001Heat. Heat. girl. Let go. Love your [Music] steal your I'll get you. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] That was another [Music] America. [Music] the [Music] night. Hey Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Down. La. [Music] That's a good Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Welcome. Welcome to the 2025 commencement celebration for Aspen Valley High School. My name is Ariel and this is Tunisia. We are excited to have you join us for Aspen Valley High School's graduation. Please enjoy the national anthem as performed by the Air Academy Cadet Band. [Music] [Applause] You may be seated. Thank you, Ariel. And Tanny, welcome to Aspen Valley's 29th graduation ceremony. I'm Kyle Chamberlain, the proud principal of Aspen Valley High School. I would like to take this opportunity to thank several groups for their support, including the District 20 Board
002of Education, District 20 Administration, and our staff at Aspen Valley High School. First, on our stage with me is our amazing school board. First, Miss Amy Shandandy, president. Mrs. Nicole KS, vice president, Mr. Derek Wilburn, treasurer. Mrs. Lauren Yanes, director, Mr. Aaron Soul, director. And also, we would like to recognize Colonel Chio Stalworth, you United States Air Force Academy liaison, who couldn't be with us this morning. But thank you to our school board for supporting Aspen Valley High School. We also have joining us today Academy School District 20 administration to include Mrs. Ginger Habber, superintendent, Miss Becky Allen, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, and Mrs. Crystal Rasmusen, executive director for learning services. Also, if I could have the staff of Aspen Valley High School, please stand up. Just like your students, this this staff
003chooses to work in an awesome school like ours, and we are incredibly thankful for the work that they put together to get this amazing group of young people to the stage today. So, thank you to our staff. At this time, it is my pleasure to introduce Mrs. Ginger Habber, superintendent of Academy School District 20. Ginger Habber, a Colorado native, brings more than 30 years of educational experience and expertise to Academy 20. She comes from a long family lineage of educators who instilled in her a desire to inspire others to be lifelong learners. After starting her career pathway as a registered nurse, she soon realized that her true passion was being an educator. Ginger has served in many roles from the classroom to administration, including earning national board certification as a science teacher and serving as
004a middle and high school principal, an assistant superintendent of student achievement, and a superintendent in the state of Washington. Ginger is proud to be back in her home state of Colorado as a superintendent of Academy School District 20, where the team one spirit ensures that all students thrive. Please welcome Mrs. Habberer. Well, good morning. What a wonderful uh day today and it's I'm just so proud of each of you. Um again, congratulations class of 2025. Today marks the culmination of your resilience, your dedication, and all of your hard work. You faced late nights, challenging exams, moments of doubt, but you never gave up. This is your moment to reflect on all you've accomplished and take pride in your journey. Our vision for you is that you have the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to be
005successful beyond graduation. But none of this would have been possible without the help from your family, your friends, your amazing teachers, your coaches, and other mentors. They've been with you every step of the way, and today they share in your success. So, let's take a moment and thank them for their unwavering belief in you. Personally, I'm reminded of the legacy of my own parents, Carl and Jane Johnston. My mother was a kindergarten teacher and my father, a high school English and journalism teacher. And together, they taught me the importance of collaboration, communication, and being a lifelong learner. And even though they are no longer with me, their influence continues to shape my journey. And I encourage you to hold tight to those lessons from those who have helped you along the way. Graduates, listen to
006the wisdom that's shared with you by others. A poem that captures the very essence of values like humility, grace, and living life well is Ruddierard Kipling's If. Kipling was a Nobel Peace Pri prize winner uh for literature in 1907. He had one son, John Kipling. And we can infer that this poem was written for him before John left to be a soldier in World War I. And even though this poem was written for his son and somewhat reflects the culture of the time, there are ageless truths embedded within. And I encourage you to listen for what resonates most with you. If by Redard Kipling. If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you. But make allowance
007for their doubting too. If you can wait and not be tired by waiting or being lied about, don't deal in lies. Or being hated, don't give way to hating. And yet, don't look too good nor talk too wise. If you can dream and not make dreams your master. If you can think and not make thoughts your aim. If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same. If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by naves to make a trap for fools. Or watch the things you gave your life to broken and stoop and build them up with worn out tools. If you can make a heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch and toss and lose and start again
008with your beginnings and never breathe a word about your loss. If you can force your heart and nerve and senue to serve your turn long after they are gone. And so hold on when there is nothing in you except the will which says to them hold on. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue or walk with kings nor lose the common touch. If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you. If all men count with you, but none too much. If you can fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, then yours is the earth and everything in it. And which is more, you'll be a man, my son. Class of 2025, your future is filled with endless possibilities. So stay curious, be resilient, and dream big. I am
009confident that you will shape our world in remarkable ways. And as a D20 grad, we welcome you back to share about your future adventures. So let's give it up for the class of 2025. [Applause] [Music] Thank you, Mrs. Habberer. At each graduation, we have members of the senior class, and we ask them if any of them wish to speak at graduation. This year, we have three senior speakers. First to the podium is Ash Acavdo. Welcome, Ash. [Applause] To all the graduates you see before you today, we did it. For many of us, we achieved something we never thought possible. High school is tough and for me, if it weren't for an amazing school full of opportunity like Aspen Valley High School, I wouldn't be standing here speaking to you right now. I'm deeply honored to
010have been chosen to speak today and help us all cherish this incredible moment. Each of us here should be proud we've made it to this stage and I truly believe we are all going far in life. If you would have told me two years ago that I would be giving a speech at graduation, I wouldn't have believed you. But because of the support of this amazing staff and community, here I am. The teachers and team at Aspen Valley have always been welcoming, always there to lend a hand, and always making sure we stayed on track. And our community, the friends, the classmates, the mentors have made this school feel like home. They've made sure none of us ever felt excluded. I want to thank the people in my life who helped me get this to
011this day. Thank you to my aunt Sabrina who stepped in at the perfect time to help guide my family forward. Your humor never fails to leave a smile on our faces. Most importantly, my mom, my biggest supporter and my best friend. Thank you for never giving up on me. Your strength and love made all the difference. My family has never failed to lift me up, make me better, and give me the motivation to push through even when things got hard. Aspen Valley provided the same support with its belief in second chances. And I know that because of that, many of us got to rewrite our stories and achieve things we never thought we could. After 12 years of education, I've finally become the student I always looked up to. I also want to give a
012special shout out to Miss Trout. I was never a fan of English class until she walked into our school. She didn't just teach the subject. She made it easier, more approachable, and even fun. She helped many of us find our voice. And that's something I'll always carry with me. Today is more than just a graduation. It's a celebration of growth, of resilience, of transformation. It's a day where we, the class of 2025, step into the next chapter of our lives, stronger, smarter, and ready for whatever comes next. To our friends, families, and teachers, thank you for believing in us. And to my fellow graduates, this is our moment. Let's make it count. Congratulations, class of 2025. We made it. [Applause] Thank you, Ash. Our next student speaker is Carter [Applause] Haynes. Hello, AVHS family. I'm
013here today because of all of you. I would love to start and talk about my time at Aspen. I've been at Aspen since seventh grade. I first came to Aspen Valley for the small environment to improve my learning. I not only got what I wanted, but I was blessed with another family. My hardworking peers and teachers have pushed me to achieve more than one could ever think of doing. Aspen is not my school. It's a family that has raised me through high school. Each teacher has helped me in ways most would cry to hear about. To start off with, Mr. Simons, you have helped me from the very beginning back in middle school, and words fall too short to thank you for all you have done for me. Your knowledge and adventures still replay in
014my head. I could always count on you for laughter and assistance. Only honestly, there are many others, teachers, and that you know who you are. You have helped me with the daytoday and the little things, the check-ins, the truth, the challenges. You guys have helped me in the deepest of trenches day in and day out. I know you guys are what makes the foundation of Aspen Valley. I wish I could talk publicly each about every single one of you, but my parents already know I talk too much. So, I'll chat with you individually. Just know that you guys have my whole heart forever. Now to my fellow seniors. We've laughed together, struggled together, and grown up together. Some of us met in middle school. Some of us met just this year. But we've all been
015a part of something special. This chapter is closing, but the next page is starting right now. Wherever life takes you, whether it's college, work, the military, or something still unfolding, I hope you never forget you're not just classmates, that you're my people. And no matter where we go, a part of us will always be connected through this place, through Aspen. So let's step into what's next with not fear, but with faith. And let's carry with us always, just like my forever buddies did. Aaron, Gracie, Gerbanzo, my jiu-jitsu family, and my beloved family have always done for me. Thank you. Nice. Nicely done, Carter. Join me in welcoming our final student speaker, Amaya Thomas. Class of 2025, we made it. Take a second and look around at your fellow graduates. That's right, I said it. Graduates.
016Now, after 12 years of waking up early and spending 40 plus hours a week at school, we get to make decisions for ourselves. This brings us to the million-dollar question. What are we going to do now? Truthfully, none of us know. And that's okay. Hey, I mean, we all made it here, so I'm I'd say we're doing pretty well already. This is our time to make mistakes and try new things. So, yes, go ahead and try that new makeup look or new clothing style. Why? Because you can. And you're the only person who can truly judge you. The best thing about leaving high school is that you get a fresh start. If you didn't like the person that you were in high school, become that person you want to be. You set your own boundaries.
017So don't limit yourself because you're afraid of failing. News flash, failing is how we learn. So the failure and mistakes we make now will help guide us in as we grow into adults. However it goes, this is the start of the rest of our lives. Whether you're going into college, the military, trade school, or straight into the work force, we are the future of our country. We are the next generation of lawyers, doctors, teachers, and all other occupations society approves or not. This may be a scary statement for our older generations here, but in my eyes, as much as a rebellious generation we are, we are also determined to make sure all people are treated well. As long as our our generation keeps up that flame and fire we have, I truly believe we will
018do great things. Class of 2025, it is our turn to take on the world. [Applause] Thank you, Amaya. And thank you to our three student speakers. They tell the story of Aspen Valley incredibly well. Few words from me. First off, good morning. You guys look great. You did it. Aspen Valley graduates, families, friends, and our incredible staff, Superintendent Habber, our board of education members. Today we gather to celebrate not just a milestone but a profound testament to our students resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit that defines this extraordinary class. Aspen Valley is not your typical high school. And you are not typical students. Is that a true statement? Yeah. School didn't come easy for any of you. At some point, you, your family, a teacher, a school counselor, a friend, suggested Aspen Valley High School as
019a layer of support to reach the ultimate goal you are experiencing today, high school graduation. You are fighters, dreamers, and trailblazers. Each of you has faced adversity, personal challenges, academic struggles, and obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. Yet, here you stand today, proving that setbacks do not define you. It is how you rise above them that truly matters. Music has a unique power to unite us all. last year's graduation speech. I spent a few moments sharing how legendary artist Bob Dylan gave me inspiration as I was growing up. Many of you know I'm also a big fan of an iconic band called The Grateful Dead. I heard of Yeah, you're here. I I hear you. One of their most beloved songs is a song called Ripple. This song carries an important message. Reach out your hand
020if your cup be empty. If your cup is full, may it be full again. This lyric reminds us that life is both about giving and receiving. It's a cycle of perseverance and renewal. As you stand on the brink of this new chapter, think about how you can embody this message in your future. Each of you will face new challenges and opportunities as you leave Aspen Valley. Just like the ripples in a pond, every action you take will impact those around you in ways you may not fully see. Your journey so far has been filled with lessons. Lessons of resilience, self-belief, and community. Carry these lessons with you as you venture into the world. Whether you're heading to college, starting a job, or exploring new passions, remember to fill your own cup while also uplifting those
021around you. You have exceeded expectations, not just those that others have set for you, but the ones that you set for yourselves. You have redefined what it means to succeed, showing that potential is not a fixed destination, but a journey of discovery. As you leave Aspen Valley, the world needs people like you. Individuals who rise above challenges, inspire others, and create positive ripples in your communities. So go forth with confidence, dream boldly, chase your passions, and whatever life seems to be too much to overcome, remember, you've already overcome so much. You got this. Reach out your hand if your cup is empty. If your cup is full, may it be again. Congratulations, Aspen Valley High School class of 2025. The future is yours to shape, and I have no doubt it will be bright. Thank
022[Applause] you. And now, Mrs. Shandandy, it is with great pride that I present you, the members of the class of 2025. I hereby certify that these young adults have met the requirements for an Academy School District 20 diploma. I recommend them for their diplomas. On behalf of the board of education of Academy District 20, I accept with pride and pleasure the 2025 graduating class of Aspen Valley High School. Mr. Chamberlain, thank you, your faculty, and your staff for an outstanding job. graduates and staff. It is now time to move in position for the distribution of diplomas. Let's go. Sure. It is a high honor and a thrill for staff members to read graduates names and their post-secary future plans. This year, Chad Estrada and Chris Martin have that honor. Chad and Chris, I now present
023to you the Aspen Valley High School class of 2025 enjoy the honor of announcing these fine graduates names and their story to come. Board, administration, and seniors, it's time to distribute diplomas. Ash Alexandra Acavdo. After high school, Ash will be attending CSU PBLO, majoring in criminology. Their next plan will be to attend the police academy and work up to becoming a detective investigating crimes against children. Ariel Crystal Collins Ariel has plans to become a chef after graduation. Adriana Lee Cumins. Adriana will be attending UCCCS or Pikes Peak State College to study criminal justice after she saves up money for a car. Hunter Andrew Derta. Hunter will be moving to Oklahoma to attend a trade school and then plans to get a master's degree in meteorology. Leland R. Davis. Leland will be going from high school
024to teach elementary school aged children as a paraprofessional so he can make a difference in the world. Here's to special education. Trinity Shantel Dodson. [Music] Trinity has plans to go to the International Salon and Spa Academy, and when she's ready, will pursue a degree in astronomy, hopefully at the University of Colorado in Boulder. [Music] Connor Allan Jade Hammer. Connor intends to get a job and plans to go back to Tennessee. Carter William Haynes Carter's plan after graduation is to enlist in the United States Air Force or maybe Army now. Uh he would love to continue to be the next person in his family to step up and serve. Bianca Denise Hiron. After high school, Bianca is going to attend Pikes Peak State College for the summer, then plans to head to college out of state.
025Michaela Renee Kimmel [Music] Michaela will continue working full-time at Planet Fitness after high school and plans to attend the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology. [Music] Tannisia Kunabout. Tunisia will be taking a gap year then plans to attend cosmetology school. Julian James Lasik. Julian has been accepted to the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, award winner of a $65,000 Provost Scholarship, and will study chemical engineering with a minor in business. Riley an Livigen. Riley is considering every available option and we'll see what fits and feels right once high school is complete. Colton James Luhan Colton plans to join the Navy right after high school, but hasn't discounted the possibility of exploring a career as a tattoo artist and perhaps a pharmacist in time. Elias Mast. Elias has been accepted to the United States Marines Corps
026after high school to serve the people of the USA. He hopes to be uh recogniz Tristan Alexander McDonald. Tristan will be serving in security forces in the United States Air Force. After graduation, he will further his goals to make his mom and dad proud and be an inspiration to his sister Emily. Cadence Marie Nelson. Cadence will be moving to PBLO and plans to attend PBLO Community College to pursue music therapy. Ocean Juliana Jade Newton. After high school after high school, Ocean plans to attend art school, Romero Lopez. While Irria is not certain what is next for her, she wants to go to college for accounting and will likely start at Pikes Peak State College. Aaron Heights Shelton Aaron will continue working at Rocky Mountain Psycho Plaza, but in intends to also focus on on his
027career photography business. Aaron's mantra is just because you are not 100% today doesn't mean you cannot give 100% of whatever you have. Jose Gabriel Sto Cabrera Jose plans to attend college to pursue not only automotive studies but also culinary skills. Aiden Lawrence Schnashi. So close. Aiden has plans to either become an electrician or a welder. Sorry. Amaya Leanne Thomas. [Music] After high school, Maya will be attending CSU PBLO for a bachelor's of health science degree with a focus on athletic training. Dylan Michael Thompson. Dylan thinks he will most likely will take a cap gap year to focus on getting a job, then start thinking about what college to go to and how to organize my life going forward. Ryan Michael Thompson. Ryan plans to take a gap year and find a job somewhere. He intends
028to start thinking even more about what he would like to study in college. He is thinking about Western Governor's University where he would study cyber security. Alli Watson Alli plans after high schools includes classes at Pikes Peak State College, then pursuing a music career. Ashley Leanne Zimmerman. After high school, Ashley plans to continue her position as manager at Domino's while exploring schools like Pikes Peak State College to learn about cars. But she's also interested in studying oceanography at Boston University. Congratulations to the class of 2025. [Music] All right, for the turning of the tassel, I would like to introduce Trinity Dodson and Ashley Zimmerman. [Music] Okay, class of 2025, please join us as we move our tassel from the right side and place it on the left. Way to go. [Applause] Let's hear it for
029the class of 2025 from Aspen Valley High School one more [Applause] time. We appreciate all of you for being here today with us to celebrate our small but mighty class of graduates. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Graduates, remember to see Miss Fletcher before you leave. Um, when you turn in your things, you can grab the rest of your belongings. She will meet you at the staging room where this party started. So, class of 2025, you are dismissed. [Music] [Applause] [Music] God. Hallelujah. to play. Violet, Violet, Violet. We never have to play that again.