001[Music] I'll remain This is how Ell [Music] Yeah. [Music] Be careful. I love [Music] Good morning. YK in the handicap spot. Your car is running and there's nobody else. Ysk. Okay guys, he has [Music] There's some She said this There's plenty of [Music] Let's [Music] see graduation. [Music] What happened? [Music] Fire. [Music] Come here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Retreat. [Music] Oh my god. [Music] Good morning. I have to start today's ceremony with a bit of an apology for the lack of live music today. Eliminating those portions of the program was not an easy call, but with the constant threat of rain, it allows me to shorten the ceremony and those expensive instruments stay dry. Thank you to our musicians for understanding why I needed to make this tough decision. And please that we
002appreciate you and your talents. Thanks also to Mr. Landola and Mr. St. George who in the booth right now for coordinating with Mr. Baldwin. [Applause] All right, time to introduce myself figured out. your principal and my name is Mark Bena and it is my pleasure to serve as the ceremonial leader of today's ceremony. On behalf of our students and staff that was All right, I appreciate that. Thanks Katie L. Kat of Thanks. On behalf of our uh students and staff, I would like to welcome our administrators, Dr. Baril, Dr. Man, Mrs. Mrs. Dia, who's not here today, but Mr. Roland, Mrs. Mr. Renda, M. Dr. Pepski, thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and for being with us here today for this celebration. Thank you to the board of education members here with us today
003to award diplomas to our graduates, Dr. Young Bloodood, Mrs. Fernandez, Mrs. Sakura, Mrs. Divine, Mrs. Greenstein, and Mrs. elected officials, uh, Senator Harding, who was supposed to be here, Representative, Mr. Dunn, Mrs. Thank you for joining us with our soon to be graduates. Welcome to the faculty, staff, students, friends, families, and most importantly, members of the Brookfield High School class of 2025. I told the graduates, we're going to have to play this a little flexible. If I call an audible, just follow me. But at this time, I would like to invite Melissa Baines, the Brookfield High School Board of Education student representative to the podium. [Applause] [Music] Would everyone please stand al remain standing for the national directly. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for
004which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Applause] Wonderful. [Music] of mercy still. [Music] our [Music] land of the morning. Please be seated. I have a special addition uh to the program today because we have a special guest laying to my left. Today we take a moment to honor a very special member of our Brookfield community, Leo, our beloved K9 comfort dog whose quiet presence and unconditional love have touched countless lives. From her first wag of her tail at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School to her visits in the halls of BHS, Leah has walked alongside many students in the class of 2025 throughout their entire school journey. Whether calming nerves before a test, easing grief with a gentle nuzzle, or simply bringing joy with her golden grin, Leah has been
005a steady and soothing companion. Leah came to Brookfield through Lutheran Church's K9 comfort dog ministry, a national human ministry that embraces the calming and compassionate nature of golden retrievers. Leah's journey to become a comfort dog was no small feat. She completed more than 2,000 hours of specialized training and just kidding and continued alongside his dedicated handler throughout her career. Now 11 years old, Leah has logged over 15,000 hours of comfort visits. She truly loves what she does and it shows. In addition to her work in the Brookfield Public Schools, Leah and her teammate Addie have brought their calm spirit to many other local communities as well as communities in need across the country. Today, with deep gratitude and admiration, Herfield High School proudly recognizes Leah for her years of dedicated service and the lasting imprint
006she has made in the hearts of this graduating class and all those lucky enough to share even a moment in her gentle presence. We send our heartfelt blessings for a bright future and wish you a fantastic adventure in all that lies ahead. Thank you, Leah. pretty well rested. So hopefully when you get your diplomas, you get a chance maybe to favor a pat. It's my pleasure to invite our first speaker of the morning to the podium with a saludiator of the class of 2025, Arjenti. Please come forward. [Applause] [Music] Hello. My bad. Okay, maybe just a little bit. I promise. I think it was because I felt as though I had to fit a certain role of how graduation teaching but I the idea [Music] I decided that it would be fine if I would
007just be honest and open and shut down. [Music] I love when I wondered how many times in the minute hand over exactly in the same position and I still haven't got any questioning around my life. I think this is what beautiful. There are so many islands of questions just over the last few weeks that I have. I've been spending hours every day. I learned about the strongest force in the universe force. this strong force. The parents and are like the protons and neutrons held together by the impeccably powerful strong force in a field. Also, I learned about how we can predict the space of something that seems completely random in class. We are each like a primally different but we are still together the virtual humanity without be [Music] all the fundamental particles in the
008universe are symmetrical to each other I remember in one se on my test I'm not perfect in fact far from it but the teachers students and staff at Brookfield would still provide endless support to continue and here I am looking at the deepest part that underline how our universe works with I should be a little lesson I jump around a lot when I got bored with one video I jump to another video after a while jumping around I eventually a handful of channels that are exhausting and I'll watch a little bit more but I'll still keep the exploration. I think the best place to learn is specifically exp. I know this is already starting to sound like responses for YouTube video, but I did make this an advertisement. It has some information on how to
009find the summer and playlist as well as shout out to channel like I you that you should learn more. That's totally fine. Whatever you plan to pursue, try to learn things on your own. Start finding many different topics and exploring. [Music] I wanted to give a concrete thing that you can do. I know this wasn't your normal graduation, but I hope it's more useful than a normal graduation. I stuck with my own. Don't be afraid to do the same thing. This was just a long winded way of saying I think this I can't forget all the people that help me. First, thank you to Mr. for help. have a safe and warm space in our school and making our graduation an unforgettable experience. Thank you so much to all my teachers for supporting me, particularly
010Mr. Dazio, Mr. Zuka, and Mr. Hill for inspiring me to see October. And a special thank you to my uncle and my family who came all the way from Germany to watch me graduate. [Applause] Thank you to my parents and my sister for dealing with my aunt and a long conversation helping me. And thank you to for helping me all four years of high school for so many years. My grand couldn't make it today, but I'll always [Music] say a big shout out to my first congratulations to all my friends today. And one more thing, the word impact the word. It's like an opening or hello. This graduation is a big hello to the world as we endeavor to make our own world. [Applause] Thank you. I would give him another round of applause. is
011the most difficult thing to hear yourself. [Applause] All right, my turn. From my perspective, it's always best to start with thank yous. So, let me start by thanking the Brookfield High School staff who volunteered their time the past few weeks up to including today to pull off the massive undertaking that is a high school graduation ceremony. I also thank Miki and Mrs. for their years of dedication as the advisers for the class of 2025. Thank you to the Brookfield Police Department for orchestrating the car parade and the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company for their continued support. Thanks also to the grad party volunteers, especially Mrs. Christine Rick Yellow, her and her team have been here day and night since Wednesday to ensure our graduates have a wonderful evening tonight. And of course, Mrs. Carol and Dark
012Angelo [Applause] for coordinating all of it and keeping me in line when I go off the rails. Sorry. We have two educators retiring from Brookfield High School this year. Mission Dockerty has been a business teacher here for nine years. I'd make her stand, but she's already in the car on her way to Florida right now. Mrs. Susan Griffin also retired earlier this year after serving as an assistant principal at Brookfield High School for 20 years. I appreciate the 10 years I was privileged enough to work with her and I know she's already enjoying not having to worry about dress codes detentions and lunch. [Applause] My last set of thank yous are for the men and women who served our country in the past, who continue to defend our freedom today, and will soon become members
013of the United States Armed Forces. I ask that you hold your applause to the end. First, let's start with our past. With all those in attendance who served in the military, please stand and remain standing. Now, the president Please remain standing. You're going to stand bud. All those in attendance currently serving in the military. Please stand and remain standing. [Applause] We also have five students who are here to officially committed their plan to commit to serving our country after graduation. Please stand when I say your name and the military branch you will be joining. Anna Caroline Santos, Army. Army [Applause] Marines. Ali brains and Isaac Greens will become part of the exclusive group that takes it of the group that takes it oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Give one
014more last round of applause to the past president of the United States of America. Coming up with the original graduation speech was hard enough. And when I set a president 9 years ago to give graduates a small gift representing an important message, it made the task this year feel monumental. I've already done Legos. [Music] There it is. I started thinking about the item during spring break. But by midnight, I already talked myself into and out of dozens of different ideas. Once Memorial Day hit, my son told me I need to lock in. So, I decided to clean my car. I've been a procrastinator for 47 years. It's generally unavoidable, but I can confidently say this will help. So, picture this. I'm collecting all the loose change I can find. And I have it all in
015my left hand. And then I use my right hand to the five plastic bottles left behind by my son in the car. And I end up with two in my right hand, one tucked under each arm, and penguin under my chin. And you ask yourself why all at once? Well, I'm not just a procrastinator. I can also be a bit stubborn when it comes to asking for help. Right, Mrs. Dark Angel? Before I knew it, the coins were across my driveway. That same driveway that some of you seniors came to visit me at. Thank you very much, by the way. Best senior prank ever. I knew it was all my fault, but I immediately deflected the blame as I looked up and told the man walking his dog, trying desperately not to laugh at me.
016If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. My witty comment was intended to cover up my embarrassment, my frustration, just long enough so that when I was out of ear, I could use that curse word that was on the tip of my tongue. expert never left my mouth. Instead, in a somewhat pavlovian response, I will see if any pick it up all day long and have good luck. Something I've done for years since I was a kid. And then I thought, if that simple copper coated coin could alter my thinking that quickly, I knew I had to share with you. So, here it is. Simple heads up penny. And uh it's glued down. staying heads up and all day long you'll have good luck. But alas, if it were only that
017simple, my graduation gifts always have a deeper meaning. So, please bear with me as I do my best to help you make sense of the metaphor. Happy Father's Day to Dad Joe. And happy Father's Day to our new father, Officer John tomorrow. Don't worry, I'm almost done. All right, news. The US Treasury Department placed its final order for pennies on May 22nd, 2025. That's it. Done. That date signifies the end of the penny as we know it. Today, June 14th, 2025, you graduate. That date represents the end of your public school career, the end of two eras. Where is it? The thing is after that last penny is minted, it is actually just beginning. Same goes for you. The diploma you received today signifies the beginning of your next chapter. The takeaway here is that
018I want you to think of endings as benchmarks, pit stops, a chance to reflect and celebrate or in some cases if you need to forget. Regardless of your process, there will always be another step and another choice to make. And illustrate that benchmark. My gesture of gluing a penny to a piece of card stock effectively ends its purpose as currency. But asking you to hold on to it for years to come creates that new metaphorical purpose. Once you have this thing, I challenge you to hold on to it for at least 25 years. It doesn't matter if you look at it every day across those years or you don't look at it again until 2050. Whenever you do look at it, I want you to think about it journey. It's a weird request, but here's
019the thing. It's natural to overlook a mundane and extremely undervalued coin. But the truth is your penny has seen some things. Sweaty hands, lint filar machines, and cup holders. But take a look. Every experience has the potential to leave it and color variation and tell a story like You have seen some things in your 17 to 18 years of existence and there is so much more to see after today. Your experiences help shape a story that is uniquely yours. Celebrate those marks in 15 that make you different who you are and help successful future. I'll leave you with the last fact. A penny is worth 1 cent, yet it cost almost 4 cents to make. Please do me a favor. Don't sell yourself short. You're worth it. Otherwise, why would be here to celebrate you?
020So, on to my three main points. Benchmarks, journey, and value. another way. My wish for you is to move on from Brookfield High School is to realize that endings aren't endings, but rather benchmarks along a path that is the most rewarding when you embrace the journey to discover your worth on whatever path life takes you. And if worse comes to worse, you don't remember what I just said. When you look at Penny, when you look your penny, at least you'll always have good luck when you need it. On behalf of the faculty and staff at Brookfield High School, congratulations to the class of 2025. [Applause] One more speech in his diploma. We're good. Before we go further, I would remiss if I didn't recognize two very important people moving on from Brookfield Public Schools. Dr.
021Anam, our assistant superintendent. You blessed our schools with expertise and compassion. I thank you for your leadership, your friendship and you and I wish you all the best in our sport. You will be Dr. the one who tried to point out the mics off. I can hear it. I know I have to give him one last shot. Come on. As our superintendent for a decade, you brought stability, purpose, and a student centered approach to your leadership of our district. I thank you for sharing your passion for excellence in education. We wish you the best of luck in your new role as dean of the school of education at Central Connecticut State University. Congratulations. [Applause] All right. As the principal of Brookfield High School, I'm pleased to announce that the students of the class of 2025
022have completed their graduation requirements. Dr. Dell, would you please come to the podium and share your thoughts and present our students to the board of education? [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for this wonderful celebration that's going into it to our seniors to our faculty to the loved ones that are here for members and honored guests. Thank you for your steadfast leadership and congratulations on also reaching the 10ear milestone as the Brookfield High School principal. How about a round of applause for Mr. Mr. How about a big round of applause for Father's Day tomorrow for all the dads out there in the audience. [Applause] It has been an honor to serve you students as your superintendent in a very important leadership role. Graduates, I have watching you grow and develop excel since you were entering
023third grade at Huckleberry. It's been a true honor and privilege. Before you receive your diplomas, I'd like to read a poem that I have shared in groups before [Music] it's a perfect time of transition and new beginnings. The lesson never gets old. It's actually for all of us. Adversity The story of the butterfly. One day a man found a cocoon of the butterfly curious and sat and watched as the butterfly struggled to emerge open. It pushed and twisted but seemed to make no progress. After hours of watching the insect fight it way out of the cocoon, the man decided to help. He gently cut the openair of scissors allowing the butterfly to easily emerge. But what came out was not what he expected. The butterfly had a swollen body and small wings couldn't fly. In
024fact, the rest of his short life crawling. What the man hadn't realized was nature's way of forcing the butterflyy's body into its only working through that challenge the butterfly become strong enough to fly. His kindness had unintentionally taken away the chance to grow. More is a story. Adversity and struggle are not obstacles. They're essential for growth. Just like the butterfly, we develop strength and resilience to the challenges we face. Sometimes in our desire to make things easier for ourselves or for others, the very experiences that lead to maturity, wisdom, and strength. Let the butterfly remind us it's through the struggle that we find our way. I'm almost done. In closing for my final remarks to all of you after 10 fulfilling and amazing years I've been so blessed I want to leave you with the
025world. Be kind, be brave, be bold. Be the best you can be. Be part of something bigger than yourself. Dream big and believe big. You are all capable of incredible things. We are living in a country in a world an unprecedented opportunity for growth, development, health, and wealth. America's future depends on you. You are that important. Your future is now, and that future is bright. You have your wings. Stay true to your core values. Cherish your little friends and keep pushing forward because it's the only way. Congratulations, my friends. The world is waiting for you to pursue your happiness, your purpose. You are ready. Get out there, take action, and create your tomorrow. Let's get going. [Applause] So, Dr. forgot one thing, but he gives me the opportunity to say something. As the rain really
026starts to pick up, of course, uh we are going to read names, but not going to get their diplomas here. We will recess at the end into the gym where you can get them where it's dry. Okay? So, we just don't You're going to still come up. You're going to come across the stage, shake hands. You just won't get your diploma till inside. We have I promise. Oh, yeah. Dr. Bell has one more thing to say. Too quickly there. My apologies. Most important words of the day, education. Mr. I now present to you the graduating class of 2012. [Applause] So I'm now going to invite our school counselors, Mrs. Mel, Mrs. Cortis, and Mrs. Johnson at the stage to read the name of our graduating seniors. Seniors, be careful when you come across the stage.
027Careful on the steps. Careful as you walk across. So, here we go. Daniel George, [Applause] Abasi. A Brontes, Emily Grace, Abru, Sasha Aasa, Retica Almond, Similar, [Applause] Alexander Alvin, Alano, Andrea, Amelia, Evan Alma [Music] Ali, Adrien Felipe, Alvarez, Kate Alvarez, Measana, [Applause] [Music] Melissa B, [Applause] Jordan James, [Music] Jacqueline Barry, Oliver Belling, Evan, Robert Bellis, Estonian Berlin, Alina Charlotte Josephine Hazel Vaceio, Christopher Verona, Alexis Bolognia, Le Bomba, [Applause] Leia, [Music] Emily Bray, Sierra Brennan, Benjamin William, Abigail Ann Brown, Allison Annette, Brady Bowski, Sean Dazelle, Juliet Joel, Marco Anthony Pace, Sebastian Canor, Rebecca Kaplan, [Music] Bana Marie Carol, Ethan Henry Chamber, Grayson Roy Chan, Chen, William Chen, Andre Chung, Andy Chowski, Milton Samuel, Alana Isabel Pbert, Michael Christopher Cola, PJ AO, Louisa Al [Music] [Applause] Gores, [Applause] Aranda Crowley, Carlo Vincent, William Dazzio, [Music] Daniel, Julia
028Dilva, Thomas, Jonathan, Isabella, Dora, Emily Rose, Denise, Denise, Margaret, Adam, Henry Degree, Brody Peter. David Williamson [Music] Eddie John Eddie Ryan, William Ana, Ali, Fiona, Ryan, Phy, Alissa, Anthony, Pedro, and Olivia Fitz Fitzgerald [Music] George Vindic Michael Graham Greenstein [Applause] Gregory Recoto, [Music] Mariela, Kevin Rivero, [Music] Ahmad Iron Hia, Riley Hat, Syria Armsorth, Ethan, [Applause] Susy, Sophia Mayelli, Lucasing Eric, [Music] Jordan, Rachel Dowy, Megan Joy, Patricia Kane, Sienna Cat, Madison Kelly, Nathan [Music] Loy [Music] Claire Thompson. Robert David Lro, Logan Xavier Labry, Arya Ler, Catherine Elizabeth Lennon, Payton Leah Loaso, Maya Sophia Lopez, Donovan Mark Waringer, Aiden Matthew Lupinski, Francis William Lup, Isaac Peter Mani, Melena Kelly Mariano, Brian Martinez, Jonah Wolf, Mropalo, Olga, Andrea, Mayan Perez, Riley and Mu, Lucy, Bella, Francis, McDonald, Mary Christina McDonald, Matthew Charles McDonald, Gary Patrick McGovern, Ali Lucia
029McLyn Daniel, Noel Victoria, [Music] Liliana Menddees, Daffany Colleen, Jenn Amanda M, Jenna Ray M, Madison, Patricia Moose, Dorian Grace Murphy, Jack Murray, Matthew Alexander Nanho, Nman, [Music] Omar, Omar Nichols, Auna, Leo, Naves, Karen Thomas O'Conor, Jake Preston, Maline Julia Orban, Andrew Alexander Oronz, Graciella Otabiano, [Music] Isabella Wang Oen, Lorenzo Poka, Sam Hson, Arjun Harini, [Applause] Trey Parker, Ivan Paulina, Sophia Helena Pachenko, [Music] Isabella Panero, Julian Pins, Quinn, David Pins, Jack William Ponty, Isabella Marie Ponte, Corva, Jack Daniel, Addison Jean, [Music] Ricard, [Music] J. Rder, Eric Cast Rodriguez, Ariana Rodriguez, Kate Michael Ross, James Russo, Jack Ryan, Braden Sabatini, Christopher Michael Salazar, CJ Salem, Brook Reagan Sanford, Anna Caroline Sanford, Marcela Christine, Vessa Santos Brady Clifford Sarmir Sarah Scott Jr. [Music] Mayer, Neil, Sebastian, Madison, Gloria, James Salmani, Elizabeth Rose, Sheridan, [Applause] Cameron Chevlin, Oscar, Aiden
030Silva, A Priscilla Sana, Holy Eileen Smith, Sto, [Music] Casey Ray Satinowski, Morgan Elise Sinowski, Nikki Page Peter Timothy Fino Shannon Sullivan Elson Raphael Suma Pas Brian Joseph Tashetta Stephanie Carolina Stella Elizabeth Temple, Avery Nicole Hermado, Emma Leona Tropiano, Isaac Cordowski, Ayanna Leilani Terrell, Daniel Corey Aer, Nia Budaku, Michael Walters, Alexander John, Kylie Florence, West Delaney Rachel Whan, Audrey Sheila Williams, Katie Ryder Wilson, Austin Donald Wright, Hope Morgan, Wright, and change. [Applause] Well done. At this time, it is my pleasure to welcome the validictorian of the class of 2025, William Chen, to the podium for his remarks. [Applause] Good morning faculty, friends, family, and class of 2025. I'd like to begin this speech by introducing a word that for many of us has become a defining part of our high school vocabulary. And that word is
031cook. In case you're unfamiliar with this lovely Genji term, it basically means we're good. And let's be honest, we have plenty of reasons to use it throughout high school, which makes sense why we here all the time. Whether it be talking about losing the muchneeded mass breaks after freshman year or surviving this year with cell phone. However, in high school, we have all found ourselves in moments that are beyond hope. Maybe better words would be pride or hurt. Still, here we are. Each of us persevere through situation and challenges that many will never know or understand. So today we celebrate more than just finishing high school. We celebrate our accomplishment, strength, and resilience. We have all worked extremely hard to get here. Yet is also important to acknowledge that we can never done it alone.
032To the administration, faculty, family, and friends that stood by us. Thank you. Your support and effort have made Brookfield High School into environment of growth and learning. A place where we learn to push past moments we find ourselves cooked. We wouldn't be here today without all your support. Now, as we finish this chapter, we are confronted with another one that is much more complicated. Life itself is confusing not only through navigating career choices but also personal relationships and all the obstacle life throws at us. It would be so much easier if I could just read the minds of people or see the future. But instead, we can only turn to advice to help us walk through life. Ironically, however, advice we so often hear just makes life so much more confusing. For example, we are
033told not to care what other people think, but at the same time, we're told our reputation is everything. We were told to never give up, yet at the same time know when to walk away. They say to plan for the future, but we're also reminded to live in the moment or to dream big, but to not get your hopes up. Now, at least for me, I'm completely lost. Am I supposed to write this advice on slips of paper, put them in a hat, shake it up, and draw one without replacement? But but what I would say is to throw away the hat. My advice is to sometimes take no advice, which I guess means you're probably not listening to me. In all seriousness, I would like to clarify what I mean. I don't mean ignore
034advice or shut yourself off from people who want to help. Advice can be valable in life changing. Rather, what I mean is don't get caught up with all the advice out there trying to live a perfect life. Many choices in life will come with risk and uncertainty. There is no advice that will make that magically go away. You don't need to wait for the perfect advice or moment. Just throw yourself out the out there and live. Make that difficult decision and keep moving forward. Be open to failure and your personal collection of advice that matters to you. The real advice we end up listening to is the lessons we learn from our mistakes. Lessons taken away because we made the choice to embrace this uncertainty. As cliche as it sounds, life is beautiful because of
035our mistakes and our ability to grow from them. Now, as I come to the end of the speech, I ask the graduates to look around. Look at the person to your right, the person to your left, in the front, and behind. Take a mental snapshot of this very moment and the emotions you are feeling. Life often feels like a blur into who you are already finishing high school. This moment may very well be the last time you will see some of your peers. And as you move on to bigger things in life, take a moment to remember the people sitting around you. each played a role in shaping your high school years and your entire life. Class of 2025, thank you for an amazing four years of high school. I couldn't wait I can't wait
036to see all the incredible things they accomplish in the future. And with that, all I have left to say is congratulations everyone. You did it. [Applause] Thank you. Well done. At this time, I would like to welcome our last speaker, the president of the class of 2025, Ava Toronto. [Applause] [Music] As Ava comes on stage, I'm going to call my last audible. I'm going to ask Mrs. Shady and Mr. Bgo. the front where Danny is and on the other side of the outside aisle. What's going to happen is after we are done with the ceremony, we're going to dismiss from the front rows here alphabetical order. So the first row is going to go out there and then head towards the gym. That's your last test in order to get your diploma. Can you stay
037in alphabetical order to make sure you get your diploma? We'll find out. So Mr. Right up front. And then parents and other guests that are here, I ask that you stay seated. I understand the urge to run and get your graduate, but they don't have the perform yet. So, wait till they get it in the gym. They'll come out and find you. We got to make sure we get the graduates out there. So, they turn over to Ava for our last official act this class president, which will conclude today's ceremony. I want to thank everyone who joined us here today to celebrate this momentous occasion. It has been my pleasure to work with the students and families of the class of 2025. Now it's up to you to close it out. A neighbor, [Applause] this
038is the moment that we have all been waiting for. Members of the Brookfield High School class of 2025, please stand. Your four years of high school are at an end. Your hard work has paid off and it is time to make it official. Please move your tassels from the right side of the cap to the left. This gesture makes you official graduates of Brookfield High School. Congratulations. [Applause] Heat. Heat. 31.