Littleton Public Schools graduates say hello to new chapter

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Magness Arena at the University of Denver was recently ooded with red, then purple, and black. Over the course of the day, more than a thousand Littleton Public Schools students said goodbye to high school and hello to a new chapter.

“As we gather here today to celebrate our graduation, I can’t help but think about the ups and downs, the highs and lows that we have all experienced during our time in school,” said Dylan Hoover, student body president of Littleton High School.

“From the early morning classes to the late-night study sessions, from COVID-19, back to hybrid, back to normal, repeat. We have all worked incredibly hard to get to this point and all of you should be very proud of yourselves.”

Over the course of three ceremonies for Heritage, Littleton and Arapahoe high schools, speakers reected on the challenges of the past four years and the successes that led each student to graduation.

“You must acknowledge the hard work, or the dedication, and sacrices that have brought you to this point,” Brian Ewert, retiring Littleton Public Schools superintendent, said. “You must celebrate your friend- ships, the memories, and the lessons that you’ve learned that will last you a lifetime. You must also accept the hundreds of failures and setbacks that have shaped you into who you are today.”

During the Littleton High School ceremony, Board of Education member Robert Reichardt, who served as the board’s president until April, presented a diploma to his graduating daughter, Lucy Reichardt.

“I have a message for Lucy, but I think I speak for many parents here,” he said during his speech. “Lucy, being a dad to you and your sister is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s been wonderful getting to know you and watching you grow up … You’ve overcome serious challenges to be here, and I could not be prouder.”

Littleton High School’s graduation ceremony recognized 286 students in the class of 2023. ere were 403 graduates from Heritage High School and 435 from Arapahoe High School. Options High School, an alternative program in the district, held a ceremony on May 25, where 36 students graduated.

On May 23, 10 students graduated from the Littleton Public Schools’ Transition Services program, which serves a wide range of students with disabilities who are 18 to 21 years of age.

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