So, we hope to see you all there. And that would conclude if I can get a motion to adjurnn. Mr. White. Second. Mr. Gripple. All in favor for adjourning. It is unanimous. We are adjourned. Thank you.
Heat. Heat. [Music] You're almost there. [Music] Forever. [Music] Father, [Music] Someone. Come back. Who is [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] I love [Music] Now the real question. Start at five minutes. I'll see you at the end. focus. There we go. One program We'll close on this. Who's the turkey? [Music] No way. [Music] What are you doing? [Music] Good evening. My name is Dr. Curtis Finch. As superintendent of the Deer Valley Unified School District, and on behalf of the governing board, it is our honor to be here to celebrate with you the accomplishments of your children during another unique and special year. Could not be more proud of each one of our graduates. Dear Valley's vision of graduating lifelong learners who will successfully compete, lead, and positively impact the world is shown here today as we award diplomas. Thank you for supporting your children along this journey.
Before we begin, in honor of our graduates and guests, we kindly request that you turn off your cell phones. Arena management also asks us to remind you to please refrain from entering the aisles during the ceremony. Please rise for the processional. [Music] [Applause] [Music] You got it. Happy birthday. [Music] Oh my god. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Y are [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Happy birthday. [Music] Where do you feel? Heat. Heat. [Music] Hello. How are you? [Music] Amen. [Music] Glory. This is [Music] Number 10. [Music] Yeah. Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Mother. [Music] Brea. Heat. Heat. [Music] This will be the last time I think. [Music] I want to get the number. [Music] Second ending. Second ending. Heat. [Music] Heat. Perfect. [Music] [Applause] Good afternoon. My name is Jagger Cochro, student body president. We would like to welcome you to Mountain Ridge High School's commencement ceremonies for the class of 2025.
We respectfully ask that you stand at this time for the national anthem performed by the Belleville West Band under the direction of Mr. Michael Pond Jones. Gentlemen, please remove your cap. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] You may be seated. I would like to begin by introducing individuals gathered up here on stage to preside over this ceremony. Dr. Brian Mensor, superintendent of schools. Dr. Dustin Bill, assistant superintendent of schools. Mr. Mike Eiscant, president of the board of education. Mrs. Sheree Bennett, board of education, Dr. Richard Bass, Associate [Applause] Principal. At this time, I'd like to call Dr. Bill Brooke up. Thank you and good morning, Belleville West families. It is my honor to be with you all here today. Today, of course, is about these students, a celebration of what they've accomplished and reflection on what is next for them. But schools on graduation day, we reflect in much the same way, thinking ahead to what next year will hold.
Please remain standing for the presentation of colors, the singing of the national anthem, and the pledge of allegiance. Please welcome Christina Diggs singing our national anthem. [Applause] Say by the dawn early so [Music] proud at the twilight last stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight or the ramparts we watch and the rockets gave proof through the night that our flag was still Oh, say that star spangled [Music] yet. Or the land of the free and the home of the brave. [Music] [Applause] My name is Nate Smith, student body treasurer.
but also proud of where we are. In that spirit, our District 2011 school community wants to take a moment to express appreciation for what and who has gotten us to where we are. Dr. Brian Mensor has been a leader at Belleville Township High School District 2011 since 2012. Before that, he was a respected educator and educational leader in the elementaryaries of Belleville in the broader Belleville community. And before that, Brian was a graduate right here at Belleville West High School. to this point. He has a lifetime of history in our community and a career's worth of work in making our schools the very best that they can be. Under Dr. Mensor's leadership at District 2011, our schools have seen an increase in program for students, built and maintained top-notch school facilities, and strengthened the relationship with community leaders and business and industry partners. He has the progressive and creative vision that led to the regionally recognized and award-winning Cave Campus.
Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Applause] And now you may be seated. Please welcome Quincy Wood, student body historian, given our inspiration. My inspiration today is entitled Timing by Morgan Harper Nichols. Life can be fulfilling at both 16 and also 60, 25 and 35. Joy is timeless. Learning how to make the most of where you are does not have an age cut off or a deadline. You will always be able to sit and wonder about things that could have gone differently. But you can also trust you have not missed out on what was meant for you. I know it's hard to trust when so much is unknown. So instead of trying to make sense of it all, take it all color by color, tree by tree, scent by scent, and relationship by relationship.
He uses the type of sound decision-making that made district 2011 a school leader during the COVID pandemic. And he may say most importantly, he has a people first mindset that has led to an increase in academic support for students as well as an emphasis on physical and emotional well-being for both students and staff. Simply put, Belleville high schools are better because of the work of Dr. Brian Mensor. So, please join me in recognizing our next speaker, superintendent of District 2011, 1994 West High School graduate and father of a graduate today, Dr. Brian Mensor. [Applause] Good morning. I examined the script pretty carefully and that was not part of it. Welcome to the class of 2025. I would like to welcome all the parents, family members, friends, faculty, and everyone that may be in attendance online. Today marks a milestone in so many ways. Today is a day to be proud of your journey.
You don't have to take it all in at once. Take in the newness of it all one moment at a time without worrying about the moments to come. Let that be enough. Breathe deep and let this moment be enough. Let this be a place where you find peace. Remember the ground beneath your feet. You belong here. No one has taken your place and you are not too far from grace. Your story might be unfolding differently than expected, but that doesn't mean it won't be beautiful. Where you are meant to be, you will be in time, no matter your age or stage in life. Thank [Applause] you. And now, please welcome Mr. David Vines, our principal. Good afternoon. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff at Mountain Ridge High School, I would like to welcome you to our 2025 commencement ceremony. It is my honor to be your principal.
No matter how smooth or bumpy it may have been, today is a celebration of your accomplishment. Be ready for what the future holds. Your time at Belleva West and at school have prepared you for this, and we are extremely proud of all of you. Everyone's future has merit. The options are endless. Whether you're going far away to college or staying close to home or going to school to learn a trade or going directly in the workforce or you're going to ser serve our country in a branch of service. All of these futures are respected and admired and everyone in this stadium this morning wants to see you achieve your goals. So, what's it going to take? First, it takes perseverance. Don't fool yourself into thinking that the next chapter is going to be any easier because it's not. It will require you to find it inside yourself to keep your eye on your prize.
I would like to begin by thanking and introducing our governing board members, district administrators, and school administration in attendance with us this afternoon. Please hold your applause until all have been introduced. First, President of the Governing Board, Mr. Paul Carver, Jr., Vice President of the Board, Dr. Karen CPAC. Board members, Mr. Steve Botfeld and Mrs. Kimberly K. Fischer. Next, Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch. Thank you for your support. Also, trick check. Also, we have assistant principles, Mr. Jeremy Hendricks, Mr. Tony Miller, Mr. Paul Strauss, our dean of students, Dr. Kimberly Silverman, and our faculty member speaker, Mrs. Natalie Aspus. Give all of our special guests a round of [Applause] applause. We would also like to thank the San O'Conor High School Air Force Junior ROTC for the presentation of colors at our ceremony. Mr. Jeffrey Malone and our award-winning band. Thank you for your wonderful performance this evening as well as all the beautiful music you have played all year long.
Secondly, you're going to need to make new friends and colleagues. Surround yourself with people who make good choices. lean on them and never let anyone take you down their road without first asking for directions. Third, you have to work harder, harder than you ever have. It is the single most impactful attribute that leads to success. I pride myself on hard work above all things. It is a choice and if you choose it, it will bring you much success. And finally, the simplest of all things, just being nice. Often absent in our world today, but something we all need today more than ever. Before you move on, stop and say thank you. Give someone encouragement or just be quiet and listen. Be nice to yourself and those around you. Graduates, remember, today is your day. Take it all in, have fun, and then roll up your sleeves and get back to work.
And special thanks, let's give them a [Applause] hand. And special thanks goes out to Christina Diggs for her beautiful rendition of the national anthem and to Mountain Ridges student government members Jagger Cochril, Nate Smith, and Quincy Wood for their leadership and inspiration. [Applause] I would like to begin by honoring and congratulating all of you here today. As we reflect on the past four years, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. You have worked hard, faced challenges, overcome obstacles to reach momentous occasion here today. On the 30th anniversary of Mountain Ridge High School, we celebrate your achievements. But we also look forward to the future with great anticipation. As you stand on the brink of a new and exciting chapter of your lives, channel your inner drive to fuel the journey that lies ahead. Drive is more than mere ambition. It is the passionate pursuit of your purpose that compels you to chase your dreams with relentless determination.
Congratulations to the class of 2025. [Applause] It is now my pleasure to introduce Kathleen Eastston, student council president, who will give the senior proclamation. [Applause] Good morning. First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kate Eastston, and I'm honored to be speaking here today as the executive student council president. One day, you'll come across a photo or two of someone you once knew. You'll pause. You'll notice they have deepened wrinkles and softer, wiser eyes with speckled graying hair. They look different, but you will remember them. Their 16-year-old smile lights up your mind as you picture seeing their first car pulling into your driveway, them picking you up to go nowhere special. And you can't miss their laugh. It's still echoing down some hallway of your memories. While the song they swore would be the soundtrack of their life plays softly in the background, slowly fading away.
Embrace the late nights and early mornings and muster the strength to persevere through challenges as every obstacle you encounter adds depth to your character and propels you closer to your aspirations. Continue to develop a steadfast character that guides you to seize every opportunity that comes your way and that transforms setbacks into powerful lessons. As you forge your path into the future, couple your drive with an insatiable curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Whether in pursuit of higher education, moving on to a career, or nurturing personal ambitions, adopt a mindset steeped in growth and exploration. Surround yourselves with those who positively impact and elevate you. And be ready to extend your support to others who need your help. Step confidently into your future and let your drive not only shape your own path, but illuminate the paths of others around you. Now, let's take a moment to brag on the Mountainrich class of 2025.
And in that moment, you'll miss them more than you ever expected. Not for who they became, but for who they were when you knew them best. We'll never be those people again. But how lucky we were to have been them together. So, soak up these last few minutes we have as the class of 2025. Or we might just forget them. [Applause] Today we honor and recognize the retiring staff of Belleville West and District 2011. These individuals have given tirelessly to the Belleville West and District 2011 family. Their expertise and commitment to Belleville West and the community has been greatly appreciated. I would like to recognize our retirees. Miss Julie Burch, Curtis Clintenn, Mr. Michael O'Donnell. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of our district and the students of Belleville West. We also would like to thank all Falcony members who are volunteering today in order to make this a great event along with all of the administrators here at Belleville West.
This class has earned almost $20 million in [Applause] scholarships. Congratulations to all of you. We know that none of this could have been accomplished without the love and support from your parents, your family, and your friends. They have been your greatest advocates and supporters. At this time, I invite you seniors to stand, turn towards the audience and show your appreciation to [Applause] them. You may be seated. I firmly believe that we have the best staff and teachers in the state of Arizona. At this time, I will ask all educators, past and present, who have played a role in the development of the class of 2025 to please stand one last time and be celebrated for all you have done. [Applause] You may be seated. We will now honor students individual successes and recognize them for their accomplishments. Please hold your applause until all groups have been recognized.
In an effort to recognize the highest academic achievement of students at Belleville West, we have developed a program to honor the top 1%, the top two to 5%, and the top 6 to 10% by GPA. These students are identified by wearing different color stoves. Students are wearing different colors cords for the National Honor Society, Student Council, Running Start, State Scholars, National Merit Scholars, Harambe, Departmental Honor Societies, and AVID, as well as various medals they have earned during their high school career. The students designated in the top 1% sum kumlady will now deliver the class farewell. Ladies and gentlemen, the class of 2025. Please welcome the representatives from Suma Kumlady, Lillian Averbeck, Jada Kase, Addison Guck, Molly Hag, Natalie Hall, Jacob Mathenia, Theo Record, [Applause] Michael Robertson, Sophia Shuhart, Abigail [Applause] Seagel. Good morning and congratulations to our class of 2025. Graduations can be a time of sentiment and reflection.
We will begin by recognizing the top 24 number one GPA graduates. Please stand. and be [Applause] recognized. You may be seated. Also deserving special recognition for their academic success are students who are members of the national honor society. Those students receiving the state seal of bi literacy and those students receiving the Arizona seal of arts proficiency. Please stand and be [Applause] recognized. You may be seated. And finally, we would like to recognize all students who have achieved academic excellence over the past four years by earning academic awards. I would like all those students to stand and be recognized by all of [Applause] us. You may be seated. The Mountain Ridge class of 2025 is truly incredible and I look forward to beholding all the amazing accomplishments that are ahead of all of you. Congratulations and go Rich. Again, we welcome you to our ceremony and it is my pleasure to now introduce to you your fellow graduate, Bruce Ruan, giving the senior address.