Harriton High School recently hosted the annual Rites of Passage Ceremony as the Rams’ community formally recognized and celebrated the graduating seniors in the POWER Scholars Program.

Classmates, family and friends gathered in the cafeteria to honor this year's distinguished group of twelfth graders with remarks from students, teachers, alumni and administrators; presentations of awards; a delicious dinner spread; and the Kente Ceremony!

In African tradition, Rites of Passage are enduring rituals commemorating momentous life transitions; holistic development of the individual or group; and positive progression in a person's status, roles and responsibilities. These ceremonies also serve as an opportunity to recognize that the transition into adult life carries with it the realization of social obligations and the assumption of responsibility for meeting those obligations.

After the evening’s honorees made their procession into the cafeteria, Harriton Principal Scott Weinstein welcomed guests and shared praiseworthy words about the this year’s group of scholars, before introducing POWER Program Coordinator Mr. Nate Bantoe, who served as emcee for the duration of the program.

POWER Scholars alum Ryan Dieudonne, currently a student at Emory University, was then invited to the podium where he shared a few words about how his time at Harriton contributed to his personal growth and many successes both in and out of the classroom. Next, students Kayla Scott, Eddie Wright, Desirae Bradley-Lowery, Milan Ramey, Jean-Yael Coffi-Ahibo and Alessandra Simmons each took their turn at the mic as they reflected on their their respective life-changing journeys through the program.

As the culminating event of the evening, each POWER Scholar received a special Kente cloth stole. The cloth's provenance dates back nearly four centuries to the Ashanti and Ewe tribes of the west African nation of Ghana. The colors of the Kente cloth were originally made from different native trees that created the red, green and yellow dyes. According to Ashanti tradition, the red, yellow and green colors represent the blood of forefathers, gold and forests, respectively. Threads were soaked in the dyes and woven together to create the elegant fabrics fit for kings and other elite tribe members. In contemporary times, the wearing of Kente cloth has become a prevalent part of celebrating special occasions and is associated with success, high status and cultural sophistication.

Congratulations to the POWER Scholars' Class of 2024 and best of luck in all of your future endeavors! To view a collection of images from the ceremony, click through the slideshow below!