Musselman High Graduates

"Once and Applemen, Always and Applemen," 418 students graduate from Musselman

Berkeley County Schools

May 20, 2024

By Tom Markland

INWOOD – Musselman High School’s football field was a field of green, white and a touch of red as 418 of the school’s seniors celebrated their graduation on Sunday.

The class of 2024 started high school during the Covid-19 pandemic, being forced to adapt to online school and missing out on some early high school experiences, like spirit days and their freshman homecoming. It’s that mix of online and in-person learning that reflects in their class motto, “brick or click, our legacy will stick.”

When the students finally returned to the school, they fought to bring back storied traditions at Musselman. Students recalled experiences like their first pep rally, held outside on the same football field they now graduated on, as well as returning to school their sophomore year, seeing the faces of some of their fellow students for the first time since the pandemic hit in the 8th grade.

“What is really special about this class is they really appreciate the simple things,” principal Alicia Riggleman said. “They all get along, they embrace each other and they really just like to give back and make sure the whole school and all the kids in our school feel welcome and know what Musselman is all about.”

Their teachers said the same, highlighting the class of 2024’s school spirit and willingness to help one another and their community.

“They’re a great class,” said Cheryl French, a secretary at Musselman, “A lot of positivity, they have a lot of plans, looking forward to graduation and going on with their lives.”

Of the 418 students, about half of them will go on to attend some kind of post-secondary school, receiving acceptance letters from schools from West Virginia University to the Culinary Institute of America. Another 17 have enlisted to join the military.

According to Riggleman, the class of 2024’s academic achievements have pushed the school to be ranked in the top 40 schools in the D.C. Metro area.

“It’s an outstanding achievement, considering that we also have to compete with charter schools, magnet schools and private schools,” Riggleman said.

Riggleman also highlighted the class’s response to the tragic loss of Cheryl Chapman, a beloved member of staff and supporter of Musselman’s athletic programs. As a class gift, the students have rallied to raised funds for a scholarship in Chapman’s honor, hosting Musselman High School’s first ever winter formal at Heritage Hall.

“In honor of Miss Chapman, we hope this scholarship will help someone,” said Senior Class President Aubrey Clutter. “Thank you to everyone who has donated to make this all possible.