001[Music] Check. Check. All right. Good morning. Good morning parents, caregivers, students, and friends. I am Mike Massa and I am principal here at Hugenat High School. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 commencement exercises of Hugenat High School. We are especially proud of all of the graduates and would ask that you please help us honor them in an appropriate manner. Please note that graduation is a dignified formal academic event. Although it is a joyous occasion, proper decorum at graduation would be the same behaviors expected at a theatrical performance, church service, or wedding. Please help make this a memorable and dignified celebration of achievement. Upon the announcement of names, appropriate acknowledgement with applause should be used to recognize the graduate. Please refrain from continued noise, yelling, screaming, and standing as this distracts
002greatly from hearing the next graduate's name and may prevent their family from seeing them cross the stage. We would appreciate it very much if you would take responsibility for each person in your party this afternoon. Thank you, and we'll see you soon. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Good morning. I'm going to be making an announcement in Spanish for those of you that may need interpretation services. Thank you. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Good morning. At this time, please stand and remain standing for the presentation of the colors, the Star Spangle Banner, and Lift Every Voice and Sing. Thank you. [Music] Oh, [Music] say we at the twilight Whose
003bright stripes [Music] bright were so gallently streaming and the [Music] [Applause] [Music] rock through the that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle for the land of the [Music] Oh my. [Music] every [Music] single sea. Sing us sing and the praises [Music] Let us watch till victory is one. [Music] Thank you. You may be seated. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Mike Massa. I am principal here at Hugenat High School. And welcome to the 63rd commencement ceremony for Hugenat. It is a pleasure to have you with us this afternoon as we recognize the accomplishments of these wonderful young adults. I have the honor of introducing our stage participants this afternoon. I ask that you hold your applause until each section has been introduced. Each
004stage participant is asked to stand as his or her name is called and to remain standing until the entire section has been introduced. Mr. Wesley Hedgepath, fourth district school board member. Mr. EMTT Chafari, district uh eighth district school board member. Mrs. Shio Fernandez, ninth district school board member. Miss Stephanie Rizzy, fifth district school board member. Mr. Jason Cameron, superintendent of Richmond public schools. Mr. Solomon Jefferson, chief academic officer, secondary education. Mr. Tyen Cooper, executive director, Richmond Public School Edund. Dr. Willie Bell, principal director, Secondary Education Cluster 4. Miss Sia Bal, Saludiatoran, class of 2025. Miss Fatma Cidi Elamine, valid Victorian, class of 2025. Mrs. Jia Garrett, assistant principal. Mr. Ryan James, assistant principal. Miss Latonia Kelly, assistant principal. Mr. Lion Sanchez Koncha, 12th grade assistant principal. Mr. Craig Christmas, senior counselor. Miss Lisa Harrison, school
005counseling and school counseling department chair. Mrs. Kirstston Morales, bilingual school counselor. Miss Lauren Bleam, fine arts department chair. Miss Tina Burton, English department chair. Mrs. Fabiola Chestnut, World Languages Department Chair. Mr. Jerry Cooper, Health and PE department chair. Mrs. Katherine Curran Boyd, science department chair. Miss Esther Oriana, our LEAP and L department chair. Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Stenny, Jerro OTC department chair, and Miss April Wilson, social studies department chair. Thank you. You may be seated. I would like to also acknowledge our senior class sponsor. Please stand when your name is called, Mrs. Suzanne [Applause] Kaine. In the audience flanking our candidates for graduation are members of the faculty and staff of Hugenot High School. These dedicated professionals have worked tirelessly to help our students reach this important part in our lives. I ask that they stand
006at this time to be [Applause] recognized. Thank you. You may be seated. Our organist for today's program is Mrs. Diana Briggs Bacon. Uh we should give her a warm round of applause, please. [Applause] Finally, uh, our choir director again, Mrs. Kaine, and the band director, Mr. Andrew Miles. Uh, please join me in recognizing [Applause] them. I would like to just quickly say how proud I am of the class of 2025. They are an amazing academic class. They are wonderful people and I look forward to see what they what they do as they leave us. So u I will miss you and have enjoyed the time that I've spent with you. The program will now proceed as printed. Good morning. My name is Sio Fernandez. I am the chair of the school board and the ninth
007district school board representative and I bring you greetings on behalf of the entire board, my colleagues from Richmond public schools. What an absolute honor it is to stand before you today to celebrate the phenomenal Hugenat High School class of 2025. Woohoo! Graduates, take this moment in. You've earned it. The late night studying, the hit of the snooze button in the mornings, the early morning classes, the moments when you didn't know if you'd make it, but you did. And I want you to know you didn't get here by yourself. You have classmates who helped you on projects and teachers who stayed behind or met you early to make sure you didn't fall behind. Family members who pushed you and perhaps prayed for you and cheered you on. That's what a village looks like. The power of
008a village can never be overstated. I know this firsthand. There's a young lady graduating today who I met when she was just six years old. At the time, I was a young single mom of two, but I was determined to serve my community. I didn't have a title. There were no cameras present. I just wanted to be the change that I wanted to see. I didn't have all the answers, but I had love to give, time to share, and a deep belief that mentoring even one child can make a difference. over the last 12 years and with the covering of her amazingly resilient mother, I've watched her grow, overcome, and soar. Today, she becomes the first in her family to graduate from high school and go to college. But she won't be the [Applause] last.
009And I understand her story because it's part of mine, too. I'm a proud first generation college graduate of VCU. Go Rams. I know what it's like to walk paths no one in your family has walked before. To carry not just your dreams, but the dreams of those who came before you. Some of you are the first in your family to graduate and others are walking in footsteps of a long line of achiever of achievers. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, own your story. Find your purpose and leave your mark. Because every generation should strive to be a greater version of the one before it. Our forefathers and mothers laid the foundation. Now it's on you to build higher, stronger, and together. And let's be real, some of you didn't just make it through academics. Some
010of you experienced deep loss this year. Some have overcome uncsurmountable odds while others have also seen huge successes. Whatever case may be for you, whatever case it may be for you, you still showed up and you did the work. And now here you are walking in purpose and into your future. So I leave you with these questions. What legacy will you leave? How will you help the next generation go even further? And who will one day say, "Because of you, I didn't give up." Let me close with this quote by former first lady Michelle Obama. Success isn't about how much money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives. But let's be honest, making a little bit of money doesn't hurt either. Just make sure you're using it to do good in
011the world. Class of 2025, go out and make a difference in your family, in your community, in this world. Find your village. That's what real leadership looks like. That's what real living is about. And the world will be better because of it. So, the world better get ready because Hugenot class of 2025 is sending out some world changers today. Congratulations, [Applause] 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 school's 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
012have 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. at his amazing work. Some of you have 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,
013the 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 you on. Good morning, class of 2025. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce the class of 2025's top 10. When your name is called, please stand. Remain standing. Please hold your applause until after the participant's name is called. Number 10 in our class is Eloise Cordova. Eloise has a 4.23. She will attend the University of Virginia and major in architecture. This year we share a unique situation. We have two number eights. There will not be a number nine this year. Our first number eight is
014Terrell Williams Ford. Terrell holds a 4.25. He will attend North Carolina Anti and major in psychology. [Applause] Shamaya Pedaway is our other number eight at 4.25. She will attend Virginia Commonwealth University and major in forensic science. A Stephanie Viala Bonilia is number seven at 4.37. She will attend the University of Richmond and major in accounting. Number six is Ashante Wallace 51. She will attend the University of Virginia and major in journalism. Our number five is Ka Misa with a 4.57. Ka Misa is undecided at this time. Number four is Christopher Barrera Erdano 4.58. At this time, Christopher has been undecided. Three will be Kamaya Crawford. 4.60. She will attend Morgan State University and major in sports administration. Our number two student is Tayia Balao, our saludiatoran. She holds a 4.87, will attend the University of
015Virginia and major in bio and minor in business. Our number one student is Fatma City Alamine, our [Music] validictorian. She has a 5.23. 23. She will attend the University of Richmond and major in biology. Please note, the top five students all graduated from Reynolds Community College with their ECA diploma two two weeks ago. Let's give these students a round of applause. You may be seated. In closing, I must say that the class of 2025 is one of my favorite groups. I will miss us eating grapes on the 800 hallway in the mornings. Our not so subtle ways of greeting each other in the hallways. Ice cream Fridays. And yes, the morning popups in my office to get candy and just talk about life before going to class. We are all so proud of you and
016wish you the absolute best in the future. So, I will leave you with this quote from the incredible Dr. Seuss. Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Let that sink in. because today is one of those moments. Congratulations, class of 2025. We love you. You did it. [Applause] Good morning everyone. My name is Sia Balao and it is a privilege to be this year's saludiatoran for Higana High School class of 2025. I st I stand before you today not just as a graduate but as someone who once feared this exact moment. Before I say anything else, I want to take a moment to recognize the people who got us here. our families who have supported us even when we insisted we knew better. Our teachers, our faculty,
017and our friends. If you would have told kindergarten me that I would be standing here before you today, I probably wouldn't have believed you because kindergarten me was so shy that I was held back that year. Not because of the material, but because I couldn't bring myself to say the words out loud. Since the beginning of ninth grade, there was one thing I dreaded more than anything. Graduation. Not because of the work, not because of the stress, but because I couldn't bring myself to say the words out loud. The thought of being the center of attention, even for just a few seconds, was terrifying. For years, I told myself that if I could somehow avoid this moment, I would. I never played a sport, and I was never the loudest person in the room. In
018fact, spent so much time avoiding any social encounters that I've only eaten in the school cafeteria about twice throughout my years in high school. But what I've learned over the years is that it's not about how loudly you speak, but about when you do. Even if it shakes a little or you stumble over words, your voice matters. And now here I am standing in front of all of you giving a speech that I thought I'd never be able to give. And soon I'm going to walk across the stage, not because I suddenly love being the center of attention, but because I refuse to let fear hold me back. We we made it through the stress, the awkward moments, and the days that felt impossible. And now we're stepping into something new. Some of us are
019excited, some terrified, and some just hoping we don't trip when they call our name. But no matter where we go from here, I hope we all remember this quote. Great things never came from comfort zones. So get out there, do the things that make you uncomfortable, take risk, and most importantly, be yourself. Because growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone. And as we move on to the next chapter, let's carry that mindset with us. And congratulations, class of 2025. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sing to the [Music] Lord. Sing to the Lord on the earth. his glory among the nations. Let [Applause] [Music] [Applause] everything [Music] Sing to the Lord of the glory among the nations. Everything that I've [Music] [Applause] [Music] everything together is worthy to [Music] praise. Clap your hands high
020to be everything. [Music] Everything I ever [Music] sing and praise [Applause] him praise [Music] [Applause] [Music] him. Praise him in the temple. Praise him with a dance. And your holy [Music] hand is worthy to be praised. Let's praise the Lord. Let's praise the Lord. Let's praise the Lord. Let's praise the Lord. Everything I have. Everything I have. Let [Applause] everything. Everything I have [Music] [Applause] everything. You are You are praise him. [Applause] Hi everyone. Good morning, class of 2025. My name is Vatma Cidamine. As I stand here before you today, I can hardly contain the excitement that fills the air. We have envisioned this moment since we first set foot in this school. Before I share my thoughts, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the incredible people who have
021shaped my journey. First, I thank God for guiding me. I also want to thank my loving parents Miam and Ahmed whose support has been my foundation. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the both of you. I also want to thank my family, my friends, my teachers, staff, and mentors who have all played a role in helping me grow. Each one of you has contributed to the resilience I carry with me today. And for that, I'm truly thankful. Today, I stand before you as an immigrant, a testament to the resil to the resilience of those who have come far and wide in search of a better life. I am the child of two incredible individuals who have tirelessly worked to provide for me and my siblings, often sacrificing their dreams for our futures. There
022were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the challenges we faced. Times When I considered giving up amid the storm of uncertainty. When I first set foot into the United States, the vastness of the world around me felt daunting. I struggled with a sense of alienation, as if the very fabric of society was woven to exclude me. Entering school was difficult. I sensed that people viewed me through a lens of difference. As I moved through elementary school, the inevitable transition to middle school brought both challenges and opportunities. I was honored to receive the Scholastic Standout Award, a moment that ignited a spark within me. It was during the times of CO 19 that I realized the potential within me. If I could achieve this recognition while navigating a global pandemic, I could conquer any obstacle that
023lay ahead. With a sense of purpose, I dedicated myself to my studies and actively participated in various clubs during high school. I joined Partnership for the Future, a program that has shaped my life. the future. The support, mentorship, and guidance I received through this program have empowered me in ways I never thought possible. For as long as I can remember, I have held close the verse, which reminds us that with hardship comes ease. As we gather here, I invite parents, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests to take a moment to look around. We are here to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2025 as they transition into their next exciting stage of their life. As I conclude my speech, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the special day dedicated entirely
024to you and the incredible effort you have poured into your studies and extracurriculars over the past several years. You carry with you the promise of innovation, compassion, and progress. Embrace this moment for you truly are the future. Thank you and go [Applause] Falcons. Superintendent Cameress and members of the Richmond City School Board. I hereby certify that the candidates for graduation seated before us today have completed all the requirements for high school diploma as required by the board of education of the commonwealth of Virginia and the Richmond City School Board and are eligible to receive their diplomas. [Applause] Before we make this official, I just wanted to recognize Sia and Fatma one more time. Can we please show our love and appreciation to [Applause] them? Say something in her very quiet voice. She said, "Our voices
025matter." And they do because you are an extraordinary group of young people. You are brilliant and creative and dedicated and passionate and empathetic and beautiful and humorous and so much more. And in a few minutes, you are going to be a Hugenot High School and Richmond public schools graduate. And that is a badge you should wear proudly. Don't ever forget that at RPS we love you here and we always will. And so if you ever need anything, we are here for you as you make your way through life. And with that, are you ready to make it official? By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the evidence presented to me by the principal of Hugenot High School, I hereby certify that the class of 2025 has met all of the
026requirements 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. [Applause] Congratulations. All right. I would just like to thank again our senior class counsel uh counselors, Mr. Craig Christmas, Miss Lisa Harrison, and Mrs. Kirsten Morales. They will now be assisting in awarding the diplomas to our graduates. [Music] Taylor Atkins [Applause] Leani Alberta, Odasia Allen Peoples, [Music] [Applause] Luis Anel Mendes, Jazelle Archer, [Applause] Joeline Argetta Lemos, Alexis Arata Gomez, Ryan Arrington, [Applause] Ashley Ayala, Billy Bailey, Christopher Bara Arianiano, Steven Barios Lopez, Janiah Bill, Ronnie Bermudees, Olivarez, Zushen Hamill, Desawn Barry, Sia Bal, Jeremiah Bond, Jamari Boykins, Jan Bister, Ian Brown, Trevian Brown, Ranique Butler, Javari Butterfield, Eric Cano Cruz, Chloe Carmen [Applause] Hill, Michael Carrasco, Estrada, Ashley, Carol, Derek Carter,
027Hashim Cphus, Tashim Cifus, Katherine Ceritos, Prudencio Jose Siguas Morga, Jada [Music] Claybornne, Da Clark, Jamir Clark, Cameron Clayton, [Music] Issa Cochran, Samuel Cohen, Aira Coleman, Patrice Collins, Ricar Cooper, Eloise Cordova, Kamaya Crawford, Sara Cruz, [Applause] Manip Jonathan Cruz, Netti, Michael Dabney Jr. Devonte Daniels, Chase Darden, Josiah Defara Braxton, Maria Domingo, Vattoro, Kenaya Edwards Assar Alahi, Jamarius Embry, Janiah Evans, Jacqua Ferguson, Jiny Figereroa, Davon Finny, Xavon Fitzgerald, Katya Flores, Garcia, Marcel Ford, Dennis Franco, Piagua, Larae [Music] Freeman Garcia Mercenario, [Music] Carlos Garcia, it is Garcia Aguayo, Lanel Gileiam, [Music] Lama Gillard, Manny Gonzalez, Morales, Freddy Gonzalez, Reyes, Karen Gonzalez, Carla Gordo Martinez, [Music] Mai Graham, [Applause] Shaniah Gray Jackson, Jamaiah Gray, Zamaya Gray, Joel Green, Major Griffin McKenna Griffin Brian Gutierrez Henry Guzman Benitz [Music] Madison Harris Yeah, Tavon Harris, Zion Harris, Dorothy [Applause] Henley, Kathleen
028Ernnandez, Gang [Music] Natalia Ernnandez Vanas Kimberly Ernnandez Gallardo, Brilan Hicks, Patrick Higgins, Germaine Hakaday, Raquan Holmes, Mai [Applause] [Music] in Demir Jackson, Managa Jackson, Ashley Jimenez Martinez, Amaya Johnson, [Applause] Michaela Johnson, [Music] Micaia Johnson, [Applause] Elijah Johnson, Tanner, [Applause] Zamante Johnson, Ayana Jones, Tal Jones, Ariana Jordan, [Music] Ayana Joiner, [Applause] Ani Huarez Ria [Applause] Ama Canate [Applause] Cousins Rakim King [Applause] Nan Kirby. Congratulations Janette Kizzy. Immani Lee, [Applause] Heson Lah, Martz Lauriano, Terrence Lawrence III, Monica Leon Mahia. Congratulations, Malik Lewis, Michael Lewis, [Music] Timothy Lewis, Nicholas Long, Breathe Lady Battoo, Javier Lopez, Meline Lopez, Marquan Lions, Markeel Lions, Congratulations Kawi Medon Kevin Maron Cardinas Jerida Martinez [Music] Gonzalez Christian Martinez Ortega Angie Matamoros Melendez congratulations Ector Masaros Punes Jordan McCullers [Applause] Nava McCulla Angel McCuten Morales me in their song. Mahia Elijah Congratulations Mitchell. Congratulations.
029Sydney Mitchell, Angelina Moika, Daniela Molina Romero, Congratulations Cesar Austo Molina. Congratulations Evraong Eskel. Congratulations. Michael Moore. Congratulations Tyon Moore. Christian Morris. Congratulations. Zelia Mosley. [Applause] Nathan Munoz [Music] [Applause] Hong, Tariq Oliver, Kevin Olmino Kamaha, congratulations. Emily Oriana Gavara, congratulations. Dennis Arnold Ortega Palencia. Cesar Pache Perez Durce Palma to congratulations Kayn Parker [Applause] Samant Parker [Music] Tiana Payne Joseline Pñena Garcia, Jennifer Perez, [Applause] Galissia, Marwin Perez, Rodriguez, Shamaya Pedawway, Darren Ian Pretzo, Cameron Pervvis, Claudia Ramirez, Benitez, Nadia Ramirez, Era, Jean Carlos, Ramirez Sanchez, Haley Ramirez. Congratulations, Adon Randolph. [Applause] Kendall [Applause] Randolph. Congratulations, Skyler Reeves. [Applause] Mai Rivers, Serenity Robinson, Ruby Rodriguez, Galbang, [Music] Jose Rodriguez. Congratulations Keshan Ross Jr. [Applause] Tal Ross, [Music] Hennessy Ruiz [Applause] Guusman, Luis Salgtoro Vargas, Kanayiah Sally, Janiah Sauls, Valerie Sterrano [Applause] [Music] Jonathan Serrano Rodriguez Calvia Shaw Adam Shelton
030Congratulations. Fatima Sadi Elamine, [Music] [Applause] Brian Sims, Jeremiah Singleton, Malik Slaughter, Teravia Sllayton, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Siana Smith, [Applause] Kayan Smith, Dorian Solomon, [Applause] Angie Soraniano, [Applause] Tiana Spencer, Zapria Spencer, [Applause] Marina Stevens, Eric [Applause] Swan, Amaya [Applause] Taylor, Isavia [Applause] Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Nazeria Thomas, Don [Music] [Applause] Thompson, Leila Thompson, [Applause] [Music] Ector Toar Alvarez, Crystal Torres Gonzalez, Zaki Towns, Bryant Tyler, Mateo Vasquez, Torres, Randy Vasquez, Cortillo, [Applause] Ashley Vega Mira Miguel Velasquez Loista [Music] Jazelle V Jazelle Venibal Seavon Venibal [Applause] Stephanie Viala Bonia. [Applause] Congratulations, Aerys Walker. Kamaya Walker. [Applause] Razik Walker, Ashanti Wallace, Aaliyah Waller, John Washington [Applause] III, Tion Watson, [Applause] Jayana White, Lisha White, [Applause] Shaniah White, [Applause] Asani Williams, [Applause] Christopher Williams, [Applause] Morgan Williams, Terrell Williams, Ford, [Music] Nastasia Winstead, [Applause] Antonio Woodruff, [Applause] Jalil Woolridge, [Applause] Lenia
031Moore, Cameron Best, Chenique Reed Camille Russell [Music] Jamarcus Fletcher Gelis Goia Congratulations Kevin Tamayo Bill, [Music] [Applause] would the graduates of 2025 please stand? By virtue of the authority vested in me as the principal of Hugenot High School, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the governing regulations and policies of Virginia Department of Education and the Richmond School Board, I hereby confirm that the seniors of the class of 2025, whose names have just been presented to me, are now graduates of Hugenot High School. Class of 2025, please move your tassels from the right to the left at this time indicating transition from student to graduate. Congratulations, class of 2025. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey. Heat. Heat.