001[Music] There's something [Music] [Applause] [Music] down. He [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Down. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Oh, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. Down. [Music] Oh, heat, heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Welcome family, friends, and faculty, and fellow graduates. My name is Bla1 Powell, and I'm the president of the class of 2025. It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you all to Liberty High School's 61st commencement ceremony. Today, we are not just gathered to celebrate an end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new journey, one shaped by years of hard work, dedication, and shared memories. To our teachers and staff, thank you for
002your patience, your guidance, and your countless hours you poured into helping us grow. You've taught us not only academics, but resilience, responsibility, and what it means to lead with integrity. To our families and loved ones, your support has carried us between late nights, early mornings, and everything in between. Your belief in us has never wavered and for that we are forever grateful. And to our f and to our fellow graduates, the class of 2025, we did it. Together we face challenges, embraced change, and built a legacy that will live on in the halls of Liberty High School forever. We are proud to be part of a school rooted in tradition, community, and minimum pride. As we prepare to take our next steps, whether into college, the workforce, or the military, let us carry the lessons
003we've learned. And may we never forget where we came from, or the people who helped us get here. Congratulations, class of 2025. This is not the end of our story, but it's just the beginning of something even greater. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. My name is Riley Heiner and is with great honor that I stand before you all today to deliver the class message. The Liberty High School class of 2025 is one that is highly distinguished in merit, athletic abilities, generosity, and spirit. Whether it be in sports or academic rigor, this class has acknowledged the presidents set by those who came before us and far surpassed them. Each individual possesses a unique combination of these remarkable traits and deserves recognition for some aspect of their character or talents. It is important to remember, however, that life
004is not just about the grades we've earned or the trophies we've won. It's about the moments, memories, and the meaning we give to them as we retell our high school experience in the form of stories. In the words of AA Milan as Winnie the Pooh, "We didn't realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun. As we reflect on the past four years, our minds are flooded with memories. memories of football games, time spent with friends, and the stress that comes along with exams, homework from our least favorite classes, and preparation for our futures. In our collective high school story, I'm sure we all have moments we wish had lasted just a little bit longer, and others we wish had been cut out by the editor. The most beautiful and most memorable
005moments are certainly not those that we planned. They are the ones that came naturally, the ones we made when we were simply having fun. This day marks the end of a chapter, but is not the end of your story. As you continue on into your lives postgraduation, whether it be to a 4-year university, trade school, the military, or straight into the workforce, I can say with confidence that every single one of you will achieve incredible things. I urge you to consider the lasting impacts of your words and actions, live every day to the fullest, and appreciate the beauty found in yourselves and others. You are the author of your own story and you have the power to write it however you may choose. In the wise words of Steven Moffett as Doctor Who, we are
006all stories in the end. Make yours a good one. Hello everyone. My name is Christopher Ashman. Serving our country as a first responder or member of the military is among the most honorable decisions a citizen can make. At this time, we invite graduates who are planning to become a first responder or member of the armed forces, as well as those who have served or are actively serving to please stand and be recognized. As you are all able, please stand for the pledge of allegiance and the playing of a national anthem by the Liberty High School band. Don't mess up. 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, liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may all be
007seated. Oh. Oh, my bad. Stand back up. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Now you may be seated. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Skyler Hypes. It is an honor to be joined by members of the Bedford County School Board and Bedford County Schools Administration. At this time, I invite the members of the school board and school administration office to stand and be recognized. And finally, please join me in welcoming the administration of Liberty High School. Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us today. Now, please join me in welcoming our principal, Dr. Ernie Sawyer. [Applause] Good afternoon, faculty and staff, special guests, families, and most importantly, the Liberty High School class of 2025. You're a very special class in the history of the Liberty
008Zone. You were the first group of sixth grade students to walk the halls of the brand new Liberty Middle School. The plan was for you to be the first group of students to spend a full three years there until a pandemic changed those plans. But instead of completing that original goal, you guys became the first class since 1993 to spend five academic years at Liberty High School. Before 1993, when Michael Jackson performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, Jurassic Park was in theaters and the Cowboys were winning. The senior class attended Liberty High School from 8th through 12th grade. It was a tradition. Not every elementary school sent sixth graders to middle school, but everyone came to Liberty High School in the 8th grade. Since then, a lot has changed, but you'll be surprised at
009how many things have remained the same. Michael Jackson's Super Bowl halftime show held the record for the most watched show until this year. Jurassic Park is re-releasing yet another movie this summer. And well, we won't talk about The Cowboys. Our daily lives have evolved since 1993. But some things have stood the test of time. As you begin your journey into the real world, change will come fast. You won't have to be at 100 Liberty Minutemen Drive at 8:45 a.m. anymore. And the days of searching for a magnet to unlock your yonder pouch are behind you. For some of you, the next step is college, trade school, or the military. For others, it's a job that could lead to a career. You'll be learning how to manage bills, insurance, taxes, and all the responsibilities that come
010with adulthood. The wave of change will hit you as soon as you receive your diploma in just a few moments. But what will stay constant are the values you've built over the past 18 years. When the world was turned upside down, you persevered and adapted. You took classes in person, remotely, virtually, and in small groups. Yet, you pushed through and made it to the finish line. When change hits, lean on the people who've guided you along the way. The ones who have invested in your success and want to see you thrive. Your determination and drive will help you achieve your goals. This class has contributed to many successes at Liberty High School. on the field or court, in the classroom, and on the stage. Let that drive continue to push you towards even bigger and
011better accomplishments. When your friends are struggling, be the one to lift them up, offer a laugh, and remind them they're not alone. You've always supported one another through every challenge, and that spirit should stay with you. Hold on to these values and there will be nothing that can stop you. As you step into this next chapter, remember that the world around you will continue to change. The core values that have shaped you to who you are will remain with you. You've shown resilience, determination, and an unwavering sense of community. Traits that will carry you through any challenge that comes your way. As you face new opportunities, remember the lessons you've learned here at Liberty High School. Continue to support one another, chase your dreams with passion, and always hold true to your values. The future
012is yours to create, and I have no doubt that each of you will leave a lasting impact wherever you go. Congratulations, class of 2025. Go make your mark on the world. [Applause] The Liberty High School class of 2025 has distinguished itself with many honors and it is now my pleasure to recognize graduates who have earned an honor chord. Graduates, as your chord is called, please stand and remain standing. Audience, please hold your applause until all chords have been announced. Gold cords are awarded to high honors graduates with a GPA of 4.0. O and above, please rise. Silver cords are awarded to honors graduates with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.99. Please rise. White stoalls are awarded to members of the National Honor Society. Please rise. The turquoise court is awarded to graduates of the Governor's
013School. Please rise. Blue and white cords are awarded to graduates of the early college program. Please rise. The orange cord is awarded to students who have completed a sequence of career and technical education courses. Please rise. Purple and gold chords are awarded to students who have completed a sequence of courses at the Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center. Please rise. Teal and black cords are awarded to graduates of the STEM Academy. Please rise. Blue and white cords are awarded to members of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Please rise. Blue and gold cords are awarded to members of the International Thespian Society. Please rise. The multicolored court is awarded to members of the National Art Honor Society. Please rise. Congratulations to you all. You may be seated. At this year's graduation ceremony, we
014take a moment to honor the memory of Mr. Matthew Uselton, a beloved member of our school community whose passion for words and deep care for students left a lasting mark. Though words cannot fully capture the depth of our sorrow, they can help us honor the legacy he leaves behind. Before his passing, he pinned a help a heartfelt poem that speaks to the journey of courage and hope. We now invite you to listen to that poem read by Miss Emma Grace Mayhew. A piece that offers a glimpse into the mind and spirit of a beloved educator and friend. A Virginia blessing by Matthew. May your fields be green and your mountains blue. May your creeks be cold and your friendships true. May the grace of God guide your day and daffled sunlight light your way. And
015as each of you depart this place, may your hearts be full and a smile on your face. [Applause] Hello everyone. My name is Joseph Fitzgerald. This year's commencement theme is based on four words: reflecting, celebrating, embracing, and acting. Now, we will have Zachary Gross introduce this year's speakers. [Applause] It is an honor to introduce the speakers for Liberty High School's class of 2025. Sharing reflections, Nicholas Cleveland Dit. Celebrating our journey, Anna Joe Carter. Embracing the moment, Magdalene Marie Dit. And inspiring us to take action, Everett Miles Graham. [Applause] Hello, my name is Nick Dit. As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, we were reminded of our successes and the downfalls that have led to this special moment in time. And the words of Leo to do the journey of a thousand miles
016begins with a single step. To these words remind us that every journey starts in the most simple way with one single step. Looking back to our freshman year, we started as a class that was nervous about coming into a new school. We didn't know what to expect and how to fit into a new social environment. Personally, I came into high school with many questions. How will I fit in? What happens if I fail? Naturally, I thought I was the only one in this school with these problems and that everyone else but me has things figured it out. High school had truly been a learning experience for me. It has taught me the importance of friendships, hard work, dedication, and how to succeed in the midst of failure. Your achievements and failures marked many steps along
017the way that has shaped our class into the people we are today and what we will want to become. Life is a journey and being here at graduation is a very important milestone in the story of our lives. It marks the beginning of our adult lives as we now stand at the point where life is a oyster and we get to choose the life that we want to live. But we can never forget our past and the steps that has brought us to this special moment in time. The people who have guided us, the challenges that has shaped us, and the memories that remind us of who we are as we step forward into the unknown. Let us car these lessons with us. Have faith in how far we will go. And always remember that
018life is a journey that starts with and continues one step at a [Applause] time. Hello everyone. My name is Anna Carter. Today we celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Graduation is a day when past, present, and future meet. But I am here to talk to you about the importance of being present. This moment is a time to be fully present and to take the time to truly experience it. We're going to have many other important moments, but at this second, this is it. Whether you've been waiting for graduation since sophomore year or if you're quietly wishing for a few more days of high school life, just know that you've worked hard for this moment and it's a special one. We have had many moments together. From meeting your best friends
019during freshman year to running the pacer test in gym to learning to sew in independent living, we have been learning and growing together. Today, we mark our last moment as a class. We will leave here today knowing it's our turn to take the seeds of knowledge and skill we've been given and plant them in our new lives postgraduation. However cliche it may sound, we'll never get this moment back. That's why it matters that we are truly here right now. We will never be at our high school graduation sitting next to our friends we've known for years. And while that might seem sad, there's also a beauty in being able to feel the sense of companionship one last time before we all go separate ways. Like a certain wise public figure once said, "And when the
020lights are on, that's when I shine best." And yes, that figure was Snoop Dogg. And in his own Snooplike way, he had a point. Today is our day to have our lights shine as we walk across the stage, ending our high school careers. This is our moment to relish in the joy and success of finishing a beautiful chapter and starting an even more glorious one after. As we sit with our class, the Liberty High School class of 2025, for the last time, surrounded by our loved ones, I urge you to take this moment to look around and realize how meaningful that truly is. This moment is more special than it may seem. And while we celebrate everything we've accomplished, let's not forget one added bonus. We'll never have to take another Virginia acquired so test
021again. Yay. So, in the spirit of all we have shared together, I urge you to allow yourself to soak in this moment of excitement and belonging. Today is our special day, and I, for one, am so honored to be shining here with all of you. Hello everyone. My name is Maggie Dit and I am honored to have been chosen to speak to you all this afternoon. Every one of us here has worked tremendously hard and stayed determined throughout our high school endeavors, never losing sight of the dream of today. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." graduating high school, walking across the stage with our diplomas in hand, and seeing the smiling faces of family and friends beaming with pride as we do so illustrates
022the beauty of dreams. Dreams hold so much beauty and are capable of ushering this beauty into our lives in many ways. They give us a sort of purpose and direction which will in turn lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life. They provide us with a vision of all the good that we are capable of and remind us of the difference that each of us can make while also acting as a path that guides our lives and ultimately leads us towards success. People always tell us to believe in our dreams. But what does that mean exactly? Well, a belief in something is more than hope. Believing in something means that you hold on to it through the good times and the bad and remain willing to act on it through it all. When you believe in
023your dreams, you possess the hope and optimism that they will one day come true. And you also recognize how the pursuit alone of a dream beautifully impacts you. To believe in your dreams is to believe in yourself. Part of believing in yourself is recognizing that something special lies within you that is meant to uniquely impact the world around you. That belief and that confidence is what gives you the courage to keep pursuing your dream. And that is the beauty and the power of dreams. They keep you moving forward, always guiding you toward what's next. When you genuinely believe in yourself, no dream is out of reach. Harriet Tubman captured this truth perfectly when she said, "Every great dream begins with a dreamer." "Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion
024to reach for the stars to change the world." Her words remind us that dreams have the power to shape our own lives as well as impact others, inspire change, and in time transform the world. And the truth is each of us carries dreams that are uniquely our own. We all have something special and beautiful within us which helps us bring our dreams to life and make them worthwhile. Dreams are like us in that no two are the same. Looking out at all of you, I see people who dream of entering the workforce after today. Others whose dream is to attend university. faces who are eager to serve our country in the military and others who are ready to set sail and travel the world among the many other things all of us dream of seeing
025doing and accomplishing in our lifetimes. While everyone's dreams differ in some way, every dream remains equal in its value. No matter what you do, don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Remember that your dreams are unique and beautifully designed for you as an individual. History has been defined by people with big dreams and the future will continue to be shaped by dreamers. So dream big. One of the most famous speeches in history recognized for the momentous change it brought to America was spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. titled I have a dream. His words remind us of the transformative power of a dream and the courage it takes to pursue it. As we exit today, I hope each of you has the vision to find your dream, the courage to hold on to it, and
026the perseverance to follow it while never failing to see all of the beauty in which it holds. I wish each of you luck on the journey to your dreams. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. I'm Everett Graham. Today we stand on the edge of something both exciting and uncertain. It's a moment of celebration but also a moment that asks something important of us. What will you do now? Jane Goodall once said, "What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Whether you realize it yet or not, you have power. Every choice you make from this day forward will shape lives, communities, and the future. And while that's an exciting thought, it's also a huge responsibility. It's easy to feel pressure to follow a path someone else has
027set for you, to measure your success by someone else's standards. But here's the truth. The difference you are meant to make can only come from one place, yourself. Lil Yachti said, "Being yourself is the coolest thing you can do. And it's not just cool, it's essential. The world doesn't need any more copies. It doesn't need you to fit into a mold. It needs the original ideas, the bold dreams, the big hearts, and the courage that only you, the real you, can bring. Some of you will go on to build businesses, heal bodies, or teach minds. Some of you will change one life at a time in quiet ways that nobody applauds. And I want you to know that all of it matters. Big moments, small ones. The decision to speak up, the choice to be
028kind when no one's watching, the risk you take when you chase a dream no one else believes in. It all adds up. It all makes a difference. It won't always be easy. Sometimes being yourself will feel like the hardest thing in the world. Sometimes choosing the kind of difference you want to make will mean working against the current while the world flows the other way. Do it anyway. Do it because you have something to offer that no one else ever could. Do it because you will light the way for others. Do it because this world in its beauty or its chaos needs you to show up as exactly who you are and leave your mark in the way only you can. Graduates, your future isn't written yet. It's waiting for you. As you are walking
029out of here today, remember this. You make a difference. And the best way to make it is by being yourself. Congratulations, class of 2025. Go leave your mark on the world. You're fine. I'm good. Go ahead. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Faly staff, and administration of Liberty High School, it is our privilege to present the class of 2025 candidates for graduation. Rebecca Lynn Agnu, high honors graduate. Nicholas Paul Anderson, [Applause] Brianna Michelle Anel, Timothy Matthew [Applause] Authur, McKenna Elizabeth Louise Artvich, High honors graduate Christopher Zachariah Ashman, Douglas Jean Anie III, honors graduate, Sydney Catherine [Applause] Barber, Alia D Barnett Trot, Rebecca Michelle Baskin, Callie Alexis [Applause] Beckner, Maggie Elizabeth [Applause] Bell, Ella Marie Blair, [Applause] Matteline Jean [Applause] Blair Sheldon James Bond Jr. [Applause] [Music] Satie Hope Booze, [Applause] Tila Nicole
030Boils, [Applause] Michael Thomas [Applause] Bradley, Elijah Charles Brody, [Applause] Serena Katherine [Applause] Bryant, honors graduate. Aiden Joseph [Applause] Burkepile, Emily Elizabeth Burton Kurd, Porsche Renee Canino, [Applause] China Nikia Carper, High honors graduate Anna Joe [Applause] Carter, Evelyn J. [Applause] Cassell, Jessica Stephanie Castillo, Eden Mariah Chaffen, [Applause] Cyrus Theory Chitwood, [Applause] Haley Marie Clark, honors graduate Sophia Riley, Clement, Jennen Crochelle Claunch, honors graduate Brendan Allen [Applause] Conway, Trevor Lewis [Applause] Cook Honors graduate Natalie Grace [Applause] Corbin. High honors graduate Lacy Alice [Music] [Applause] Craig. Samuel Joseph [Applause] [Music] Craig. Morgan Leanne Kriger, Mason Lucas Crouch, Elijah Gage Cra, Tanya Itzel Quayar, [Applause] Chase Alexander [Applause] Cunningham, Cadence Paige Dalton, Keandre Lee Dawson, Carlos Bernard Day, [Applause] Honors graduate Jonathan James [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Dennis. High honors graduate Magdalene Marie Ditby. [Applause] [Music] High honors graduate Nicholas
031Cleveland Dwit. [Applause] High honors graduate Caitlyn Marie Douly, Katie Anne Eagler, [Applause] Zachary Hussein [Applause] Elumi, Janina Sincere [Applause] Evans, high honors graduate. Joseph Wayne [Applause] Fitzgerald, high honors graduate, Kayn Elizabeth Flowers, [Applause] Renee Nicole Ford, [Applause] Samuel Richard Foster, [Applause] Jonah Kennedy Frank, Aiden Malcolm Furro, Andrew Baines [Applause] Bureau, Joshua Andrew Buller, [Music] Parker Sage, [Applause] Funk, Kimberly Bell, [Applause] Gawat, Jamaiah Nicole [Applause] Gilmore, honors graduate Ashley Scott Goff. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] High honors graduate Savannah Lynn Goodwin. [Applause] High honors graduate Everett Miles [Music] [Applause] Graham, Orion Michael Grant, Stacy Leanne [Applause] Green, high honors graduate Zachary Aaron Groves, [Applause] Jared Allen [Applause] Gunter, Skyler Amir Paris [Applause] Hall, Riley Melissa Hamri, [Music] Kimari Kashim [Applause] Harden Clinton Ballard Harris Jr. Assai Lenavi Mon'nique Hayden [Music] [Applause] Delaney Grace Hec Lucas Orion [Applause] Hec
032Jesse Dean Hess Jr. Timothy Patrick Hill Jr. [Applause] High Honors Graduate Riley Addison Hiner Trinity Dawn Hotelling [Applause] Joshua Scott Hubbert Jr. [Applause] Nicholas Andrew [Applause] Hlette, high honors graduate. Skyler Hope Heypes, Christian Wyatt Jenkins, [Applause] honors graduate, Charles Abraham Jones, [Applause] honors graduate, Dakota Jaden Jones, Jasmine Elise King [Applause] Thomas Luck Kirby Emily Reese [Applause] [Music] Clber Madison Asia Lee Lacy [Applause] Natalie Renee [Applause] Lamb, Evan Wayne [Applause] Lawn, high honors graduate, Evangelene Ray Lloyd, [Applause] Allison Kendall Long, [Applause] Gracie Elizabeth Long, [Applause] McKenzie Danielle [Applause] [Music] Laddermilk, Hannah Gail L. [Applause] [Music] Martin, Tony Lee Martin, [Applause] Jr. Killian Allen May, [Applause] high honors graduate, Emma Grace Mayhew. [Applause] Ethan Jake Mayhew, [Applause] Landon Blake McDow, [Applause] Natalie Lauren Mlehaney, [Applause] Kayla Marie McKenna, [Applause] Matthew Lee McNeel, [Applause] honors graduate. Jolie Hope
033[Music] Miller, Mason Rube [Applause] Moingham, Kayn Marie Morris, Tyrie, [Applause] Owen Gage, Morton, [Applause] Axel, Jordan, Cole, Neil, [Applause] Cashes Antoine Nilms Dylan Thomas Nobles Charles Terry Over Street Jr. Jacob Blaine Overreet, [Applause] honors graduate. Michaela Yudi Owens, [Applause] Alyssa Jade Panel, High honors graduate Hannah Marie Peak. [Music] Honors graduate Sarah Elizabeth [Applause] [Music] Peak, Michael Christopher [Applause] Pelican, Brandon Ray Phillips, [Applause] [Music] Allison Grace [Applause] Pickarole, Bla1 Elliot Pow, [Music] Divine Destiny Price, [Applause] Honors graduate Tony Joanne Redern, Jamie Lynn Ridinger, [Music] Kaden Cole Rice, [Music] [Applause] Dakota Ray Rice, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Gracie Katherine Robers, [Applause] Gavin Owen Roberts, Austin Lee Robersonson, [Music] Ethan Daniel Russell, [Applause] Casey Paul [Applause] Ryder, Cameron Gage Shainburgger, [Applause] Jaden Michael Simmons, [Applause] Jediah Michael [Applause] Smith, Savannah Renee Smith, [Applause] Kaden Alexander Sours, [Applause] Andrew Walter
034Spurlock [Applause] Merble Kira Marie Whisper St. Clair Sierra Rose St. John, Luke, Ogary, Stton, [Applause] [Music] Kayn Nicole Stevens, [Applause] Gracie Cheyenne Stratton, [Applause] Kaylee Leanne Taber, [Applause] [Music] Mariah Faith Tate, [Applause] high honors graduate, Gabriel Walter [Applause] Thomas, honors graduate, Simone Ayana [Applause] Toller, Christian Lewis Lee, [Applause] Tally, John Wyatt, Uselton, [Applause] Isabelle Nicole Barnado, [Applause] Joshua Courage, Victory, [Applause] Shawn Preston Watts, [Applause] honors graduate, Cooper Pierce, [Music] [Applause] Wel, Grace Tracy Ray White, [Music] [Applause] Annabelle Michelle [Music] Worley, honors graduate Isabelle Kate Wilberger, Caleb Aaron Williamson, [Applause] Cassidy Natalyia Wingo, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Adam Daniel Wit, [Applause] Olivia Anne Wolf, Sebastian Asa [Music] Wood, Olivia Maryanne [Applause] Waldridge, Chattoria Anique Wright, [Music] [Applause] Good job. You guys ready? [Applause] Will the class of 2025 from Liberty High School please rise? [Applause] [Music] By
035the power vested in me by the Virginia Department of Education and the Bedford County School Board, I now pronounce you graduates of Liberty High School. [Applause] [Music] Minutemen, Minutemen, you may now turn your tassels. [Music] [Applause] Please be [Music] seated. As the band performs the Liberty High School alma mada and our faculty begins coming forward, please join me in congratulating the newest alumni of Liberty High School. [Applause] [Music] Happy Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music]