The cool, wet weather gave way to bright sunshine as the Class of 2025 filed into Ralph P. Adams Stadium at noon on Sunday, June 1 for the 87th Commencement Ceremony. Principal Scott DeTray welcomed everyone and thanked the parents, teachers, family members, and staff for their collective efforts in helping the graduates reach this pinnacle in their lives.
Senior Class Co-Presidents Lillian Kretin and Erin Deka recognized the Class of 2025. Kretin recalled their being known as ‘that class’ for needing “a whole lot of growth.” “Somewhere between those first hallway lockers and this cap-and-gown moment, something changed. We became the class that wasn’t perfect but always real and when it mattered, we stepped up,” she said. She thanked the teachers and staff for seeing the potential in them even when they did not.“ Our journey is just beginning. Let’s keep growing, keep showing up, and keep surprising people, and no matter where life takes us, let's be proud to stay ‘that class.’”
Deka reminisced about their high school years. “We achieved so much. As a class, we earned 5,607 hours of community service, 13 of us received the honors diplomas, and 18 seniors took a combined 54 Advanced Placement tests, one of us is headed to the U.S. Navy and one to the U.S. Marines. All of this says how driven, hardworking, and relentless this class is,” she said.”I can’t wait to see where the determination takes us.”
“Today you are graduating into a world where artificial intelligence will continue to transform the world. It is one where technology evolves faster than ever before.” said Superintendent Matt Young. “Remember that your real education is just beginning and the world is changing faster than ever, but the things that make life meaningful – purpose, connection, contribution, growth – those will remain constant.” He reminded them about what makes Cuyahoga Heights special. “While we have done our best to prepare you for that AI driven future, we never lost sight of what matters most – the human connections that give meaning to our lives. That balance between innovation and tradition is exactly what you will need as you move forward,” he said.
Salutatorian Yerica Tangri reminisced about the classes’ journey through the Cuyahoga Heights Schools. “After this, the world opens wide and we step into it for the first time.” She thanked the class for the laughter, the memories, and the love, for every shared smile, and every loud victory. “May we never forget who we are and may we never stop growing into the people we were meant to be,” she told her classmates.
Valedictorian Arushi Shinde thanked the teachers and family members for believing them even when they doubted themselves. “Because of you we achieved incredible things.” We learned to take risks, to speak up, and to try something new.” She encouraged everyone to chase knowledge and dream high, but to never forget the friendships that gave their experiences meaning, as she paused to take a selfie with her classmates on the field.
Led by choir director Noah Hamrick, the senior choir members sang, “Journey On.” Then, to carry on a long-standing tradition, the graduates presented their parents and guardians with a rose to thank them for their unconditional love and support throughout their lives.
Board members and administrators presented diplomas while Senior Class Advisor Sheila Ogden read the Senior Class Roll. Class treasurer Ava Kmetz then led the graduates in turning their tassels on their mortarboards from right to left signifying their graduation. Afterward, the Alma Mater resonated throughout the stadium. And to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the Class of 2025 rose from their seats to file out of the stadium and into the world beyond.
Photos:
#1: Left to right - The CHHS Class of 2025.
#2: Valedictorian Arushi Shinde takes a selfie of with the class.
#3: Senior Advisor Sheila Ogden (right) presents Class Speaker Erin Deka with her diploma.
#4: Donny Raymond, Aiden Hooven, James Blados, and Darby Porter before the ceremony.
#5: Salutatorian Yerica Tangri makes remarks at Commencement.
#6: Proud graduates Zach Unger (left) and Nick Armbrust (right) and their families.
#7: Ava Kmetz accepts her diploma from Superintendent Matt Young.
#8: : Newly graduated Jack Laski celebrates with his family.
#9: Anna Stepka and Sarah Kitral share the excitement of their graduation.
#10: Speaker Lily Kretin recognizes the Class of 2025.
