001so that you could yell for your speech. She wants us pass. Yeah. They're coming. You got it. Michael, run. Michael, run. I'm gonna give you What? You got to go by Drums on when they get on the drums on [Music] Look out for your Good morning. I'm Lieutenant Commander Travis Brewster, the senior naval science instructor at Bridgeport Military Academy. In a few minutes, the graduation ceremony will begin. Please ensure that all cell phones are silenced. You're encouraged to applause or to take pictures or video when your graduate enters the stadium. To my right, there's going to be a area where each graduate will pause to take an official photo upon receiving their diplomas. And those pictures are gonna be made to you for all graduates. Thank you. [Music] Ready? Here we go. [Music] Ladies and
002gentlemen, please rise as Bridgeport Military Academy, class of 2025, Interstate Stadium. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] There you go. Heat. [Music] Thank you everyone. Heat. What do you think? Heat. Let's [Music] keep going. Bridgeport Military Academy, class of 2025. Take seats. Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated if you're standing. For the past four years, each morning, your cadets have honored the United States and the brave men and women who serve this nation in the military, as well as those who answer the call to assist others in their time of need. As we are Bridgeport Military Academy, As we are Bridgeport Military Academy, a school of first responder and Navy cadetses, your cadets will now honor the country, those who defend her, and those who are who serve our community as we present the colors for
003the class of 2025 one last time. This year, the class of 2025 decided that they wanted to present the colors one final time. So we have Cadet Petty Officer First Class Jacqueline Panei, Cadet Master Chief Wain uh Chunga carrying the rifles, Cadet Master Chief Essence Graham carrying the Coast Guard flag, Cadet Chief Anthony Martinez carrying the Marine Corps flag and our first semester battalion executive officer Michael Perez carrying the Navy flag. And they are led by first the first semester battalion commander cadet Lieutenant Commander Evan Aoyo carrying the American flag. They will be joined by members of the drum and bugle corps led by civil air patrol captain Arun Kadam. In the band we have the following cadets of the senior class playing drums. Cadet Alexis Kuransza, first semester senior enlisted leader and the second
004semester executive officer cadet Lieutenant Jakia Lake. and our drum major and the second semester battalion commander cadet Lieutenant Ayetsa Pacheco. Color guard parade the colors [Music] We're experiencing some technical difficulties. Get the play music playlist. One second. [Music] Oh, hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the singing of our National Anthem sung by BMA's class of 2025's very own cadet in Raquel Rivera. [Music] But so proud we held at the twilight last stripes and bright stars through the [Music] gallant and the rockets. It's red. The bombs burst in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled [Music] away or the land of the free and the home of the brave. [Applause] Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the playing of the traditional
005service songs of the naval science instructors at BMA who are retired members of the Navy and Marine Corps. First, the drum and Bugle Corps will play Anchors away to honor the Navy. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] And finally, the DMV will now play the Marines hymn to honor the United States Marine Corps. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Hey, hey, hey, hey. [Music] BMA class of 2025, take seats. Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated. It is now my privilege to introduce the master ceremonies for our graduation ceremony for Bridgeport Military Academyy's class of 2025, the esteemed and beloved Miss Vanessa Aoyo. Good morning, family, friends, faculty, city officials, and of course, the extraordinary, unforgettable class of 2025. This morning, I have the distinct honor and personal joy of being your
006mistress of ceremonies. This class is particularly special to my heart. Someone very close to me is among you today. My younger brother is in this class, which means I have insider knowledge. I know firsthand the grit, the late night study sessions, and the group chats that definitely started out as study sessions but turned into memes and crashs around 1000 p.m. And beyond that, the class of 2025, you are truly a class like no other. You began your high school journey in the middle of uncertainty. You walked into freshman year still wearing masks, still adjusting to a world flipped upside down by a global pandemic. You learned how to adapt to teams, hallway arrows, hybrid learning, and somehow you thrived. Today is more than a graduation. It is a triumph, a celebration of resilience, of transformation,
007and of all the ways you turn challenge into character. And now, let's begin the morning celebrations by recognizing some very important guests. We of course like to thank a warm welcome to the members of our board of education who helped guide our district with dedication and heart and made decisions that shaped the very path that brought us here. Jennifer Perez, chair, Joseph Sakalavik, vice chairman. Albert Benahan Ganales, secretary. Christine Baptist Perez, Akisha Casemir, Marissa Estamira Himenez, Willie Medina, Robert J. Treyber, and Andre Woodson. Can we get them a round of applause, please? Let's also recognize our acting superintendent, Dr. Royce Avery, who stepped into his role without hesitation. He leads with vision, compassion, and just the right amount of caffeine. We are also joined by city officials, including the honorable mayor, Joseph Ganam, whose ongoing
008support helps build the bridges between our schools and our community. We thank you all for being here and for your unwavering service. I would be wrong if I did not welcome the support systems of the graduates today. Teachers, mentors, family members, and friends. Our graduates would not be seated here today if it was not for your ongoing encouragement. You were the ones who told them they were capable of greatness when others told them opposite. But most importantly, I have to welcome the star of the show, the reason we're all here today, the Bridgeport Military class of 2025. You all look amazing today, and I hope you'll listen to me for the next hour, probably for the last time. So, let's commence the ceremony for today is a day of joy, reflection, anticipation. Congratulations, class of
0092025. At this time, I would like to invite the mayor, Joseph Ganham, to the podium to open the ceremony. Vanessa, thank you. And it's my pleasure uh and honor to join all of you, to say good morning, and to add to the choir of congratulations to the Bridgeport Military Academy class of 2025. Let's give him a round of applause one more time. This is your day to shine and it couldn't be a better day. Look just straight in front of me, the families that are here, the support systems that were mentioned that you all are a part of today's success and congratulations goes out and appreciation I know to each of you as well. Um also the faculty and staff and everyone that just work day in and day out um are all a part
010of this success today. This huge congratulations to everyone. But as much as it's a congratulations and a day to kind of rest on your laurels for a bit um I think the big takeaway is um the understanding now and proof that with the focus and desire that you can uh succeed. You have the formula, the plan if you will for success for your lives in each and every endeavor that you might face either with the desire to tackle it or just something that might come your way. And I think that's so important and that's the education um that no one can take away. things in life can come and go, but your education is yours now and what you do with it um is, you know, sky's is the limit. But I always remind people
011at this point, as great as it is, there is a ever growing level of responsibility and obviously you get that. We'd like you to consider that. Uh it says in the mission here to instruct and inspire students to develop a strong commitment to serve I'm sorry to service to others above self with their school, family, and community while preparing academically for leadership roles and professional careers throughout the world. So the world is yours. I hope as you pass through it, you'll remain or remember and always care about and hopefully be a part of uh Bridgeport's as your our next generation of leadership. Thank you. Godspeed. Another round of applause to the class of 2025. This is your day. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I would like to invite acting superintendent Dr. Royce Avery to the podium
012to address the graduating class. Good morning to our outstanding graduates, their families, our excellent teacher and amazing administrators, and everyone who has helped to make this day possible. Thank you for being here. Most importantly, congratulations to the class of 2025. Today we celebrate your hard work and journey. It's not just about caps, gowns, and diplomas. It's about the path you started way before high school and will continue today. You all got here differently. Some balanced school with jobs, helped at home. Many of you are here for the first time with your families at Sorry. Many of you have are the first ones to graduate in your families. Some of you came to this country, learned a new language and kept with kept going with determination. I want to give you a special shout out to
013our our English learners. Your courage and commitment inspires us all. Each of you brings something unique to this celebration. Every late night study session, obstacle, and success has shaped you and brought you to this moment. And that's pretty incredible. It's important to remember that the world can be harsh, the economy unpredictable, and the housing cost very high. That may change your plans. Some of you might need extra time to figure things out, and that's completely okay. Be patient, stay strong, and adapt when needed. Changing path does not mean failing. It means growing. It's about finding what matters to you and the life you want. As you chase your dreams, don't compare yourself to others. Social media shows social media often shows a perfect picture, but remember, it's just a highlight reel. Real life is much
014more. Many see my career as successful. I've been a teacher and a and a superintendent. I'm honored to serve you and your community. This role is sometime something I tr I truly cherish. However, I don't have a mansion. I don't have an exotic car. Instead, I have a fulfilling life and a and a careerdriven passion. I face struggles and failures, but persistence made all the difference. Do work. Do work. Do the work that you love. Trust that hard work will pay off, even if it takes you in a different path. Consistency, truth, and a willingness to learn will help you build a satisfying life. Class of 2025, you are ready, and you are essential to this world. We believe, we believe in you, celebrate you, and look forward to seeing what you achieve. Congratulations. Keep
015moving forward. We're cheering you all the way. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Avery. At this time, please welcome Bridgeport Military Academyy's principal, Commander Joseph Lip. Uh, thank you, Vanessa. Good morning, and I'd like to thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts as we honor these outstanding students. I want to thank the board of education members, the mayor, the superintendent and his staff for being here to witness this important day. I want to thank my staff with for their dedication and support. And I want to thank our parents in the audience support their child in our school. I want to briefly touch on four important themes. The first being leadership, then mentoring and being mentored, preparedness for college and career success, and love of country and community. every morning at formation, I start the
016uh formation off with the leadership word of the day. I think leadership, that's something we teach our students. Every single cadet's had that opportunity. You've heard some of the roles that some of the students had, but I think leadership is important. You don't have to lead from the front. You can lead from the middle. Successful leaders take ownership. It's not just their job. It's their entire team that they bring on board, their division or their mission that they're going to proceed with. In the Navy, we were taught this through leadership and management and education and training. And every time you went through a different job, you went and had some more additional leadership training to learn both your job, the management of your job, and more importantly, how to be a better leader. While management
017about systems, management is about systems and processes. It's leadership that I really want to talk about because leadership is more important. Leadership takes the people, the vision, and the culture and moves them forward through challenging times. You guys may have heard of Admiral Rickover. He was a father of nuclear navy and he once said, "You get what you inspect, not what you expect." And what he meant by that was being present. For our teachers, it's being with the students. For the administrators, it's being there supervising the the students walking through the classroom. It's in the Navy was being on the deck plates, being at meetings, being involved with the lives of our our in the Navy. It was our sailors and school, our students. great leaders, leaders that we all know and and uh are
018proud of to call them Americans. From George Washington to Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, they didn't just have great ideas. They built teams and cultures that carried the vision forward long after they were gone. And that's a true mark of leadership, creating a a shared vision that out leaves you because eventually we're all going to go on to different jobs, different careers, and um it's got to still sustain itself. I mentioned mentoring and being a mentee. No one succeeds alone. I've had many mentors through my life. People who have guided me and challenged me, helped me grow. Seek out mentors, ask them questions, learn from their experience, and when it's time, when the time comes, mentor, be mentors to others. Many of our cadetses, our seniors that are here today graduating, have mentored our junior
019cadets as they've gone through the program and showed them how to be successful and turn them around. That's how we build strong. Mentoring is how we build strong communities and professions by lifting each other up. I'm just going to touch a little bit on college and career. You guys have already proven yourself academic excellence by graduating from high school. But don't stop there. Strive for that. Strive for more than just good enough. Employers and leaders look for those who are curious, committed, and connected. You go to college, find the professors who teach the early morning classes at four-year universities. They're more often the most experienced and the best connected. That goes back to the mentoring theme. They're often the uh they never go and never in college ever go to bed with not understanding 100%
020of what was taught that day. Those small gaps in knowledge build up over time and grow quickly. And you can't cram for understanding the last night before exams. And again, success isn't about grades. It's about efforts, consistency, and relationships. Just want to touch base while you're here. We teach about the naval science courses, teach about patriotism, teach about American and naval history, as well as what we have in our traditional classes. Our students have been dedicated to service. All of them would do service either through build-on or through the Navy. Continue that service whether it's through volunteering, whether it's leadership, and sometimes it's just showing up. You've already made a difference yourselves. Remember, patriotism isn't just about wagging a flag. It's about showing up for your community, being community members, supporting your team, your country,
021being loyal, having integrity and pride. In closing, I want to thank you for your efforts and your time. You represent the best of what our school has to offer. Keep striving, keep serving, and keep leading. God bless you all, and congratulations to each of you. Thank you, Commander Lip. Now, it is time to hear from someone who didn't just succeed in the classroom. She redefined what success would look like. Our saludiatoran, Claudia Andrews, is more than just a high GPA. She stood apart because of her quiet determination, her relentless curiosity, and her ability to lead with both excellence and humility. While others were asking, "What's the bare minimum?" Claudia was asking, "How far can I go?" At this time, I would love to welcome our saludiatoran of the class of 2025, Miss Claudia Andrews. Class
022of 2025, teachers, family, friends, those even though our high school years have come to an end, there is so much life ahead of each and every one of us. I want to encourage the class of 2025 to go beyond their four years of high school and do bigger and better things. Never settle for having your best be behind you. Always look further into the future. Reach for new goals. Set your sights higher than ever before. Explore higher education. Get your dream job. Travel. Help someone. And most of all, become the best overall person you can become for yourself. I would like to mention the people who helped us reach our goals the past four years. The deepest gratitude goes to the teachers and family members that helped guide each and every graduate gathered here today.
023To families, the you provide for your kids has allowed them to reach this point. Teachers and families have demonstrated compassion and guidance and they are the reason why the class of 2025 will step across the stage today. Class of 2025, the future is not something we enter when we leave here today. It is something that we create. As we move forward, let's hold on to the memories, friendships, and our accomplishments. Congratulations, class of 2025. The future is ahead is what you make of it. Thank you, Claudia, for your kind words. And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the address from our validictorian, Mr. Jakai Lake. He is a student that didn't just aim for the top, he broke the status quo. What sets him apart is not just his academic exc excellence. Trust
024me, his GPA is very impressive, but the way he carries himself with grace under pressure, empathy and leadership, and a kind of vision that makes people believe in what's possible, all the while being a constant force of positivity and drive in this school. Please welcome our validictorian, Mr. Jakai Lake. Good morning, Board of Education members, city council members, BMA staff and faculty. Most importantly, my fellow graduates. This is it. We did it. It's an honor to stand here today, and I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to my mom for your love, your strength, and your endless support. You've been my greatest motivation, and I wouldn't be here without you. To my teachers, thank you for guiding us, challenging us, and believing in us. You helped shape who we are today and
025we're better for it. To everyone who supported me along the way, friends, family, mentors, thank you for lifting me up when I needed it most. Today is not just about looking back, it's about looking forward. The world won't hand us anything, but it's out there waiting. So go after your dreams, take risks, be bold, because the world is yours for the taking. Thank you. Thank you, Jakai. At this time, VMA's principal, Commander Lip, will now confer the graduates for graduation to Dr. Royce Avery. Dr. Avery, I present to you the class of 2025 who have met all district and state requirements to graduate from Bridgeport Public Schools. We will now present the graduating class their diplomas. Can the first row of the class of 2025 please get ready to receive your diplomas. Jakai, you please
026stand. Jakai Lake, Claudia Andrews, Vaneice Aka, Amaya Aguilar, Carla Aguilar, Allison Akuma, Amara Akuma. I would like to take a moment to pause and acknowledge that Allison and Akuma were both recipients of the Jordan Sors scholarship on behalf of Miss Diana Sors, Evan Aoyo, I was doing good. Jaden Babylonia, Casey Baba, Shirley Barrera, Marcia, Olivia Batson, Brandon Boyd, Alexis Wim Chunga Aguilar. Can our second row please rise and make your way to the stage? Glory. Lori Dilva Camille Damada, Dominic Daro, Brian Gonavez, Ferrer, Jadeie Flores, Miguel Garcia, Essence Graham, Vince Hancock, Sierra Ibara, Ayana Lopez, Tatiana Milan, Diana Marin, Jason Marin, Natalie Martinez Rodriguez, Sarah Martinez, Selenas. Can our third row please approach the stage, Alexander Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Vladimir Martinez, Jasmine Matias, Esley Mercedes, Myra Mercedes, Gio Morales, JR Nunez, Ayetsa Pacheco, Jacqueline Pani,
027Michael Perez, Tanisha Pway, Christopher Ramos Gonzalez. [Music] Anna E Rason. Last row, please make your way to the stage. Athena Rivera, Raquel Rivera, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Roman, Jade Rodriguez, Angel Rodriguez, Cortez, Eliza Sz Rodriguez, Janiah Santos, David Sebastian Ayala, Kenneth Sto Hernandez, Kron St. Louis, Jessica Tojamani, Vincent Vinnie Vesto, Tanel Walker, and Janiah Williams who is also a recipient of the Jordan Sor scholarship on behalf of Miss Diana Sors. Before we do the time tradition of the changing of the tassel, we would like to invite Dr. Royce Avery back to the podium to properly confer the graduates of the class of 2025. On behalf of the state of Connecticut, I confer that these graduates have met the requirements for graduation. Seniors who have not gotten their photo, please make your way to the sea because
028you're not going to want to miss Mr. Kadam changing the tassel with you. You can get your photos at the end. Mr. Kadam, can you please approach the stage to assist the seniors in the changing of the tassel? Thank you, Mr. Royal. Class of 2025 graduates, please stand up. Class of 2025, today is more than a ceremony. It's a celebration of your perseverance, growth, and the journey you've taken to reach this very moment. Every test, every late night, every challenge you overcame and brought you here. So now, with pride in our hearts and hope in your hands, I invite you all to move your tassels from the right side to the left side. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the class of 2025. [Applause] As I look at this class, class, please remain standing.
029Mr. Kadam's got to play you off. As I look at this class, my brother, among you, I see the future. Not just because you're young and full of potential, because you've already proven that you can overcome the unthinkable. We are so proud of you. Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our ceremony. Please rise as the class of 2025 will lead the way out auditorium symbolic of their new found status as the newest adults in Bridgeport, in Connecticut, in the United States, and in the world. Class of 2025, you did it. That's nice. Let's go. [Music] Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Excellent. Great job. Great job. Great job. Great job. Congratulations.