001[Music] Testing. Testing. Good afternoon, parents, esteemed guest, faculty, friends, and most importantly, students. I am Kevin OS, principal of Richmond High School for the Arts. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to our second commencement exercise of Richmond High School for the Arts. We are especially proud of all of our graduates and would ask that you please help us honor them in an appropriate manner. If you are in need of language interpretation support, please feel free to move to the reserve section at this time. Please note that graduation is a dignified formal academic event. Although it is a joyous occasion, proper decorum at graduation would be the same behavior expected at a theatrical performance, church service, or wedding. Please help us make this a memorable and dignified celebration of achievement. Upon the announcement of
002names, appropriate acknowledgement with applause should be used to recognize the graduate. Please refrain from continued noise such as cat calls, yelling, and screaming as this detracts greatly from hearing the next graduate's name. We would appreciate it very much if you would take responsibility for each person in your party this afternoon as their behavior is a reflection upon you and your graduate. Thank you. Good afternoon. Um, I'm with the language justice team and I'm going to make one final announcement uh in Spanish about interpretation services. Luna interpret. Gracias. [Music] again. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Good evening parents. caregivers, family members, platform guests, and the graduating class of 2025. [Applause] Please stand for the presentation of colors by our JOTC, the playing of the Star Spangle Banner by our own Christopher Smith, and the singing of Lift
003Every Voice sung by the Bulldog Corral. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, grandpa. [Music] Lift every voice. and sing till earth and heaven ring ring with [Music] the liberty. Let our rejoiceing high as the lies. Let it be out as the wrong they see. Sing a song full of the faith that the darkness has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the darkness has taugh us. I see the rising sun of our new day till victory is [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] one more Get us with [Music] us and let our feet come to our place. [Music] We have over a which has been watered. We have treading our path through the bottom up from the grooy. Tonight we stand at the light of our [Applause] is God of our God of our
004silence. Thou who has brought us far away the way. Now who has thy mind let us into the light keep us forever in our path we pray. Oh bless our feet straight from the places our God where we may be. Bless our heart with the wide of the world we [Music] forget forever to our God to our name. Lift every voice and sing. [Music] [Applause] You may be seated. Welcome to the second commencement ceremony of Richmond High School for the Arts. Our mantra this year has been hard hat area instruction in progress. Our focus has been for every student to achieve success at some point in their high school career. We are challenged with preparing students to be college career and civic leaders in our community. Winston Churchill stated to improve is to change. To
005be perfect is to change often. AA Mily stated, "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." And of course, Frederick Douglas stated, "Without struggle, there is no progress." Take this moment and build on it. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. It will be what you make of it. This school year began with optimism and ended with resilience. It takes a village to raise the child. And on this day, we have proud parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, staff members, teachers, superintendent, and dedicated school board members who understood the assignment. This commencement ceremony signals the start of wonderful things to come and the end of a long journey. Yes, we all come together with a common purpose in mind to encourage and develop lifelong learning
006in the young men and women who sit before us this afternoon. Steadfast, resolute, and determined, we all kept together. We faced some incredible and memorable moments. Moments that we chose to use as stepping stones as opposed to a crutch. The end result is the graduating class of 2025. My how proud we are of the success that you have made with the opportunities that you have been offered. Congratulations. You are ready, willing, and more than able to take the torch that we bestow upon you. Yours is the future, and on you the world will come to depend. May your tears and years ahead continue to be characterized by empathy, compassion, humanism, and a willingness to take risk. May you always lead by example, work hard, and play by the rules. May your successes be many, and
007your trials be few. We wish you everything that your heart desires. It has been an honor and a privilege watching your progress and success. I am proud to say that you, the class of 2025, will forever be in my journal of life as this class is continuing to change the narrative with an increased double-digit on-time graduation rate for the second year in a row. Now, that's bulldog spirit. It is with great pleasure that I present our stage participants. I ask that you hold your applause until each row has been introduced. Each stage participant is asked to stand as his or her name is called and to remain standing until the role has been introduced. Seated to the right on the first row are Mr. Jason Camerois, superintendent for Richmond public schools. The Honorable Shondaanda Fernandez,
008school board chair and ninth district representative. The Honorable Stephanie Rizzy, fifth district representative. The Honorable EMTT Jafari, 8th District Representative, Mr. Solomon Jefferson, Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Willie J. Bell, principal, director of high schools. Thank you. You may be seated. Seated on the first row to my left are Miss Felicia Artist, assistant principal. Mr. Donovan Tucker, assistant principal. Mr. Derek T. Johnson, assistant principal. Shila Scott, valadictorian. Lucilla Recendez Torres, saludiatoran. Please recognize this row at this [Applause] time. Seated on the second row, Miss Lisa Garcia, lead school counselor. Mr. Vernon Clater, school counselor. Mr. Victor Korea, school counselor. Mrs. Darticia Stevens, school counselor. Mr. Kevin Rios Busto, school counselor. Please give this row some applause. You may be seated. And seated on the third row, lastly but not least, this is Mrs. Tanya Brown, Fletcher,
009administrative dean. Mr. Deonte Duggar, freshman dean of students, and Mrs. Tamara Jackson, graduation coach. You may be [Applause] seated. Our organist for today's program is Mrs. Diane Briggs Bacon. Please give her a warm round of applause. In the audience, on the sides of our candidates for graduation are members of the faculty and staff of Richmond High School for the Arts. These dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly to help our students reach this point in their lives. I ask that Miss Blaine Boaz and Miss Trey Dun Newkerk, our senior class sponsors, please stand. [Applause] Now, will the faculty and staff at this time please stand to be recognized. [Applause] Thank you. You may be seated. We thank each of you for coming this afternoon and sharing in our 2025 commencement ceremony. Ladies and gentlemen, after greetings from
010the Honorable Shondaanda Fernandez, 9th District School Board Representative and Chair, the program will proceed as printed. Thank you. Good afternoon, students, families, faculty, and honored guests. My name is Shiovanda Fernandez, chair of the Richmond City School Board, and it is a true joy to stand before you today to celebrate the incredible class of 2025. On behalf of the entire board, I want to say to the graduates of Richmond High School of the Arts, class of 2025, you did it. Yes. And you should be very proud. Through late nights, early mornings, unexpected challenges, and moments when quitting may have felt easier, you kept going. And that's perseverance. That's grit. And that is what will carry you into the future. Now, no matter where life takes you after today, whether in college, the workforce, the military, or
011forging your own path, I want you to know this. You can do anything. You can rise above anything. Your story is still being written, and you hold the pen. Let me leave you with this quote from Nelson Mandana Mandela, excuse me. It always seems impossible until it's done. You've already proven that nothing is too big to overcome. So when life throws the unexpected at you, when the plan changes or the road gets a little rough, remember this moment. Remember the power that's already inside of you. Class of 2025, it's time to go make history. Break ceilings. Build something that lasts. And if the world ever tells you that you can't, stand firm, smile, and confidently tell them, "I can and I will." Congratulations, Richmond High School of the Arts, class of 2025. Richmond is watching.
012The world is watching. Now go show them what you're made of. Thank you. Hey, Richmond Public Schools class of 2025. It's your mayor, Danny. I'm not just your mayor, but I'm also a proud Richmond public schools dad. And I am so excited and honored to be celebrating you today, RPS graduates. You did it. Graduation is a huge milestone. And I want you to know how proud I am, not just as your mayor, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of our young people. You have shown strength, determination, and a whole lot of heart to get here. Through every challenge, every late night, every test, and every new experience, you kept going. And today, you're walking across that stage as a graduate. That is no small thing. That is amazing work. Some of you
013have overcome big challenges. Family struggles, health issues, school pressures, or just figuring out who you are and what's next. And yet, here you are. You didn't give up. You kept moving forward. And we see you. To the families, teachers, school staff, and everyone who supported you. Thank you. It truly takes a village, and you've been that village for these incredible young people. Class of 2025, your future is bright. Richmond needs your energy, your creativity, your passion, and your voice. Whether you're heading to college, a career, the military, or something uniquely your own, I hope that you carry with you pride in who you are and where you come from, you're part of the story of this city, and I believe in you with my whole heart. Congratulations, graduates. Go out and shine. Richmond is cheering
014you on. Good afternoon. So, I'm Mrs. Jackson, your graduation coach, and I've been given the honor of announcing our top honors today. When you hear your name, I need you to stand and remain standing till we finish calling the names. We're going to start at 12. Dylan Deleon Adana. Dylan has a 3.92 GPA. She plans to take a gap year to enter the workforce followed by employment enrollment at Liberty University and majoring in health sciences. Number 11, Angel Hernandez [Applause] Saragosta with a GPA of 4.0. O attending Breitpoint Community College and majoring in fine [Applause] arts. Next we have number 10, Pedro Cruz [Applause] Rivers. Pedro has a GPA of 4.0 and will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University and majoring in biology. Number nine, Jose Andradi is the Jose has a GPA of 4.0 and
015will be attending Loya University Maryland and majoring in electrical engineering. [Applause] Number eight, Santino Moscua. Santino has a GPA of 4.03 and will be entering the workforce in the construction field. Number seven, Leslie Cabaleros Sto. Leslie has a 4.0 4.05 GPA and will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University and majoring in crim criminal justice and concentrating in pre-law. [Applause] Number six, Mercedes Norwood. Mercedes has a GPA of 4.2 and will be attending Virginia Tech and majoring in animal sciences. Number five, Santiago Romanise Vasquez. Santiago has a GPA of 4.28, will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University and majoring in elementary [Applause] education. Number four, Ryan Jones. Ryan has a GPA of 4.43 and will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University majoring in [Applause] engineering. Number three, Heidi San Jose. Heidi has a GPA of
0164.5 and will be attending the University of Virginia in majoring in [Applause] biology. Number two, our saludiatoran Lucila Reendez Torres. [Applause] She has a GPA of 4.6 and will be attending Breitpoint College and majoring in health [Applause] science. And our valictorian, Shila [Music] Scott. Shila has a GPA of 4.62. 62 and will be attending William and Mary and majoring in English and creative writing. Give them a round of [Applause] applause. All right. Thank you. You may be seated. Good afternoon, superintendent, school board members, platform guests, parents, teachers, faculty, and the class of 2025. I'm very honored to stand before you on this special day. First off, I want to thank all of my teachers and my parents who have supported me throughout high school. Miss Hines, who pushed me to work hard when I was
017a member of FCCLA, and Coach Chomers, who has supported me since freshman year. Although he couldn't make it here today, I'm glad to be able to thank him for always believing in me. I once heard someone say, "You're only cheating yourself." I don't know why, but that line stuck with me. At first, it sounded like something teachers say when people don't do their work, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it applies to a lot more things, not just school. Whether it's not putting effort into something you care about or not being honest with yourself about what you want in life, when you don't give it your all, the person who misses out most is you. So, as we move forward, I hope we all keep that in mind. Don't cheat
018yourself out of opportunities, out of growth, or out of becoming the version of yourself you actually want to be. Congratulations. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Hey, there you to hey down. [Music] Sorry. [Music] Hey everybody. [Music] Good afternoon, superintendent, school board members, platform guests, parents, caregivers, family, and friends. As you might have already know, my name is Shila Scott, and I am the class of 2025's validictorian. [Applause] We have been challenged by those who did not want to believe that we could earn the ability to walk across this stage that many generations have done in the past while not looking back at those who have rationalized us but rather those who have taught us. We are the representation of this generation. So let us as a whole embody the glory of the fact that
019we made it. As we are now entering the doors of different outcomes, but the outcomes that we will choose includes determination, motivation, and foundation. as we let our potential light and guide, but never despise where we came from nor who we once were. Because our growth is dependent on reflection in order to go in the right direction. Nonetheless, I will say again, we are the representation of this generation. So, let us embody the glory of the fact that we made it. The class of 2025 highlights what it means to lock in and remain focused even after my words have been spoken. The mean will meaning will never be broken. So let so take this token of our gratitude virtue and you will then be able to see a glimpse of what this graduating class can
020do. Congratulations to the class of 2025. We made it. So let our gifts and glory show because you have been able to grow into the people that we are now able to see. But never forget to always carry yourself up and to never I mean never let anyone try to challenge who you are. Thank you. [Applause] You want me to follow that? Mr. Cameas, honorable members of the school board, platform guest, parents, guardians, and to all who are assembled here this afternoon. We are at that portion in the program that we have been patiently waiting for. I dare not stand in between issuing diplomas to the class of 2025. But I must have a moment to express my sincere appreciation to the parents and guardians of the class of 2025. Would you please stand? Parents
021and guardians. support [Applause] system. On behalf of the administration and staff of Richmond High School for the Arts, we thank you for allowing us this opportunity to impart knowledge to your child. We thank you for entrusting your child to us and allowing our staff to provide these young people with the appropriate skills needed to be successful. Class of 2025, please join me again in thanking your parents and loved ones for the love, support, words of encouragement, financial blessings they have given you over the past 13 years. Class of 2025, always remember that you are loved and we look forward to hearing the great things you are doing and will accomplish. Superintendent Cameras and members of the Richmond City School Board, I hereby certify that the candidates for graduation seated before us today have completed all
022of the requirements for a high school diploma as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Richmond City School Board and are eligible to receive their [Applause] diplomas. Before we make it official, can we show our appreciation one more time to Shila and Lucila? Fabulous job. As your valadictorian said, don't let anyone ever take away your greatness. You are extraordinary and we are so proud of you because you are brilliant and courageous and creative and beautiful and resilient and hilarious and so much more. And in just a minute, you are going to be graduates of Richmond High School for the Arts and Richmond Public Schools. And nobody will ever be able to take that from you. And don't ever forget at RPS, we love you here and we always will and we will always be
023here for you. With that, shall we make it official? Yes. by the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and by the evidence presented to me by the principal of Richmond High School for the Arts. I hereby certify that the class of 2025 has met all of the requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the state board of education, and the Richmond City School Board and are eligible to receive their diplomas. Congratulations, [Applause] B was identicanin. Grace Aloo, Ren, Renee Alamera, Garcia, Tatiana Iana Michelle Avaringa [Applause] Castellon Daniela Amaya Jose Ronaldo Andre Iser Janisha Nicole Anthony Jose Arbza, Nazelle Tory [Applause] Bagley, Jose Estardo, Bakarel, Marcel de Champ Bartis, Tasia Barnes, Dara May, Baskin Mlean, Melanie Jamaiah Baxter, Maris Berry, Christian Xavier, Billy Elanie Borts Valdez, Accasha Deaya Bowman, Maria Daniela Breto
024Pena, Marll Tan Brown, Ciani Marie Brown, [Music] Leilen Leavon Bryant, Leslie Cababayeros Sto Gabriella Selena Compost Ruiz Pull it out. Jansen Giovani Castro Andres Guestler Castro Gomez Tia Simone Childress, Nelson Raphael Chub, S2, Jacob Cisinos, Ramirez, Cameron Cameron Santel Berford, Denia Monae Clark, Somaya Leashawn Clark, Kayla Kenner, Gaggas Christopher Cox, Ma Johanna Koy Lopez, Tijah Siobhan Cruz, Moses Moses Isaac [Music] Crump Gloria Cruz Pedro Alejandro Cruz [Applause] Rivers Aaron Isaiah A Daniels, Eric Daniels, [Music] Sephora, De Jesus, Maldonado, Mirila, Oneda Deleon, Chin Dylan Deleó, [Music] Kasia Jewel Eps, Wright, Michael Jose, Escobar, Molina, Leslie Espina, [Applause] Tania Benner, Jazelle Andre Myra a Royal Flores Oruropeza Omaran Quante Francis Eldisar Alexander Francisco Diego Fancy Frank Yennefer Pola Buenos Uclashua Estabban Galan Neimus Asan Anthony Ivon Ggo Guiermo, Elder Jesus Garcia Lemus, Jose Gomez, Yana Ram Ramon
025Gomez, Dimas Gonzalez, [Applause] DeLeon, Yan Gonzalez, Guerraa, Aya C. G Alicia an Angela Gray. Tashan Griffin. Sonzio Zachariah Hall. Amari Shereé Harper Carter, Annayia Lache Harper Carter, Chad Hartridge, Senique Shalia Harvey [Music] Juan Angel Hernandez Vasquez Angel Hernandez Zaragoza Jamisha Alexandria Hicks [Applause] Quan Holman, Calvin Howell, Shamaya Banet Hughes, [Applause] Deina Jackson, Normiah Danielle Jackson [Applause] Brandon Jquan Jefferson, [Music] Richard Marcel Ramon Johnson, Savvante Angela Johnson, Cawn Jones. [Applause] Jerax Jones. Nikki Alia Jones, Ryan Christopher Jones, Tenise Monae Jones, Amari Lane, Janante Laam, [Applause] Teia Lee, Angelita Lero [Applause] Jaylen Jaylen Lewis Jeter Zire Lincoln Delmont Logan. Yes, sir. Jose Lopez Au. Okay. Wilbur Mabberry. Cheyenne Madley, Taquan Mangram. [Applause] Paola Martin Trimino Artrell Martin Diego Diego Diego Diego Martinez Gomez, Christian Martinez, Ricardo Martinez, Baruto Adrien Martinez Panita, Lana McDow, Shondaanda Mahia Galindo. Yandereia
026Melendez Diaz Noeli Marcado Alfaro Camel Miley Moras. Yes sir. No magasauras sura. We got Alexander Montilgre. Good job. Brian Morales. I know. Christopher Marino Hernandez, Centino Masceta, [Music] Briana Napierre, Kenique Nyas, Gabriella Perez, Gabriella, Yasinia Penzon, Cresensio, Simante Leean Pard, India Simmani Oh, Jaquan Porter, Michael Prito Lopez, Alexis Wrangler Lopez, Lucila Recendez Torres, Stefan Ran [Applause] Mikai Richards, [Applause] Miriam Rivera Wararez, Zelica Rivera, Joville Santiago Raminez Vasquez, Joanie Noey Romero Flores, Adilani Rosales stoani Ruiz Gomez. Azaldo Ruiz Cortez, Daisy Salazar, Kixstro, Heidi Joanna San Jose, Estrella Sanchez [Music] Baranza Shila Scott Jamal Rashad Shakespeare Jones Ashen Smith. Congratulations. Dominique Tiffany Smith. [Music] Ammani Nata Jam Maya Smith Maisha Mariana Smith Carl Frank Smith, excuse me, Steel. I get Smith. Patrick Tyler Spelman, William Douglas, Tab, Jan Romel, Taylor Kres Taylor, Imani Nicole Thomas. Congratulations. [Music]
027Janiah Thomas, Derel Turnage. [Applause] Ashley Yosil Va Lopez, Luis David Vasquez, Ashley Velasquez, Zen Vincent, Desan Javon Watkins, Helen Solomon Gabrielle, Montrice Siobhan Stanberry, Khalil Quan, Josiah Williams, Dante Willis. with the second graduating class of Richmond High School for the Arts. Please stand. [Applause] You may now move your tassel from the right to the left at this time indicating the transition from student to graduate. Congratulations graduates. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]