001Community High School. [Music] All right, they're ready. They still have quite a few people coming in the doors. You said it still is. Mhm. How many is there enough like space for them here? Like how many tickets do they get a piece? Uh they get I think seven a piece. Can I have some popcorn? Hey, it's my snack for the day. You're looking at the stage. They go what you see is all I uh No, no. They come they come into their seats from the left to go on the stage. They go off the right hand side down the left. If you're looking at stage, quinoa, hemp seeds, potatoes. Don't eat too much though. That's all I get. That's all I get. Yeah, they went up the right shelf. But yeah, I've been trying to
002live by the Quran saying, you know, I I know you know, but it's saying in there that uh if you do eat some meat, it's got to be got to have it's got to be fish with scales. That's that's only that's the only fish with scales. Everything else from the ground has I want to ask you that I finished that album. Let's say let's say tell me about the book that you finished. Tell me about Candace, can you confirm the ready? She the lobby looked when I was out there ago. My phone. Okay. I'll be over here. Anything you want, feel free to sell it to yourself. Okay. [Music] Do they have water fountains downstairs? [Music] Um, I did not see any, but I did see that part of the city is under oil right
003now. Oil. Oh yeah, we're definitely going to boil here. What kind of slightly threw me off with with this setup, all of the refreshments are in the other building. Yeah. The graduation over here. So, I'm like, well, there's a water fountain. Yeah, cuz well, this is like this is it. This is all this building is. We have stage over there which like seemed like a fine idea. Right now there's like umbrellas anywhere. Where do you live? Good for news. We got We got up early pretty early today. We left. I think we hit the gym at like 4:15. Once we were done, late workout, showered up, drove here. I was just telling I have [Music] not walked around the block. you know, I I just got back into working out again. So, like prior to
004to that journey, because I've been out of the military for a long time, um 8 9:00 10:00, that's when I get up. I almost forgot what it's like to get up at 5:00 a.m., unless I just woke up at 5 a.m. and didn't use the bathroom. So yeah, this is uh this morning. This is the first job I've had in a long time. Not that I don't make my own [Music] lots of flexibility after the office. [Music] I read the market athletics. So I We were working late [Music] nights Tuesday night game Wednesday night's [Music] that you studied at Yeah. [Music] That just sounds like the greatest thing ever stud. So I actually um I did all my [Music] university [Music] students. I don't want to know how many [Music] and that gives you that
005chance to really enjoy those. [Music] I was talking to this guy and he showed me some [Music] This was our [Music] last day. No better lucky singing. I don't think so. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Thank you. Hallelujah. [Music] I [Music] Good afternoon. Would you please rise and join us for the colors banner every voice in please remain stand Let's see. [Music] So proud [Music] we for we [Music] watch and the rock is the [Music] bombing still as our go and for the land of the free and the home of the bra. [Applause] Lift every voice and [Music] sing with the harmony [Music] of our rollar [Music] singing the rising sun of a Let us [Music] victory. Let us victory. [Applause] Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members of the community. My name is Kymer,
006the principal of Community High School. I want to hear from you for the warm reception you gave this distinguished graduating class. It is a pleasure to have you with us this afternoon as we recognize 49 of Richmond public schools finest today in making our 42 commencement a memorable occasion. Each candidate for graduation has worked extremely hard to reach this day. Please remember that we're here to honor our scholars as they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. It is with great pleasure that I contribute to our stage guest. I would ask that each individual stand as their name is called and remain standing until all names have been called. Mr. Jason Cameron, superintendent of Richmond public [Applause] schools. The honorable Fernandez, 90th district representatives, school board and
007chair. Hey, excuse me. The Honorable Matthew Pel, first district representative to the school board and vice chair. The honorable Shondaanda Harris [Applause] Muham second district representative to the school board. [Music] [Applause] the honorable Japan to the school. Solomon Jefferson, chief academic officer, secondary [Applause] education, Dr. Willie May, principal director for high school Youth [Applause] Williams, class of [Applause] 2025, class of 2025 salute. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] The last stand out. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] department, history teacher and [Applause] class D. [Applause] Thank you. We also have several special guests in the audience that I would like to recognize today. I the members of RCHS executive board of the DTSA members of the advisory board and all RCS alumni. Please stand to be recognized at this time. [Applause] [Music] All members of Richmond Community High School athletes, please
008stand so that we can show our appreciation to you for your hard work and dedication for our scholars. It is with great introduce the members of the class of 2025. These scholars have worked hard to get here and their work. They display dedication for resilience and most importantly their commitment to excellence. Collectively, this senior class has earned [Music] 13,692,547 in scholarships and grants. [Applause] At this time, district representatives of the school board and chair. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm truly honored to be with you today as chair of the Richmond City School Board and the proud representative of the Ninth District. On behalf of the entire school board, I bring warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Richmond Community High School class of 2025. Richmond Community isn't just a school. It's a movement, a place
009where excellence is expected, leadership is cultivated, and purpose is woven into everything you do. This school has a history of producing change makers. And each of you is now part of that legacy. That's something you should be proud of. And if I could take a moment of personal privilege, this room is extra special to me. I stood here on this very stage as a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School class during the summer of 1998. I remember what it felt like to sit in those seats filled with both nerves and excitement wondering what the future would hold. And if there's anything I can tell you from that experience, it's that the future is full of possibilities when you walk in your purpose. I had the honor of saying the speech that day and now I'm
010giving remarks as chair Christian public schools. So you'll also have moments that will come full circle. To our graduates, you may be small in number, but your impact will be anything but small. You conquered one of the most rigorous academic journeys in our district with strength, creativity, and heart. Your voice matters. Remember your presence also matters. And the world needs what you carry. Remember that you have the ability to change the world. To the families, teachers, mentors, and staff. Thank you. Your love and support have been the wind beneath these students wings. So on behalf of Richmond City School Board, congratulations. The journey is just beginning. Trust me, I know. And we can't wait to see how far you'll come. We're proud of you. We believe in you. And we're cheering you on every step
011of the way. [Applause] Congratulations. At this time we will have greetings from Dr. James mayor of Richmond. It's your mayor Danny. Not just your mayor but also a proud public school's dad. And I'm so excited and honored to celebrate you today ours. 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 have overcome big challenges. Family struggles, health issues, school
012pressures, 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 unique in 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. [Applause] I like to join me
013in giving a special recognition to the top 10 of the class of 2025. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. I would like to give a special shout out to my fellow pharaohs that represent the top 10 in our class. Please stand when your name is called and remain standing. Number [Applause] 10. Number nine, Ian May. Number eight, Eve. [Applause] Number seven, Crystal Moses. Number six, Anthony Gild. Number five, Sophia. [Applause] Number four, Sophie Edward. Number three, [Applause] Washington. Number two, [Applause] And last but not least for [Applause] Good afternoon teachers and staff, school board members, family friends, and most importantly, graduates of the class of 2021. I am Bill and I honored to be giving speech as the class of 2020. I want to my freshers appointed me and I also want to thank the incredible staff
014of the school for helping me get out of my comfort zone and granted me the opportunities I don't have at any other school. Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad. I would not be here today if it weren't for them literally but also for their encouragement and teaching me of push forward. I thank them for making the kind, compassionate and intelligent young woman I am today. The past four years have been quite unconventional for us. We headed out school right after we witnessed the world on pause. In the summer of 2021, we came to orientation very fast and we were happy to finally meet each other. From our freshman year of high school such innocent, mysterious and positive energy, we are now fresh. Our many Philadelphia were some of the finest soldiers
015who are some of the most fun and each other [Music] even have help within our lives. I treasured all the time I spent at this amazing school. In this crowd, our country's future engineers, doctors, artists, scientists, educators, nurses, and leaders. Before I leave this stage, I want to give my possible advice. One, there's more way to get. As we all know, life can get a little crazy. As stated in one of my favorite 80s movies, better off dead. If something gets in your way, turn remember where you are, end it, and keep moving towards it. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward. That being said, don't get distracted from your end goal. If you don't have all your path, remember what you strive for in life. Two, focus on what you can control.
016Learn what's best for you and then take action to give yourself the best version of you. Last week, three, pursue what makes you joyful. Pursue pursue those change. Again, class, congratulations to the class of 2025. I am so proud of us. [Applause] Good afternoon to our dedicated faculty, support friends and family and the remarkable class of 2025 of Richmond Community High School. My name is Sarah Ellis and I have been truly an honor to stand before you today as the 25 valator [Applause] community. First and foremost, I want to thank God, my family, friends, and faculty for their constant love and encouragement. You've been my foundation through every challenge and trying. As we look toward the future, we can't help but reflect on the role that brought us. Over the past four years, we've experienced
017change, uncertainty, and challenges you could have never predicted. We've navigated virtual classrooms. We learn how to group face to face and happiness and responsibilities. All while still trying to figure out who we are. We've endured sleepless nights, early mornings, and last minute assignments. Every experience helped lead us to graduation. And through it all, we didn't just survive high school. We grew. We became more than students. We became leaders, creators, and fighters. So today isn't just about a diploma. It's about everything we took to get here. Every step forward was hard, every moment we showed up anyway, and every lesson that shaped us. Now, as we prepare to cross this stage, we're not just celebrating what we finished, but stepping into becoming. And while we all pass this moment, I want to share a part. Behind
018every captain gown today is a story, a challenge face, a fear overcome, a moment that could have broken us within. For me, that moment came when I looked in the mirror and asked a question many of us asked in our own ways. Why me? For me, it was when I started remindation elementary school. At first, it felt like something was being taken away from me. My confidence, identity, and sense of that question didn't stay unanswered for long. Over time, that question turned into build, into purpose, and into growth. I learned that adversity doesn't come to destroy you. It comes to develop you. That lesson didn't come overnight. It came from showing up even when I didn't feel like it to choosing to speak up when I writing my story. My mother and I wrote and
019published a book called Hair My Brush about my journey with Alipia. And in one respect for the great journey of my book and that moment showed me what once felt like my weakness have become my platform. I had the opportunity to speak at my fifth grade graduation just like this one to share and spread awareness on adopia and to whether I was speaking at public events, reading to children or just being present for others. I started to realize something. As my hair grew back, so did my confidence and my vision. I became a model for other kids, a living reminder that challenges don't break us, they build [Applause] us. I still my education. I'm grateful to say that I maintain scholar role and purper. The journey here reminded me and hopefully reminds you that despite
020Elsa or setbacks, we can rise, lead, and become a force in our communities. And I know that why question isn't just one that students ask. Parents, guardians, teachers, and loved ones, you likely ask me, too. Maybe during long nights working for hours, supporting us for emotional challenges. Maybe you ask by holding us up even when we dare to them. But just like us, you kept showing up and pushing forward. Today is your victory, too. To everybody in this room who welcome alongside us, encouraged us, and believed in us even when we doubt ourselves. Thank you. Your strength, support, and faith the foundation for the class of 2025 to rise. I know I'm not the only one, who doubted themselves. Maybe for you, it wasn't your loss. It could have been anxiety, family pressure, failure, or
021just the feeling of not being enough. But here's the truth. Your challenge doesn't disqualify you. It qualifies you because it gives you the strength you can't take and the type of growth you can't hide. So what does this have to do with the future? Everything. Because life beyond high school won't always be easy. There will be moments in college, careers, and life when the doubts creep back in. When the challenges feel too big, when you might be tempted to ask why again. But here's what I've learned and what I hope you remember. Growth puts on the other side of adversity. Every challenge you face will stretch you, shape you, and strengthe. So don't count yourself out on the road obstacles in your path. Instead, look those challenges in the eye and say, "Watch me. Watch
022me rise above it. Watch me learn from it. Watch me turn it into something greater." Class of 2025, we are not just survivors of our circumstances, but authors of our futures. Whatever comes next, don't let fear or failures stop you from showing up. Standing tall and speaking our truth. We didn't just survive high school. We grew up. We will keep going, keep climbing, and as my mom and I always say, climb and maintain. Climb with courage, maintain with grace, and never stop reaching towards next. Because when I say you, you said with boldness, strength, and confidence, watch me. Thank you. Congratulations. [Applause] My final message to the class of 2025 who are just moments away from receiving your advanced studies diploma. Yeah, today not just the chapter is the beginning of a future only. You
023face challenges, learn hard lessons, make memories and discover parts of yourself that will carry you forward. Always remember what matters most is your character, your kindness in your heart, your courage, and your willingness and drive to keep the things you can tell. Remember to speak up, show up, show out, dream big, take risks, and be game changers. And most importantly, stay true to yourself and your core values. It has truly been an honor to serve as your principal. I wish you all the best. Congratulations, class of 2025. Go change the world. [Applause] At this time, I would like to invite our superintendent, Mr. Jason came, members of the school board, and distinguished members of our superintendent cabinet to join me for the presentation of diplomas. Superintendent Cameron and members of the Richmond City School Board,
024I hereby certify that the candidates for graduation seated before us today have completed all of the requirements for a high school advanced studies of as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Richmond City School Board and are eligible to receive their diploma. Yeah. [Applause] Good afternoon. Before we make this official, can we just hear it one more time [Applause] [Music] for you spoke so beautifully about resilience and you said something that doubts will creep And you're right, they will. But I want you all to remember the last thing that you're going to hear from RBS before you get your full is that you are worthy of every joy and every richness in life. You are brilliant and passionate and dedicated and creative and hilarious and beautiful and so much more. And don't ever forget
025that here at RBS we love and we always feel like this will always be your with that. Are you ready to do it on the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia? I am on the evidence presented to me by the principal of Richmond Community High School. 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] [Music] I'm glad I missed this diplomas right. The video worked. Yes, ma'am. Kylie did a great job. The video you did a good job. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you. [Applause] Tight, please. [Applause] J Barrow Oh my god. How did I miss my boy just now? Shake
026it. Let's go. Let's go. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, baby. [Applause] They're like expecting me to be down there. I take a picture of heavy. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Children. [Applause] Daddy. [Music] [Applause] Alexia. [Applause] [Music] Williamia Ellen. [Applause] Elizabeth. Wow. [Applause] Alexander Andrew [Applause] Aaron, [Applause] Edward, Michael [Applause] Virginia. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] James [Applause] Anthony. All [Applause] [Music] [Applause] right. Thank you. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jaylen, [Applause] can [Applause] very [Applause] God. Thank you. [Music] Ina. [Applause] [Music] Let's go. We are here. [Applause] Happy wedding. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Amelia Michelle. [Applause] You are beautiful. Let's go. [Applause] Darling. [Applause] [Music] At this time to join the graduates in moving their tasks. [Applause] Thank you. Everybody [Applause] at this time of stand. Let's [Applause] go. Let's go. [Music] candidate to graduate at high school level high school
027class. You may now turn your attention to the right [Applause] Thank [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] you. That's my baby. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Let's [Music] go. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [Music] Yes, let's [Music] go. [Music] Yeah. Let's go. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sorry, the next one's free.