001Heat. Heat. [Music] God. Hey. Hey. [Music] You ready to come? Hallelujah. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Amen. Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Please join me in thanking our BHS band and band director Mr. Jason Costable for a beautiful prelude to today's ceremony. And at this time, I ask that everyone please rise. Gentlemen, remove your caps for the singing of the national anthem by the Belvadier High School Choir. [Music] No, that's the [Music] dawn. What so proudly we [Applause] At the twilight last stripes and bright stars through the [Music] perilous we were so gallently streaming and the rock is red. The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say that star spangled [Music] yet for
002the land of the free. and the home of the brave. [Applause] Good afternoon and welcome to Thunderberg Stadium. My name is Billy Lewis, principal of Belvadier High School, and it is my honor to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony for the Belvadier High School class of [Music] 2025. It is a privilege to be celebrating this momentous occasion with you all today. Bel High [Applause] School. It is my pleasure to welcome our board of education members who volunteer their time and talents on behalf of our community. Please give a wave as your name is called. President Jorge Herrera, Secretary Holly Hal, and members Barbie Young, Germaine Piggy, Brian Hemi, and Scott Mueller. And a thank you to Vice President Jeff Dtomire, who cannot be here today. Welcome also to our district superintendent, Dr. Cassandra Shug.
003Thank you, Dr. Chug and members of the board for all your dedication and helping us reach our mission as a district to help our students become lifelong learners, innovators, and contributors to society. We have a strong and proud tradition here at Belvier High School, established and strengthened by graduates of years past. Let us now take a moment during today's ceremony for the class of 2025 to honor our Belvier High School alumni in attendance. Please stand and be [Applause] recognized. And to all of our moms in attendance and watching from afar, we hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day last Sunday. Please stand to let us applaud and celebrate you at this time. Yay, moms. And to all BHS staff here today, thank you for your time, dedication, and love you have provided to our BHS
004class of 2025. A special thank you to BHS senior class adviser Lordes Aguilar for preparing this week's lunchon, rehearsal, and today's graduation ceremony. BHS staff, please stand so we can applaud you at this time. [Applause] and to our students. There were many different paths you've taken to be here today. And as we stand to recognize the schools within and outside of our district that have been part of your journeys towards this graduation day, we do so we do so by marking the end of a chapter in district 100. This senior class includes students from the last ever kindergarten class at Kishwalki Elementary School. To honor these students as part of this annual tradition at our BHS graduation ceremonies, please welcome their kindergarten teachers from Kishwwaukee Elementary, Mrs. Bramstead and Mrs. Prop. [Applause] Good afternoon, class.
005BHS class of 2025. If you attended Kishwaki Elementary, please stand and be recognized. [Applause] If you attended Lincoln Elementary School, please stand and be recognized at this time. If you attended Mien Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. [Applause] If you attended Perry Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. If you attended Seth Whitman Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. Students of Washington Academy, please stand and be [Applause] recognized. If you attended Belvadier Central Middle School, please stand and be [Applause] recognized. Students of Belvadier South Middle School, please stand and be [Applause] recognized. Students who attended Belvadier North High School, please stand and be recognized. And to our students who attended Everest High School, please stand and be [Applause] recognized. And to our students participating in the Running Start program, please stand and be
006recognized. Students, if your journey included a school outside of our district, please stand at this time and be recognized. [Applause] At this time we recognize our students who have earned the seal of biiteracy or commendation. The Illinois State seal of biiteracy is awarded to in recognition of attaining a high level of proficiency in English and one or more languages and the state commenation is for those students demonstrating significant progress towards this proficiency. We are proud to recognize the following students for earning the state seal of biiteracy. Please kindly hold your applause until all names are called. Please stand students when your name is called. Camila Kamargo, Gracia Kamargo, Charlene Shyz, Santoo, Alex Dionio, Melanie Esparza Flores, Roselia Gutierrez, Arturo Ernnandez, Ashley Hernandez, Kelly Ernnandez, Evelyn Pina Molina, Rosario Robé Sanchez, and Marilyn Rodriguez [Applause] Perez.
007And to the following students who have earned state commendation, again, please kindly hold your applause until all names are called. Students Asusena Garcia Mendes, Ariana Garcia Ernnandez, Mark Martinez, Eduardo Montalvo, and Carlos [Applause] Ruiz. Our students are also destined to go in many different directions after graduation. One special group to acknowledge is those students enlisted to enter a branch of the United States Armed Forces. Please stand students as your name is called and please kindly hold your applause until all names are called. To the Army National Guard, Claudia Ruval Calba, to the United States Army, Bailey Allen and Jordan Kelly. To the United States Navy, Nicole Asencio and Cat Shonseel. and to the United States Air Force, Daniel [Applause] Chavez. As we prepare to hear opening remarks from our student speakers, I will first take
008a moment to honor former longtime BHS teacher and instructional coach, Mr. Andy Warh who passed away last month as he was serving in his second year as assistant principal at Washington Academy in our district. Graduates, although you may not have met Mr. Whane personally, it is important for you to know that how he gave his time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears to our community was matched by few. And it is an example you would not regret following as you move on from this graduation day. Mr. Warhane helped students in their learning and teachers in their teaching. He was head coach of three different varsity sports at BHS. He led educational foreign trips for BHS students to experience other parts of the world. For Friday night football games, he ran the grill for many years right
009to our north. And for many years, he read graduates names to receive their diplomas at this very ceremony. There is a quote that embodies Mr. Warhine's spirit of service. quote, "Rivers do not drink their own water, and trees do not eat their own fruit. Living for others is a rule of nature. Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you." End quote. I smile today because I've seen how you, BHS class of 2025, have embraced that same spirit for serving others. I have seen how others are happy because of you. your character, your work ethic, and your empathy to one another. Whether it is the many community service projects off campus to sitting with our essential element students at lunch to showing compassion during difficult times, you
010get it. You get that your own success and life satisfaction is largely determined by what you do for others. And that is one of many reasons why I am extremely optimistic about what the future holds for all of you. I am so proud of you, BHS class of 2025, for the leaders and capable young men and women you have become. Families and friends, please join me in giving them a round of applause. It is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Miss Angelica Rodriguez, ILMHS vice president and student council public relations officer and Miss Addison Walker, president of Best Buddies and Student Director of Renaissance for our opening address. After graduation, Angelica will attend Illinois State University to study public relations and Addie will attend Eastern Illinois University to study special education. [Applause] Hi,
011good afternoon family, friends, and teachers. And most importantly, the incredible class of 2025. I cannot begin this speech without thanking our teachers, administrators, peers, and my family, specifically my parents. [Music] Nothing in this world worth having is easy. Our sacrifices and goals remind us of where we came from and the journey we have taken. We have put the work in since we walked in those doors freshman year, holding ourselves accountable to be to the people we set out to be from our first day of senior year. We make our dreams and wherever we end up, we will make our greatness there. We are still finding our story, still learning. But I know not but I know that the journey will allow us to reach our dreams no matter how long it takes. A quote I
012believe that encompasses our values as the class of 2025 is we do not remember days we remember moments chaveves highlighting the importance of moments and the actions that alter one's life forever. I remember the vivid moments that led me to be the person I am today. One moment that will stay with me was during football season where the cheer team and I went to Build-A-Bear making our very own cheerleading buck mascot, a symbol of our commitment and connection as a team that we carried through games and events. We have spent so many days together as a class over these last four years. But there's no way of remembering each of those days. Instead, what we're left with is these little memories. Whether it's team bonding, performances, or anything in between, we remember the friends and
013memories we have made we have experienced together as a class. The last four years that we have experienced are filled with many moments that we may never forget. As I leave you today, I want you to remember that no matter where we come from or how long it takes, the journey will be something we never forget. Despite everything in the world, we will never forget these moments. [Applause] And through all these moments, we can say we made it. It's a simple phrase, but it carries the weight of everything we've been through. From navigating the challenges of CO 19 in our earlier school years, learning through screens and isolation to stepping back into the classroom and learning how to be together again. We've come a long way. But what got us here wasn't resilience. It was
014the power of being different, of celebrating what makes us stand out. We've come from different cultures, backgrounds, passions, and dreams. And instead of letting those differences divide us, we use them to build a class that is vibrant, creative, and strong. We are artists. We are athletes. We are scientists, musicians, leaders, and dreamers. We are all these things and more. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in high school is that our differences are not just something to accept, but something you can celebrate. We all face unique challenges, silent battles no one else can see and obstacles that sometimes feel impossible to overcome. But just as our struggles differ, so do our strengths. Each of us carries something valuable. A pers a perspective, a resilience, a spark that no one else can replicate. For me, one
015of the most meaningful things I've done was learn learning sign language. Not for a future job or because it looked cool, but because I wanted to connect pe connect to people I might have otherwise been able to. As the code says, diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. So, celebrate it every day. [Applause] Each of us carries a story that matters. And now, as we leave these halls and step into what comes next, we don't just take the memories with us. We take the responsibility to make an impact. Whether it's in our communities, our careers, or our relationships. The mark we leave will be shaped by everything we have learned, especially how we've learned to rise together. I want to take a moment to thank the people who helped me get
016here today. I want to thank my family, my mom and my dad, my best friend Jocelyn and Travis, Miss Schaefer, Miss Riley, Miss Smith, Miss Owens, and Miss Full. And every other teacher who has supported me through this journey, and lastly, my granny who could not be here today, but got me to be who I am. I love you. Right now, I want you to think of an empty room. Now, fill it with those people who you love and the people who support you. Know in this time where you might not be sure what happens next, the people in your room will always be there cheering you on as you go to make your differences in the world. So tonight, let's celebrate not just getting to the finish line, but the path we took to
017get here. Congratulations, BA BHS class of 2025. The world is ready for us because we're ready to change it. [Applause] in Spanish. All right. At this time, uh, we ask that you please direct your attention to BHS ac capella students led by Belvadier High School vocal music director, Mr. Mark Miller Cornnejo. They will be performing I'll be on my way by Shaun Kersner. [Music] When I am gone, don't you cry for me. Don't you pity my sorry soul. What pain there might have been will now be passed and my spirit will be whole. I'll be on my way. [Music] [Applause] I'll be on my [Music] way. I'll have left my feet of clay upon the ground. I will be glory bound. I'll be on my way. When I am [Music] cry what pain it might
018have been will now be passed in my spirit will be I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll have let my feet lay upon the ground. I will be glory bound. I'll be on my way when I am gone. Please forgive the wrongs that I might have done to you. There'll be no room for regrets up there. I am way beyond the blue. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll have laid my ground down. I'll be down on my ground. I'll be on my way. When I am gone, don't you look for me in the places I have been. I'll be alive, but somewhere else I'll be on my way again. I'll be on my way. I'll be
019on my way. I'll be on my way with my ing everywhere. On my way. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. I'll be on my way. My ground and my burdens on my ground on my way. I'll have left my feet upon the ground. I will be glorify on my [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] way. Thank you, BHS ac cappella. It is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Miss Giana Dejanearo, ILMHS secretary and BHS band clarinet section leader and BHS care club project leader to deliver the senior class address. After graduation, Gigi plans to attend Barrett College, Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University to study environmental engineering. [Applause] Our graduating class is very unique, excelling athletically, artistically, academically, and socially. In athletics, the class of
0202025 has been breaking records and recording first. In girls basketball, Ariana Leau has scored over a thousand points. Emma Pearson has scored a record-breaking 2374 points in her time at BHS. As well as excelling in basketball, Emma Pearson has qualified for state in golf three times over the course of her time here at BHS. Another record was broken by Maggie Sternquest in girls volleyball for career kills. In bull in boys bowling, Drake Lungrom bowled a perfect game. Rosalia Gutierrez made history at BHS by being the first female to compete in wrestling. I had the opportunity to compete at the state level for tennis in both doubles and singles. The last time anyone else had this opportunity was in the early 2000s. Our class has eight individuals signed on to college teams to continue playing their
021sports at the collegiate level. Our sports teams are beginning to grow again. Our class marks the beginning of BHS soaring to new heights. These dedicated athletes have inspired more players and more passion and have made a positive impact on BHS sports. In the performing arts, three students in our class qualified for the Illinois Music Education Associ Association Allstate Festival. Not only did these students make it into All State, but they made it into the highest level for their ensembles. Be Clement and Gabe Yates were members of the All State Honors Choir, while I was a member of the All State Honors Band. The first student to be in the All-State Honors Band from BHS since Mr. Costel became our band director four years ago. Rosalia Gutierrez participated in the first ever I mariachi festival, a
022first for not only BHS students, but students all over the state of Illinois. Within the physical arts, students had the chance to participate in their choice of six outside of school competitions and art shows. Sit. Lai Rico participated in all of those events. In the Rembrandt State Convention, she placed third in drawing and second place in portfolio competition, winning a scholarship. Alongside Sitali, Nathan Yeves received second place for sculptured in the same competition. Students in our class are participating in arts outside of school, which is leading to the younger classes to begin to push themselves further and do the same. Those of us who have participated in outside opportunities have learned life skills that we would not have been able to learn otherwise. We have also shown that continuing music and arts outside of school
023is a possibility for anyone as long as they wish to work hard for it. Academically, our class future plans are as diverse as they're ambitious. I myself will be going into environmental engineering. While rehearsing this speech, my mother told me I sounded like I was reading off a lab report. I guess that's why we know I'm going into engineering. But these statist statistic uh statistics of our class are worth celebrating. The percentage of students taking AP courses and passing their tests have increased over the years. 33% of students are taking AP courses. Of those students taking AP courses, we have a school average of 42% of them passing their tests. On Tuesday, 12 students were named Illinois State Scholars. One of them happens to be a very good friend of mine, Paige Neck. The class
024of 2025's graduation percentage is around 85% for our year. Our class's graduation percentage is very close to reaching our statewide average. The class of 2025 is going in many different directions. Some of us are furthering our education through college, some through trade school. Some of us are even going into the military immediately after school. Some of us are stepping directly into adulthood, and some of us are going directly into the workforce. We can't say for sure what our class will do now that we have graduated and are going into the adult world. We have access to more opportunities than any of the past graduating classes. We have our whole lives ahead of us. We've grown so much in our four years here. There's endless ways we will grow over the next five, even 10 years.
025Life will be very different a year from now. Even a month from now, life will be different. Some of us will begin packing for college in a month, moving across the country. Others will have internships or jobs. Some will have both. Life is always changing, but Belvadier will always be a place we can return to. Most of us will look back fondly, but one thing is for sure. We will be proud of where we came from, where we started our adulthood, where we started off. Whatever direction we go in, we will all know that there are people here in Belvier to help us. Whether there are friends, family, or educators, we are fortunate that we will always be someone here to help us and support you. No matter what you do or where you go,
026this is the end of one journey and the beginning of the rest of our lives. We are all going in the direction that is best for us. That is the one of the wonderful things that makes our class unique. Not everyone has the same needs and our class understands that. Some of us, like myself, need to expand their horizons and explore what the world has to offer. Others need to take time to refine and find solace here at home in Belvadier. We've all heard of people having a list of things they need to achieve by a certain age. Graduating high school at 18, graduating college at 22, get married at 28, etc., etc. We have been told in our lives that you need to do a certain things on this timeline, but that timeline isn't
027made for everyone. Our class is following what we need. We're one of the first classes to openly defy that timeline that has been set for us by society. In our time here at BHS, we have made wonderful memories, gone on countless adventures, made friends, found people who became family, some people will who will be in our lives forever. But all journeys must come to an end. For the last four years during the summer, quite a few of us have volunteered at Starlight Theater. One of the sayings at the end of each show is, "It's a journey because it ends." That quote shows how things won't last forever, but we remember them. Life is a bunch of journeys put together, each one a chapter of our lives. The point of a journey is not to arrive,
028but to learn from the paths we take. Each beginning is another beginning's end. This is only the first chapter. We still have a novel to write and maybe even a series. Who knows? Our adventures will write themselves. [Applause] [Music] It is now my pleasure to introduce Dr. Cassandra Shug, superintendent of Belvadier Community, Unit School District 100. [Applause] Good afternoon. I think I have the best job today. I have the shortest speech. It's only one line and I think it's the best line of graduation. So to the district 100 community and the board of education, as the superintendent of the Belvadier community unit school district number 100, I certify that the Belvadier High School graduating class of 2025 has met all graduation requirements deemed appropriate by the board of education and the state of Illinois and
029has therefore earned their high school diplomas. Congratulations graduates. [Applause] Sorry. Honors graduates are those achieving the status of cumi unweighted GPA of 350 to 3.74, magnaum laudy GPA 3.75 to 3.99 and sumakumi GPA 4.0 Anthony J Asi Jordan Diego Agiri Joseph Samuel Ayelo Joselyn R. Alberon Cumladi Antonio Alimman Campos Bailey Marie Allen Leila Ana [Applause] Alvarez, Eveene Andrade, Ei Cordell Andrews, Jose Guadalupe, Ariano, Sochi, Arenas, Vernandez, Danielle Areola, Nicole Hyel, Asencio, Aguila, Kumlau, Hayden Aves, Ian Michael, Aila, Cumlau, Ashland, Matthew, Allen, Barnett, Michael Javier Batres, Trinity Marie Baller, Briana Jane Bombgardner, Alexander Joseph Bayum, Kayla Lynn Bodet, Kum Laudy, Mason Shaun [Music] Bell, Connor Michael Bergman, Jasmine [Applause] Bonia, Haley Anne Marie Boomer, Kum Lai, Casey Bots, Cumudy, Kaden Caleb Cabangal Kum [Applause] Lai Camila Zoe Cabrera Cumi Jose Gabrielle Calderon Dakota Nicholas Caldwell Emmeiliano
030Kamargo Estella Kamargo Gracia Kamargo, Kaleana Gabrielle [Music] Cameron, Nuria Campos, Benjamin Alejandro Cardinas Caseras, Florena Gualupe, Cvantes, Daniel Eric Chadez, [Music] Gel [Applause] Chadez, Charlene Yahra Chavez, Santoo, Natalie Naa Cheney, [Music] Matthew Allen Chapel, Case Robert Charlessworth Riley Christ Magna Cumludy Nicholas Ralph Cecila Kum Lai Gianna Nicole Cena B. Jada Clements Hannah Raises Culver Cumludy Arabella Grace Congolton Magna Cumludy Dakota Ray Cornet Vanessa Cororea Marin David Cortez Eric Brandon Cruz Tapia Ashley Lupita Cruz [Music] Aila Yelene Maria Cruz [Music] Ruiz Noah Austin [Applause] Debrien Ganna Marie DJ Janearo, Sumakum [Applause] Laudi, Andrew James [Music] Deany, Alex Amar Dionio, Magnaumi Carson Mia Ericson, Magnaum Lai. [Applause] Melanie Esparza [Applause] [Music] Flores, Oscar [Applause] Espinosa, Mia Veneia ESL, Shemaya De Jane Helen Evans, Austin Flint, Eric D. Flores, Kumlai, Isaiah Indalesio Flores, Joseline Jessica Flores, [Music] Chavez,
031Elijah Isaiah Fales, McKenna Grace Gaines, Cumlau, [Music] Jonathan Guadalupe Galysia, Steven Salvador, Galacia, Edgar Antonio Galacia, Miranda Garcia, Juan Garcia, [Applause] Ariana Isabelle Garcia Ernnandez, Asusina Garcia Mendes, Lisandra Garduno, Seth Eden Ray Garner, Elias Gaitan, Zoe Ella Marie Gerky, Magna [Music] Cumludy, Kayla Gibson, Kum [Music] Laudy, Miranda Godinz, Monttero, Trista Goldsmith, Kum Lai, Fatima Gomez, Ver Hernandez, Zavier Enrique Gonzalez, William Gonzalez, Ya Ulyses, Gonzalez, Zarate, Ekran, Marie Gore, Ashley Graciano, Briana Jquelin Aguero Kumlari Christopher Guerrero Danielle Guara Roselia [Applause] Gutierrez El Guzman Nicholas Charles Harris, Robert John Hasty, Kumlai, Aruro Ernnandez, Ashley Marie Ernnandez, Magnaum Lai, Brian Ernnandez, Kelly Lupita Ernnandez, Magnaum Lai, Miguel Anhel, Ernnandez, Castayanos, Eduardo, Ernnandez, Suarez, Kumlau, Riley, Don, Hildebrand, Tania, Alexis Hill, [Applause] Derek Duke Holmes, [Applause] Cumludy, Liliana Ray Horn, Magna [Applause] Cumlai, Haley Anne Huggurt, Jenny Huang, Mag
032Sumakum Lai, Stephanie Inu, Strosa, Kylie Harmo, Riley Anne Johnson, Riley Alexander Jones, Thomas Coleman [Music] Jones, Yonathan [Music] Yos Kumloud, Brayley Grace Joiner, Cumlowy, Alicia Rain, Jurus, Jordan Kelly, Riley Joanne Kindle Sparker, Kum [Music] Lai, Abigail Elaine King, Kum Lai, McKenzie Anne Klene, Kumlai, James Kofi, Maline Clarice, Colto, [Music] Cumludy, Emlia Kathleen Kosiel, Magna Cumludy, Kale Krider, Aninsley Marie Crup, Sumakum Lai, Ariana Elise Labau kumlai Augusta May Labour David Lagonas Adrianne Lara Myra Himea Lara Mariana Lis Gonzalez, Briana Monae [Applause] Lee, Ariana Novely, Charles Matthew Leonard, Kelly Luis Lesnuski, [Applause] Riley Marie Luteek, Daniela Elizabeth Luna, Rolando Antonio Luna, Keegan Mitchell Londa Rowen Lundquis, Magna Cumludy, Drake Jacob Lungstrom, [Music] Scott Ellen, Lia, Nicholas Madera, Ernnandez, Martin Jordan, Malathon, Magna Cumlau, Alberto Marquez, Mark Martinez, Melrose Lorine Martinez, Cam Magnaum La Naelli Christina Martinez, Whan
033Joe [Applause] Martinez, Ya Martinez, Michaela Grace Mlan Smith Magnaum [Applause] Lai Rachel Olivia McCoy Aruro Anel Medina Cumli Brenda Maria Medina Christian Medina, [Music] Daniela Menddees, Pareedes, Damarice, Guadalupe, Mendoza, Santoo, Katon Austin, [Music] Miller, Eduardo Manalvo, Kaylee Marie Wild [Applause] Mutre Aeri Guadalupe Moreno Rosas Preis Muneton Kevin Javier Munoz Zora Mustanser, Jonathan David [Applause] Mishka, Paige Edison, Neimic, Sumakum Laudi, Nathan Nves, Ariel S. [Music] Auni, Susan Abby, Auni, Isabella [Music] Olivera, Nicholas Andre, Entango, Magnaum [Applause] Laudy, Travis Wayne only, Magnaumai. Hel Orosco Kumludy Austin James Osmond Delaney Maria Pollson Magnaum Laudy Richard Christian Perez [Music] Romeo Martin Perez Cumladi [Applause] Cameron Michael Peterson, Magnaum [Applause] Lai. Emma Lynn Pearson, Magna Cumludy. Evelyn Peina Molina Emanuel Ishmael Pasano Anopre [Applause] [Music] Heraldine Lucia Pon Rihanna Lynn Prisby Victor Anthony [Music] Raferty Ian Orlando [Music] Ramirez Chase
034Josiah Ratliff Grace Elizabeth Wrestler, Magna Cumlai, Eduardo Reyes, Sitali, Guadalupe, Rico, Magnaum [Music] Laudi, Christian Alexander Rivas, Michael Isaac Rivas, [Applause] Jesus Rivera, [Music] Brian Elier Ria Gomez, Tayana Lois Robinson, Esmeralda Maria Robles, [Applause] Rosario Si Robles Sanchez, Alexis Rodriguez, Angelica Rodriguez, Magnaum Lai, Edward Rodriguez, Isabella Marie Rodriguez, [Music] Jace Rodriguez, Marilyn Rodriguez, Perez, Jonathan Romero, Rebecca Anne Rucker, Samantha K. Rucker, Magnaum Laudy, David [Applause] Ruiz, Carlos Antonio Ruiz, Cortez, David Ruiz, Ria, Anela, Guadalupe, Ruiz Rosales, Sumakumari, Claudia Irene Ruvacaba Henry Sanchez, Ya Sanchez, Roman Manuel Santos, Katherine Elizabeth Sha Seagull, Christian Michael Schroeder, [Applause] Alexa Lucia Sa Cumludy, Chamira Rihanna [Applause] Seymour, Colton James Smith, Nolan Xavier Smith, Maggie K. Sternquist, Magna Cumludy, Nathan Stewart, Ethan Swaffford, Magnaum Lai, congratulations. Preston Allen Taft, Nervvisa Tatar, Sumakum Laudi, Kaen Jade Thompson, Haven Elizabeth Udhovven, [Music]
035Giovani Octavio, Erbetta, [Music] Sali Valdez, [Applause] Ital Valdivia, Elleio Valenuela, Pa Alexandra Vjo, Mark Anthony Vargas, cumi [Applause] Ryan Jeffrey [Applause] Vita, Antonio Miguel [Applause] [Music] Val, Zeke Anthony Vorma, [Applause] Cumlowi, Ashlin Ava Wall, Addison Eileen Walker, Brandon Lai [Applause] West, Evan Joseph Wick, Jaden Anthony Worley, Magnaum Lai. [Music] Gabriel Joseph Yates, Sumakum [Applause] Lai, Alexander Zena, Antonio Zavala, Alexander Zeno Andrade, Cumlau, Anastasia Zeno, Andrade, Vanessa Maria Zepeda Trisha Marie [Music] Zinda Brett M. Zinci [Applause] Belvadier High School family, I present to you the BHS class of [Music] [Applause] 2025. And it is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Mr. Gabriel Yates, drum major and ILMHS president, to deliver our closing address. After graduation, Gabe Gabriel plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville to study aerospace engineering. [Applause] Good afternoon, family,
036friends, and fellow graduates of the class of 2025. On behalf of my fellow classmates, I would first like to thank all of the teachers, coaches, administrators, and other members of staff who got us to this point. All of you have played an important role in our lives and have not only helped show each one of us our potential, but have helped us expand our potential. Throughout this past year, I have been hearing the word potential a lot, partly because of AP Physics. But the way that stuck with me the most is through a song lyric by Ben Folds that goes, "I used to be endless potential." This lyric reminds me of the beginning of our freshman year when it felt like all of us had this endless potential. Potential to meet new people, potential to
037join new sports or clubs, potential to learn new things. But as our time at BHS went on, we started having less and less potential to do these things. Now, starting today, our potential as a student at BHS ends, but our potential outside of BHS begins. No matter what your plans are, you are starting fresh. It's time for us to find out what our potential is. And the only way to do that is by challenging ourselves. Each Monday, we hear the same message from Mr. Lewis in the announcements. And at the end of that message, we get reminded that we need to pursue greatness every day. Some of us found our potential here at BHS by doing this. We push ourselves each day to become the best version of ourselves. It's now our time to go
038out into the world and do the same thing. Although graduating is the end of our time at BHS, it's a time for us to start trying new things and challenging ourselves elsewhere. Go after your dreams. Take risks. Don't let other people tell you what your potential is. Find it yourself. And in order to do this, we can't let our fears and doubts overpower us. This is a very scary moment for a lot of us. It's the beginning of a lot of unknowns. And it feels like there's so much that we need to do. But although I just talked a lot about what our future holds, it is also very important for all of us to live in the present. During our time here at BHS, we've seen just how quickly life can move. We can't
039let the fears of our future ruin the present. Take advantage of each and every moment you get, but make sure to enjoy them. And now for the moment all of us have been waiting for. Belvadier High School class of 2025, join me in turning our tassels from right to left. Congratulations, class of 2025. Go out and find your potential, but most of all, enjoy this moment. You deserve [Applause] it. Faculty and junior leaders, please take your positions for dismissal. Yes. Graduates of the BHS class of 2025, please rise. [Music] You've earned the right to walk out of here with your head heads held high. As you go forth, believe in yourself and your future and pursue greatness every single day. Congratulations to you. [Applause] [Music] My [Music] son. Come on. [Music] Louise. Heat. Heat. [Music]
040Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] Yeah. Hallelujah. [Music] Here I am. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [Music] Thank you.