001[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat up here. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat [Music] up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. Good evening. The colors are being presented today by members of the EC glass JOTC. Please stand as you are able and join me in the pledge of allegiance. What happened? [Music] 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. Please be seated. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Welcome to the graduation ceremony for the class of 2025. We would like to thank all of our
002friends, family, and faculty for all of their support. At this time, please enjoy the performance of the EC Glass alma mater featuring members of the EC Glass AC cappella choir under the direction of Dr. Ununice Noggeras. We love you [Applause] all. Across the mountain [Music] splends of rain. He to praise thy name. High above the hills of where he He has the song. [Music] And when our time of youth descended and how high school days are gone the years will find us. Take our hands and lead us [Music] home above the hills of where the flow free [Music] Love for thee. [Applause] The class of 2025 would like to take a moment to thank our interim superintendent, Dr. Benjamin Copeland, and our school board members, Mr. Anthony Andrews, Mr. Daryl Connor, Mr. Christian Depal, Dr.
003Martin Day, Miss Leticia Lowry, Dr. Mark Tinsley, Dr. Atul Gupta, Mr. Fared Jal, and Mrs. Gloria Preston. At this time, it is my honor to present our principal, Dr. Danny Rule. [Music] Good evening, Oh, that's loud. Good evening. There you go. I'm Dr. Danny Rule and I'm the proud principal of EC Glass High School, the premier high school of Central Virginia. At least we claim that each day on our morning announcements, esteemed faculty, honored guests, proud parents and guardians, loved ones, and most importantly, the EC Glass class of 2025. I welcome you to the 2025 commencement ceremony. Now, before I share any remarks with the senior class, there's a group of less celebrated individuals with us today. These individuals woke you up, put on put up with your delightful morning attitude for over 13 years.
004They cheered you on through school awards assemblies, long nights of homework where you didn't do the math like that when they were in school. They drove you to and from practices. They even brought those things to schools like your Chromebook that you forgot. This group of individuals did whatever it took to get you to where you are today. And I'm willing to bet that maybe you didn't always tell them thank you. So, let's not miss today's opportunities. Class of 2025, can y'all stand and give all of these around? We're going to cheer for them. You can get louder than that. They got you here. Come on. Come on. Thank you. Now, what about y'all? With so many mountains climbed over the past 13 years on your educational journey, some of them it was smooth sailing.
005But some of you, almost everybody in here has a story to tell. When you got off that big yellow school bus when you were four or five years old, it was you were nervous. There were some things you hope to see a friend, a familiar face in school, whether it be a friend or a caring adult. And now, 13 years later, that excitement is still palpable. That nervous feeling is still real and our pathways will all go different ways. So, loved ones, I want you just for a moment to see how special this senior class is. If we have anybody in the senior class going off into the military, could you please stand at this time? Thank you. This Hill Topper senior class participated in over 20 clubs and extracurricular um activities after school. This
006senior class graduated 83 with high honors, which means that they got 3.8 GPA or above. If you are one of those with a blue and white cord, could you stand at this time? If you are graduating with high honors, I got to remember y'all, too. stay standing because 62 of these individuals have 4.0 or higher. Incredible. You may take your seat. The Hill Topper senior class led the way for our band and our orchestra program to be labeled as programs of distinction. A feat that has not been accomplished in years. This Hill Topper senior class flourished with individual state champions in the state forensic competition, the JOTC competition, and even have a four-time state champion in the four by excuse me, four-time state champion in the 110 meter hurdles. This senior class is sending students
007across the country to specialize in art schools, career and technology schools, collegiate sports, Ivy League universities into the workforce with certificates in hand. This senior class is special. They've led the way and aed us with their displays of talent, creativity, and innovation. I congratulate you this 2025 EC Glass senior class. The accolades, they pile up. Graduates, you're special. You may have sat sat there and found yourself in one of those categories. Or maybe not. Maybe you've just made it to this point. One thing doesn't change is the milestone moment that's in front of you. We need to look back and celebrate what's behind us. But as someone once told me, the rear view mirror is smaller than the windshield. And we got to look forward through what lies ahead. So I was wondering, what one
008thing could I share with you that you might remember from your principal on one of the most memorable days in your current lives? Here's what it is. You ready? It's profound. It's profound. Choose to be kind. Can we do that in some location? They say, "Look at the person beside you." Tell them. Go ahead. Do that now. If you're up there, if you're in here, tell them, "Choose to be kind." Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Mark Twain once said, "Kindness is a universal language which is applicable in every situation. Choose to be kind." A kind word doesn't cost a thing. If you haven't encountered this already, I'm going to spill a secret. There are times in life where circumstances may absolutely warrant, in fact may justify
009you in letting someone have a good old-fashioned clapback or clock that as you may say. But I challenge you today, be kind. Choose to be kind when the customer service and the customers are demanding your attention. Be kind when the boss or a friend or a professor may speak harshly to you. Choose to be kind. When you're in the boardroom on a leadership team in traffic when someone has a different point viewpoint than you, choose to be kind. A radio DJ that I often have on my radio says, "The world is full of nice people, and if you can't find one, be one." Graduates, the world needs you. I've seen your kindness over the years. I've had the opportunity to know you some since elementary school. The famous Greek storyteller Asop once said, "No act
010of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." So, if I can impart one thing on you today as you walk across this stage, if you remember one thing, choose to be kind. Graduates, your journey is just beginning. The world needs your brilliance, your determination, your creativity, and more than ever, your kindness. Keep climbing. No excuses. EC Glass class of 2025, I couldn't leave you with one more opportunity to tell you something I've shared with you, some of you, since elementary school. If no one else has told you today that they love you, Principal Rule loves you very much just the way you are. Congratulations. It gives me great honor to introduce two special people, our validictorian and our saludiatoran. Please help me welcome our saludiatorum, Wendy Alawaji. And the validictorian of your 2025 class,
011EC Glass High School graduating class. Please help me welcome Berkeley Milm. Wendy has opted to share some words of wisdom with her classmates. Please welcome her to the podium. [Applause] Good evening. Oh, good evening. My name is Alawande Olawaji and I am a Nigerian immigrant honored here today as the saludiatoran for the class of 2025. I would love to speak tales of how we overcame obstacles and face challenges with discipline, determination, and drive. But this speech would be a little different. I want to talk about the days where we felt like giving up. the days we stared at our Chromebooks in disbelief because we didn't have the motivation to complete our assignments. I'm here to let you know that every hard decision and sacrifice you've made has led you to this point. I want you
012all to remember that you are a person who does hard things. I learned this lesson from my parents who left everything they ever knew to come to America in order to give me a better life. I stand proudly on this stage as I strive to honor their sacrifice on my path toward higher education. So walk proudly even in moments of uncertainty because every step forward is a testament to your resilience, strength, and courage. As we walk today, we celebrate the moments when we thought we wouldn't make it but kept going anyway. So, as we step into the next chapter of our lives, let's remember we are people who do hard things. We are people who rise even when the path ahead is uncertain. So, walk proudly, class of 2025, because your journey has just begun.
013[Applause] EC Glass has a proud tradition of electing its graduation speakers from all students who applied. Seniors vote not on popularity or name, but on the speaker's intention in giving the speech. This year, three graduating seniors were chosen by the class of 2025 to address us today. Our first speaker will be Will Wesley, followed by Scott Pavis, and finally my dear friend Key Jenkins. Good evening everybody. I'm Will Wesley, co-founder of Boxwood Brotherhood and I am honored today to be able to speak on behalf of my class, the class of 2025. As NBA Young Boy once [Applause] said, "You know you are growing when you stop tripping over problems and start walking over it." As we walk across this stage today, take pride in each step because they show the growth we have experienced these
014last four years. Throughout our high school careers, we faced plenty of moments where we stumbled, tripping over challenges and setbacks. Whether it was trying to keep up with our homework in the fourth quarter or figuring out our next steps after high school, we faced these moments head on, not flinching at animosity. We were forced to show our perseverance during long lockdowns while police swept our building, not knowing when we would finally be let out of school. Through it all, though, we learned that true strength isn't about never tripping, but getting back up each time we do. I believe we overcame all this adversity because of the community that is EC Glass. The teachers that were there to help whenever we needed it. Beacon of hope and the future center, a place where questions about what
015to do next in life were answered. The hallways, which weren't just passageways, but were places where we saw our friends and family. We succeeded because we could rely on each other and those around us. These four years, Glass has become a second home to me, a place where I could go to smile, laugh, and enjoy life. So, I wanted to thank all of you guys for allowing me into your lives. I will forever cherish all the memories I created, especially those during basketball season. Love y'all boys. [Applause] We all walk different paths to get here, but today we will travel the same one across the stage and into a new chapter of our lives. I know I don't have to hope that we will be successful in the future because I know that we will
016be. I know we will succeed because we are the EClass class of 2025. [Applause] Hello, my name is Scott Papis. Three years ago, I sat in the bleachers at City Stadium in the summer heat watching my older brother give a speech at the EC Glass class of 2022's graduation. His pitch for why he should speak at graduation was, "I think it'd be funny." Now, I am standing here in a nice airond conditioned building giving a speech at the EC Glass class of 2025's graduation ceremony. To be honest, I stole my brother's my older brother's idea, plagiarized it, and was voted to speak at graduation by you. So this prompt is now a two for two winner. Maybe someone next year will make it a three for three winner. When I asked Chat GPT for three
017talking points for a graduation speech, it gave me these. Looking back, how far we've come. Gratitude, the people that got us here. And finally, moving forward, how far we've come. These three points are bland, and I think they miss a bigger point. No, I want to be honest because I think it's funny the computer algorithm wanted me to talk about the people who got us here when we got ourselves here. Of course, our teachers and administrators helped us and taught us. Our parents encouraged us. Our friends were there to suffer through the same assignments. But we are the ones who pressed submit. We are the ones who woke up every morning and walked into EC Glass half asleep. And we are the ones who did assignments the day they were due. Don't let anyone else
018claim your success because you are sitting here at graduation because you put in the work to be here. Take time to thank all the people who got you to this moment. Your family, your friends, but most importantly, take time to recognize your own efforts and hard work. [Applause] Hello, my name is Key Jenkins. Today isn't just a ceremony. It's our final project. It took us years to complete and it required effort, mistakes, and growth. Some of us procrastinated and some of us crammed the night before to reach this final part. But the most important part is you are here. You made it. You are about to graduate. Like many projects, we came into high school as a blank ca canvas, a space waiting for meaning. But we leave as mosaics. Each of us different, but
019we're connected by the moments that changed us. The colors on our canvas represent the brush strokes of our quiet victories, our loud failures, and our courage that keeps going. And I need you to hear me when I say this. You are courageous. Maya Angelou once said, "We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." We have all lived that truth. You have lived that truth through loss, fear, and unpredictable experiences. We showed up. Every year was unpredictable. Honestly, every day was. Over the past five years, we've been through it. A twoe break turned into three months, which then turned into Zoom University. We went from virtual to a day bday, then to all seven classes a day. Every time we got used to one thing, it turned into something else. But through it
020all, we adapted, we endured, we rose, and still we rise. So our final project isn't a PowerPoint or an essay. It's this. It's life. It's the determination we've developed, the connections we've built, and the journey it took to become the people we are today. For me, I found myself and my purpose in an amazing dental program and forming bonds with two of my closest friends. Together, we gave back to our community, teaching children about dental health and inspiring others to follow this path. Through this, we've not only grown as professionals, but as people. So, this chapter closes with names called and tassels turn. But our story doesn't end today. It begins again. So, class of 2025, thank you for proving we have what it takes. And still I rise. And still you rise. And still
021we rise. [Applause] [Music] Right, right, right, [Music] Right, right. I'm a soldier. Let me ride. I'm a s. Let me ride. Hold down your charots. Let's ride. Got my ticket. Let's ride. Got [Music] my let me ride. [Music] My ride. Slow down your cherry. Let me ride. Swing down char. Swing down chariot stop. Let me ride. Oh rock me Lord. Rock me Lord. Come and easy. I got a home on the other side. Swing down char. Let me ride. Oh, rock me Lord. Rock me Lord. Come and easy. I got a home on the other side. Right. Right. Right, right. Let me ride trles. Let me ride over. Let me ride. Slow down your charots. I see. Right. [Music] Let me be [Music] right. Let me ride. Blow down your charots. Let me ride. Blow
022down your shots. Let me ride. Blow down your me. [Applause] Class of 2025, it is time. Row one, let's get you into [Music] position. You're going to stand up. Everybody's going to follow Hannah down there and get in line. Hannah goes first. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] All right, row one. Let's go ahead and bring it around and get in line. [Applause] Come [Applause] [Music] on. Come on. [Applause] Heat. Heat. Jamari Armard Hover, Hannah Elizabeth Paige [Applause] Lucy Harrison White, William George Wesley IVth, Scott Andrew Pabis, Key Marie McKinley Jenkins Julia Berkeley Malum Oluande Oluaji Adonis Seavon [Music] [Applause] Acasta, Omar, Demetrius [Music] Anderson, Alia Briana Andrews, Eve Uluani Apo [Applause] Tyon Shame Archie, Emily Adele, Asbury, Killian Gabriel Bair, David Allen Ball Jr. Ella Gray Banner Albert Quinzy A. [Music] Baitman Mara Sophia Barryman Jakai
023Malik Bert Wise Markel Blake Jason Eric Bond Caleb Peter Brim Mason Danwood Brooks, Dread Antoine Browley, Maddie Brown, Savon Andrew, [Music] Brown, Brendalan Det [Music] Bryant, Brady Patrick Burn, Kasia Armani Cabbell, Destiny Len Callaway, Leasia Ariona Callaway, Maxwell Liam Callaway, Michaela Autumn [Applause] Cameron, Abby Michelle Campbell, Abigail Celeste Carpenter, [Applause] Jacob Davis [Applause] Carr, Jouri Nicole Carter, Kamaya Lache Clark, Tristan Orion Clark, Andrew Lebrian Connley, Alexia Jade Cook, William Lee Cook, Ma Devon Mars Cooper, John Fortunado Corazo III, Gabriel Chadwick Cox, Elliot Joseph Cruz, Lindley Eleanor Crosby, Deman Lamar Dabney, Josiah Joseph Davidson, Dvaria Javon [Applause] Davis, Arowan Dear Davis, Michael Faziah Davis, [Applause] [Music] Samira Nicole [Applause] Davis, Robbie Del Rosa [Applause] Rodriguez, Jayla Amaya Dempsey, [Applause] Anthony Wayne Diego Jr. Josiah Antonio [Applause] Dominguez Amry Lorraine Dopp [Applause] Dylan Miles Doramus, Jordan Zamir
024[Applause] Dout, Braden Christopher [Applause] Draper, Casper Dudley, [Applause] Ayla Jane Dufour Sarah Gerard [Applause] Edwards Amal El [Applause] Fali Corey Taiwan [Music] Embry, Travis Ryan, Annis, Cheyenne Lynn Evans, Adrien Kamar Farmer, [Music] [Applause] Arya Simone [Applause] Farmer, Alexandra Caitlyn Felmley, James Melvin Ferguson, Thoren Joseph Ferguson, Joseph Hayden Fel, Sean Riley Fields, [Applause] Tenasia Francis M. Fleshman, Tyler Raymond Flint, Riley Jane Fontaine, Ava Gray, Duval Fontana, Naji Avante [Applause] Ford, Hudson Cole Ford, Judah Elliot Forshy, Molly Brie, Ian Fulture, Mati Leon Garland, Seion Christopher Garland, Landon Cole Gibson, [Applause] Amomar Giles, Abraham Isaiah Giron Orinella, Briana Lache Glover, Nana Renee Goff, Michelle Audriana [Applause] Gonzalez, Dearius Alexander [Applause] Grant, Rachel Pocua Griffith, Silus Benjamin Gishaw, Millian Darier Goo, Sam Robert Hackworth, Charles Morgan Heg, man, Aubriana Jonah [Applause] Hall, Leandre Shante Hall, Mariana Jayla Hall, [Applause]
025Maurice Shante [Applause] Hall, Jaca Lache Hamlet, Isaac Alexander Harden, Aiden Michael [Music] Hardy, Caitlyn Elizabeth [Applause] Hargus, Christian Angelo [Music] Harris, TAre Ryan Harris, [Applause] Tyler James Harris, [Applause] Michaela Riannan Harvey, Victoria Sheay Harvey, Margaret Elizabeth Hasky, Ramirez Marcos [Applause] Hernandez, Jonathan Wayu, Heric, Deavon J. Higenbothan Emory Madison Ruth Hill, Leela Ana Hill, Jack Preston Hipskin, Cole Harrison Height, [Applause] Naj Quinnise [Applause] Holly, Jasine Rain [Applause] Holmes, Ayana Bnee Horsley, [Applause] Holden Hughes Hal, Julia Renee Hall, Sonia Cheyenne Irving, Desaria Monet [Applause] Jackson, Rayquan Elijah Jackson, Cashmere Abdullah Jakaria, Annayiah Len James, [Applause] Donnie Earl Jefferson [Music] III, Javvante Naquan Jennings, Amber June Johnson, Jamir Amaru Dupri [Applause] [Music] Johnson, Leila Alise [Applause] [Music] Johnson, Troy Montana Johnson Jr. Khalis Anjane Jones, Taylor Elizabeth Jones, Matthew Allen Copy, Sierra Godwin [Applause] Kelly, Justice McKenzie Kemper,
026Liam Winston King, Ashton Skyler Chase [Applause] Lamar, Lenia Sierra [Applause] Lawson, Carson Landis Layman, Christopher Scott Lee, Amaya Leysa [Music] Leonard, Isabelle [Applause] Lopez, Damasiah Sincere Mabber, Davon Amarius [Applause] Matazio Jet C Mack [Applause] Zion Greg Monteo [Applause] Major Samira Elizabeth Marbert Peterson [Applause] Catherine Marie Martin, Telicia Olivia Janice Mavena Ava Grace [Applause] Mayberry, Aviona Ty McDaniel, [Applause] Jalo Malik McIntyre, Mallerie Jane [Music] McKenna, Connor Nicholas McY, Ava Isabelle Medina Ina [Applause] Coleman, Fahheim [Applause] Meganson, Cynthia Marlene Merida, Yokut [Applause] Jacob Becker Mitchell, Teriah Monaet [Applause] Morris, Jamaiah Marie Morton Allen, [Applause] Lucy Adria [Applause] Moran, Kymani Sincere Mosby, Gabriella Marta Anne Mosley, Isiah Dior Moss, Janiah Lache Moss, Mary Grace Meyers, [Applause] Orion Patrick Meyers Ramirez, Cohen William [Applause] Napier, Elena Catherine Naples, [Applause] Leighton Marie [Applause] Nelson, Santiago Austo [Applause] Naps, Erica Eve
027Ramirez, Obligation [Applause] Jertavius Montes Osborne Joshua Michael [Applause] Padilla Javon Al Pay age, Kaden Patrick, Rashad Trey Patterson, John Cooper Payne, Naya Ayana [Applause] Payne, Miguel Joan Ramirez, [Applause] Peralta, Ryan Andrew Perurdue, Antonio Manuel [Applause] Perez, Hannah Marie Phelps, Margaret Elizabeth Phillips, Sebastian Peter PL, Jordan Isaiah [Applause] Porter, Colin Jack Porterfield, [Applause] Lucas James [Applause] Pots, Amaya Janae [Applause] Powell, Javon Powell, Lionus show Putham Everett Scott Quinn Alonszo Cornelius Ray [Applause] Davidson Wells Redmond, Gabrielle Elizabeth Reed, Faith Monae, Yaki Reed, [Applause] [Music] Colin Irvin Raina, Evan Thomas Reynolds, Roy A Ricks, Ruby Elizabeth Rodriguez, Mason Michael Roth, Reania Unique Rock, Raniah Len Russell, Carl Wayne Saunders III, Quinn Kolia, Drury Sales, Jack William Shraider, Madison Lee [Applause] Scott, Alexandra Serbu, Parker James Citizen, Jacqua Marie Smith, Jamar Lelen Smith, Josiah Smith, Sabrina S. Smith, Kathleen
028Alice Snedeker, Robin Clark [Applause] Snediger, Tan O. [Applause] Spalding, Liz St. Clair, [Applause] Ryder Quinn Stansfield, Neil Eugene [Applause] Staples, Jquir Nurell Stevens, [Applause] Joseph Aiden Stewart Branch, Gracie Olivia Strange, Olivia May Strong, [Music] [Applause] Alana Michelle Swan, Bryce London [Applause] Taylor, Zeke Taylor, Rihanna Tatiana Taylor Reed Jatraon Artu Terry Amante Xavon Thornton [Applause] Brandon Lamont Timonss Jr. [Applause] Pierre Antonio [Applause] Tisdale, Wells Claybornne, [Applause] Tomco, Jalia Amir Toms, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Shanevia Briana [Applause] Treyham, Samuel Casky Tracy, Garrison Dne Tuggle, Brilan Marie [Music] [Applause] Underwood, Paola Marisol Vasquez Valerriiano, [Applause] Ivan Austo Voria Nari L. [Music] Walker, Trenton Wayne Walker, Gabrielle Amaya [Music] Waller, Taran Lauren Wall-E, [Applause] Ernesto Vasquez, Wariner, an Banister Waterworth, Emmanuel Hunter Watson, [Music] [Applause] Charles Tarkington Web, Shaniah Marie [Applause] White, Taan White, Tiana Lee White, Zachary Jacob White,
029Miles Anthony Wilkins, [Applause] Leon [Applause] Wilson, Zacharia Simeon Wilson, Marissa Elizabeth Wise, [Applause] Traymond Laquan [Applause] Witcher, Trinity Star [Applause] Withers, Darien Eugene WAC, Kamar Josiah [Applause] Wac Khalil Jaquan Wac Cashmere Siana Wood, Rake Lee Woodard, Sariah Nicole [Applause] Wolf, Destiny Lache Word, Shaniah Haley [Applause] Win, Anna Geron Lee, Avery Michaela Zenzen, Give me time to [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I would like to extend congratulations to the class of 2025. [Applause] This is a moment we've dreamed about for years, and it's important to remember that what we have been through has prepared us for what comes next. Congratulations, class of 2025. [Applause] I would like to introduce our interim superintendent, Dr. Benjamin Copeland, who will confer our status as graduates upon us. [Applause] Class of 2025, please rise. Now, I'm going to do this
030part at the beginning cuz you won't hear it at the end. Turn your [Applause] tassels. Hi, Dr. Ben Copelan. Superintendent of Lynchberg City Schools, do certify that the students standing before you have met the requirements for graduation. Therefore, by the powers invested in me by the Lynchburg City School Board and the Commonwealth of Virginia, I declare you the class of 2025 EC Glass graduates. [Applause] Yes, we won. Families, we're going to recess. You can meet your students at the top of the concourse after they recess up. Congratulations, class of 2025. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] up on the [Music] stage. Wow. Congratulations. [Music] Thank you for being here. All right, slow down. This is what he does, man. He's a machine. Great [Music] [Applause] [Music] job. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music]