivileged than ours don’t have the same opportunities as us,” she said. “Take a moment to think about it. About how blessed we all are to be here together to celebrate this important day in our lives. I want you all to think about this every time you want to give up. If you feel like you’re lacking that motivation within you, do it for those less fortunate than us.”
Finally, keynote speaker Dr. Mariam Noor (I’m unsure of spelling), herself a product of Hamtramck Public Schools, wrapped up with a challenge to the students to continue to make hard choices.
“Stepping into the unknown is scary, but your dreams are worth it,” she said. “The world doesn’t need you to be perfect, it needs you to be bold.”
