001[Music] introduce our National Honor Society President. to Fox. We now rise for our flag of the United States. Liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing. [Music] [Applause] Please be seated. Pleasure to Afternoon to the class of 2025. Distinguished guests, the K. Piranooki Jr., Mayor of the city of Waterberry, Connecticut Technical Education Career System Chief of Staff, Miss Rocky Stallings, Fiscal Administrative Manager One, Miss Kesha Richardson, director of grants, Lisa Jones, the Connecticut Army National Guard, Color Guard, parents, guardians, faculty, students, and of course, the graduates of the class of 2020. [Applause] I am once again happy and honored to welcome everyone to our 2025 commencement ceremony college theater here in Waterberry, Connecticut. This continues to be an amazing event which I am privileged to present to you. Our students are absolutely our staff is
002dedicated. Our parents are extremely supportive and the kinder is helpful and compassionate to our students, staff and parents. At this time, I'd like to take a few moments to acknowledge a few very special people as I've done every year. First, I would like to introduce my two assistant principles, class of 2025 principal, and assistant principal Dr. Paul Bazan, thank you for all of your help that you do day in and day out. Next, I would also to thank our senior class co-advisors, Miss Kelly Flity and Shannon Flity. both have worked very hard to make the past four years a series of very special events for the entire class of 2025. Thank you and the community shares in your I think it is very once Paul Keranuski Jr. Mayor for his presence here today. This is
003the first of Kainer that we have been honored with the mayor of Waterberry attending and being a part of our graduation ceremony. Mayor Purinooki is a true friend of Kainer, an important part of the Kainer community. Thank you for youration and thank you. Additionally, we are honored to have four members from the 100 combat sustained support battalion with Connecticut Army National Guard here with us for the first time. I would like to personally thank these members of our military for their presence here today. Thank you. [Applause] Like to thank a member of the Kirner staff who made this event possible. Thank you to Kainor staff member, retired captain Dr. Brittany Kustless, who served for years as a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Thank you, Captain Custlus, for making this event possible. I would
004not be able to continue this with acknowledge without acknowledging the many contributions of several groups of individuals who have helped to make today's commencement ceremony reality. However, I'm going to ask each group as can to remain standing until all groups of the WFKer Technical High School staff and faculty have been introduced along with our parents and everyone else. So first I would like to introduce the members of the WFKer technical faculty and staffed a first rate education to the class of 2025. Wisdom and direction have provided the driving force for our students and the Kanor community. At this time, I'd like for all faculty staff members to stand, remain standing as they are recognized. Thank you for your educational leadership. [Applause] standing staff members. Additionally, I would like to ask and thank all and any
005members of the armed forces, veterans, and those who have been first responders to stand at this time. Please take a moment to stand with the faculty at this time. [Applause] Everyone Please remain standing. Also, where will we be without of our parents who are here with us today who have gone very difficult task to produce this afternoon? Would all parents of the class of 2025 please stand and remain standing while we recognize you for all that you have [Applause] at this time. I'd like for everyone to take a moment and just look around, especially members of the class of 2025, and realize how important you are that all of the people standing have had a very important part of your life. They've had a role in your education and helped you this point of your
006life. Thank you everyone. At this time, you please be seated. [Applause] As you can see, And you can tell the class of 2025 must be a very special class. I have to say in general they have been a fun bunch of students to be with. First and foremost, we have 193 members of the class of 2025. They have they have all completed all of their coursework and requirements and they will be graduating this afternoon. This is an amazing feat in and of itself. Thank you class of 2025 for this monumental accomplishment. On this past Friday morning, approximately 125 members of the class of 2025 received some sort of award recognition. In total, over 300 awards were presented to members of the class of 2025. Thank you and congratulations to continue. Members of the class of
00725 have already received the following recognitions. 50 members received awards. Waterberry promise. The Waterberry Promise provides financial support to Waterberry students who attend two or four-year colleges or universities in Connecticut. 23 members received the seal of biiteracy signifying that they are not only proficient to speak in two or more language was also able to read in those languages. After graduation, the following number of students will be continuing in one of three different pathways. Four members of the graduating class of 2025 will be joining the armed forces. 32 members will be going into their trade technologies and 112 members will be attending either a two or four-year college or university. We have over 100 total students on WBL or work-based learning placement with 50 of these placements being members of the graduating class. 17 total students,
008including nine members of the class of 2025, have been placed with Sakorski Aircraft for their summer internship. This often leads to a permanent job offer from Sysorski aircraft. On May 1st, 2025, we held our second annual career signing day where employers, students, parents, and staff all came together to honor our seniors who will be entering the world of work in their chosen vocation. Thank you everyone for making this an amazing event. However, there are some fun memor memorable things about the class of 2025 that I will always remember them for. Who could ever forget about their senior trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. [Applause] This also is the first class that commonly referred to me as Doc, which a number of folks in the staff referred to me as Doc. There have been
009many handshakes with members of this class. A lot of fist bumps, good gestures occurred between me and the class of 2025. I signed an incredible number of yearbooks this year, and even had the signing a senior tournament shirt on the day of the volleyball tournament while the student was still participating in the tournament events. This was something new and different that will always remind me of the class of 2025. Of course, who could ever forget the endless parties that have taken place over the past few weeks? Of course, courtesy of our students and parents. What a good way to end the end of the school year. Finally, our girls varsity basketball team won both the league conference and the CTC championship. Our boys baseball team played a memorable game at Duncan Stadium in Hartford, Connecticut.
010Both of these events added to the overall memorable experience of the class of 2025. What an exciting year for our school and our athletic tournaments. I also hap I am happy to report this year that we here at Kanir held our first ever senior prom at Vines and w Middbury on a Thursday night. This was followed for the first time on the next day which was a Friday by our senior class picnic at Holiday Hill. However, on Monday, for some reason, we had the majority of the class of 2025 out sick, except for a few members of our athletic teams. Fortunately, the next day, which was a Tuesday, those students returned, only have members of our athletic teams now out sick. Before I panicked and started think about what kind of a message I would
011have to send out, everyone was well and able to attend school on the next day, which was a Wednesday. From there, we have been able to successfully complete the 2024 2025 school year. In closing, I would like to congratulate the members of the class of 2025 and welcome them to the world of Kir alumni. You have left a lasting impression and legacy on all of us and I hope that the road ahead is successful. I would also like to say that in a few moments, each of you will walk across the stage knowing that you have completed a major in your lifelong journey. Your parents and staff here at Kanor have done well to prepare you for the real world. I am hoping that life's journeys take you to many successful places. Congratulations and best
012wishes to the Warren Fox Kainer Technical High School class of 2025. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Hillier. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Honorable Paul Perinooki, Mayor of Waterberry. [Applause] Good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be here with all of you um this afternoon. And I'm going to uh I want to thank you for the invitation to participate today. I have been very proud of the relationship that we've been able to forge between the city of Waterbury and Kert Techch. It's such an important part of our educational offerings here in the city of Waterberry and the greater Waterbury region. But I'm going to apologize to you up front. Unfortunately, one of my aids is also has a graduation of his own this evening. uh I didn't want to but I am going to
013have to jump out early to uh to attend his because I don't want to miss his either. So uh but let me start. I want to just say again good evening to everyone especially congratulations to the Kert Techch class of 2025. [Applause] Today we celebrate not just an academic achievement but the closing of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. This moment marks the start of your next great adventure filled with new opportunities, unexplored paths, and power to shape a future defined by your goals and your determination. As you kn as you move forward, remember that the world can feel but your ability to succeed remains constant. With hard work, focus, and perseverance, success is not left to chance. It's something you earn time. Each of you has the power to shape not only
014your own future but also the future of our communities, our country, and of the world. Kater Tech has uniquely prepared you to enter directly into a career. But whether your path leads to college, military service, entirely your own, carry with you the lessons you that you are capable of doing great things. Some of you may be leaving the greater Waterberry area, but you will always represent the very best of this region. Wherever your journey leads you, take with you the strength, the resilience, and the spirit of this community. Dream big and reach high, but stay grounded in your values. Stay connected to your roots. Remember the importance of giving back to the people and places that help shape who you are. As we celebrate this milestone, let us also take a moment to reflect on
015the journey that brought us here. This day is not only about the graduates, but also about the families who stood beside them. Every family traveled a different path, faced different obstacles, and made sacrifices along the way. But your strength, your love, and your constant support helped to make this day possible. And so this celebration belongs to all of you as well. Let me end with this. Graduation is not just a conclusion. It's a beginning. It is the launch pad for the goals you've set, the dreams you are still discovering, and the difference you are meant to make. You're stepping into a world filled with challenges, but also filled with the world needs your ideas and your energy and your voice. I believe you will rise to meet this moment and help shape what comes next.
016So, congratulations to the class of 2025. We all believe in you. Go forward with purpose. Go and make a difference. [Music] Thank you, Mayor Perinooki. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our class saludiatoran, Abigail White Lightning Reichowski. Good evening everyone. To our families, friends, teachers, coaches, and the entire Canor staff, thank you for being here tonight to celebrate with us. If someone had told me back in freshman year that I'd be standing up here in front of all of you giving this speech, I probably would have laughed and then immediately freaked out. And honestly, writing this speech felt a lot like every other assignment I've waited until the last possible minute and hoped it would come out okay. But seriously, it's past four years have meant. We spent so much time
017bouncing between shop and academics, studying for tests, and figuring out who we are, not just as students, but as people. At Kir, we by doing. Over the past four years, we spent just as much time in shop as we have in our academic classrooms. Taken things apart, put them back together, sometimes more than once, and figured out how to solve real problems. That experience the way work and approach the world. Some of us are heading to college. Some are going straight into the workforce. Some, like me, will be doing both. But no matter what comes next, we're walking away with something valuable. an ability to work, solve problems, and adapt when things don't go as planned. We've all had different paths getting here. Some of us have lost family, friends, or even part of ourselves
018along the way. I know I'm not alone in saying that the last four years have had some personal loss. Tonight, many of us carry the memory of someone we've lost, someone who helped us shape who we are. Yet, here we are. And we didn't do it alone. I want to thank the people who stood by us, our families, friends, teachers, and especially our shop teachers. Thank you for guiding us through every challenge and sharing your patience, knowledge, and support. Speaking from my own experience, my shop teachers T and Peli helped me learn not just the skills of the trade, but also how to handle pressure, pride in my work. So again, thank you to our class, the class of 2025. We've made it through early mornings, busy schedules, last minute projects, and late nights powered
019by nothing but pure determination. We've grown, we've learned, and we've helped each other through. Now, it's time to take everything we learned and bring it out into the world. I know we're ready. Congratulations, Kanotech class of 2025. We did it. Thank you. [Music] Thank you, Abigail. I am now honored to introduce to you our class valictorian, Michelle Cometa. [Applause] Good evening parents, families, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates of the class of 2025. Today, we come together to celebrate the end of an unforgettable chapter of our lives. I can speak on behalf of the class when I say it's something we've definitely been looking forward to. We are lucky to say that we have spent these last four years together, but will now be parting our separate ways. Whether it be the struggles or successes that
020pushed us, we all got here. I'm sure everyone here has been through or something that set them back these past couple of years. Whether it be failed friendships, relationships, or falling outs, what matters is the journey that got us to where we are today. The class of 2025 would like to thank each and every one of you for being here on this special day and the roles you've played to get us to where we are now. Especially to our staff, the teachers and administrators who have helped us grow and succeed. Also to our class adviserss without whom nothing in the past three years would be possible. And notably the electrical shop teachers T and Pel who have been genuine from the start. They never sugarcoated what the real world or trade would be like. They
021have pushed everyone in our shop to not only be better workers but also better people. I would especially like to thank my parents. Without them, I would not experience what dedication and perseverance are. They have given me the opportunities they had never hadless sacrifices for me so I can succeed. They ensured I had a chance to follow a path they never had a chance to walk themselves. Most importantly, I would like to thank God. He has never and will never fail me. In moments of doubt or struggle, he was my guiding light. My faith is what gave me the strength to push myself dayto day. To the class of 2025, remember these past four years do not define you. Despite how bad or well you did in school, we are still we still have the
022same opportunities to be successful. Grades are simply just a number on paper. The only reason I'm here today giving this speech is because I had the highest number and became validictorian. Not because I am better or more likely to succeed. All of us have a specific purpose, something that we are good at and are meant to do. Whether we're going to college, into the trade, or into the military, we all have our own goals. Our goals will be a new challenge. We don't need to have everything figured out. We are meant to stumble or fail. Learn from our mistakes. We still have so much time to understand and learn who we are. It is okay to contemplate your decisions or change your mind. As we turn the page here today, remember there is no such
023thing as time wasted and success looks different for everyone. Although it is the end, it is also beginning of a new chapter in our lives. It feels bittersweet. We finally get to go out into the real world, but will no longer see supportive friends, staff, or familiar faces. However, this does not mean we're alone. We're simply growing to be independent. As scary as it is, it's exciting. We finally get to make our own choices and are free to be whoever we want to be. There are no set rules or steps that we have to follow. We get to make our own guidelines. But let's not forget what led us to where we are today because it has made us who we are and who we will become. I would like to leave you all with
024lyrics from artist J.Cole. There is no such thing as a life that's better than yours. Congratulations to the class of 2025. God bless you all. [Applause] Thank you, Michelle. Distinguished guests, parents, faculty, and friends, the CTECS Board of Education is the governing body responsible for establishing policy requisites and standards for graduation. This evening, CTECS Rocky Stallings, CTECS Director of Grants Lisa Jones, and CTEC Associate Fiscal Administrative Officer Kesha Richardson represent that board. Miss Stallings, Miss Jones, and Miss Richardson, could you please stand through the principal's authority, I have duly examined the technical and academic records of this class and certify that they meet requirements as set forth by the CTECS Board of Education and are therefore eligible to receive a high school diploma. [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Gambuchcci, the mechanical design and
025engineering technology instructor. [Applause] Thank you, Dr. Hillier. Good evening, Caner Techch family. Will the graduates of the mechanical design and engineering technology department please stand? [Applause] Jeremiah Wizard. [Applause] Tyson Fato, [Applause] Justin Flowers, Damian Gman, [Applause] Just Jolie. [Applause] I'm not Caleb Johnson. Joel and [Applause] last one. Riley Joseph Yeri. And now I'd like to introduce Mr. Hughes, the carpentry department. [Applause] Will the graduates of the carpentry department please stand Alexander Angel [Applause] just Ricardo de [Applause] Aaron Joseph Gaspar, [Music] [Applause] Mikai Gunyard, [Music] Noah A. Hernandez, Nathan Daniel Kibby, Mattaline Lasi, [Applause] Sean Michael Mendes, [Applause] Arian Ranavasi, [Applause] Nathan Michael Charlotte, [Applause] Zire Andre Trent [Music] [Applause] and Christopher Winter. [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Pelier, the electronics, robotics and autoation technology department head. Will the graduates robotics and automation department
026please stand? Steven Baldino, [Applause] Joseph Gonzalez, [Applause] Cameron James Gordon, [Applause] Debbie Hill, [Music] [Applause] Brian Jackson, [Music] Kayla Kinc [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Malta Jr. [Applause] Andrea Mali Rosales, [Applause] Alexander Ruiz, [Applause] [Music] Serenity Leas Samus [Music] Sky Somershot [Applause] [Music] Shawn J. Smith. I would like to introduce Mr. Hit the automotive collision and repair and refinishing department head. [Applause] The automotive repair finishing department. Please stand. [Music] Spencer, [Applause] Christopher Caller [Applause] [Music] Jose Antonio Guerrero III [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Alexando [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heather Loha [Applause] mama sa miner. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Ebony Porter. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Edwin Perez Rivera, [Applause] J Ronald Ramirez, Sanchez [Applause] Elizabeth Santiago, [Applause] Julie and Santiago, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Kahra Crystal Stewart. [Applause] [Music] Andre turn [Applause] 10. [Applause] I did it. [Applause] [Music] I'd like to
027introduce Miss Al Becka and Lamir, the health technology department. [Applause] Will the graduates of the health technology department please stand? Bella Angelia Cupz [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Princess Tatiana Unique Karee [Applause] Catherine Amelia Gota [Applause] [Music] Caitlyn Leila Jean Baptiste, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Kayla Hope, Jean Baptiz, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sha Alberise Jimenez, [Applause] Tia Michelle Johnson, [Music] [Applause] Cassidy Moran, [Applause] Aaron Moreno, [Applause] Alexandria Nelson, [Applause] [Music] Annayra, I bet Lee P [Applause] Yamallet Nielli Rivera [Applause] [Music] Delila Tagan. [Applause] [Music] Elijah Gainor. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Vogner and Mr. the heating department head and instructor. [Applause] [Music] Will the graduates of the plumbing and heating department please stand? [Applause] [Music] Nathaniel Barlo. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Joseph Broofphy. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Lydia Feiner. [Applause] Xavier Gonzalez. [Applause] Alexander, [Applause] [Music]
028Nicholas Jacone. [Applause] [Music] Richard Juckham, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Elijah Morgan Coahon [Applause] [Music] Peralta. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Samuel, [Applause] [Music] Noah Rez. [Applause] Habib Raheem. [Applause] [Music] Jacob Rock. [Applause] [Music] Elijah Malinari, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jonathan Riley. [Applause] That's my boyfriend. I'd like to introduce the hairdresser department head and instructor. Thank you guys. Thanks for flipping the page. Will the graduates of the hairdressing and cosmetology department please stand? [Applause] Amaya Esavdo [Applause] [Music] Abigail Irene Albert [Applause] Michaela Madison Bruce [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Giana Mari Cypri [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jaylen Ikeman. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Samantha Lee Genitasio [Applause] Marie Lupacino [Applause] Arielis Rob, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Annabelle, Jolie Rodriguez, [Applause] Alianis Annayia Rodriguez. [Applause] Samuel over [Applause] [Music] Zaniah Chen Roundtree. [Applause] Aisha Sakaroski [Applause] [Music] Annelise Liliana Steel. [Applause] [Music]
029Jackie Ardardo, [Applause] [Music] Briana Marie White. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Sierra Brie Young. [Applause] [Music] I would like to introduce Mr. Theiel, Mr. Pelky, the electrical department head and instructor. [Applause] Will the graduates of the electrical department please stand? [Applause] Ariana Silva Barrels [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Gabriel Bala [Music] Qua. [Applause] Carter Mitch Durggo, [Applause] [Music] Angelina Estrada. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Adam Big [Applause] Asha Alana Ti. [Applause] You're welcome. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Ronnie Sel Ray, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] jump. [Applause] Yesia many [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Hoy win. [Applause] [Music] David Ortega, [Applause] man. Julysa Patterson. [Applause] [Music] Michelle, [Applause] that's my girlfriend. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Liata Santa Petro. [Applause] That's my girlfriend Reginald Malik T. [Applause] Nico Torres. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I'd like to introduce Mr. Zanka, Mr. Simmon, the automotive
030technology department head and instructor. Will the graduates of the automotive technology department please stand? [Applause] Alvin Ado, [Applause] Tristan Darden. [Applause] Kyra Gonzalez. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Zamir Amamali. [Applause] [Music] Tyler Ray Indar [Applause] [Music] Austin Ryan Zero. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jamie Jenkins. [Music] [Applause] Angelo Quan. [Applause] Proud of you. Good luck, man. Congratulations. Santiago Sanchez Perez. [Applause] Oh my Nicholas John Papadia [Applause] Nelson Ramirez Perez [Applause] Tanga Susanna Rivera, [Applause] [Music] James S. Good luck, Omar. Andre Sandoff, [Applause] Stephanie Marie, Vala Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] Last but not least, Bezik Zoolali, my right-hand man. Good job. Proud of you. [Music] [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Alexu, the information technology department head. [Applause] Will the graduates of the information technology department please stand? [Applause] Derelix Duran [Applause] [Music] J [Applause] Julio Felix [Applause]
031Kareem Galarza [Applause] [Music] Chris Gomez, my boyfriend, Sean Joseph II, [Applause] Leandro Liriano Jr. Jasper Mach, [Applause] Wyatt Martin, [Applause] Cypress Randall, Eddie [Music] Reyes, [Applause] Malik Robinson, [Applause] Alandre Romero, [Applause] Derek Santos, [Applause] Jaden Smith, [Applause] [Music] Xavier Smith, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Julian Wingersman. [Applause] Eleazar Diaz. [Applause] One last photo. Take your stand. [Music] [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Miller and Mr. Macau, the precision machining technology instructors. [Applause] Will the department please stand? Blake Aoyo [Applause] [Music] She's a freshman. Colin Barton, [Applause] Javin Dong, [Applause] Abubakari, [Applause] Patrick William Crossover, [Applause] Christopher John, Charles Johnson. [Applause] [Music] Devon Anthony Latimore [Applause] Lopez. [Applause] Javier Lewis, [Applause] Leslie, Meredith [Music] [Applause] Joshua Mandelo, [Applause] Matthew Morales, [Applause] Isaiah Correth Nelson Jr. Juan Marcos River [Applause] Angelica Maria Rivera Francisco [Applause] Evan
032James Rosario [Applause] Naas Ruiz. [Applause] Chloe Sar, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Scoffield. [Music] [Applause] Alexander Stanco [Applause] and Steven Nyen Bong. [Applause] I would like to introduce Mr. Gretch, the culinary arts department head. [Applause] Will the graduate of the culinary art department stand? Jason a [Applause] London [Applause] [Music] Destiny Wrong. [Music] [Applause] Samia B. Jamalu, [Music] [Applause] Jonathan Cruz, [Applause] Emar [Applause] Sh and J and John [Applause] Leila. Johnson, [Applause] [Music] Emily, [Applause] Daniel, Laura, [Applause] Kadira, Alena Mitchell, [Applause] [Music] Deja Lee, [Applause] Tamila, Nash, Steve. [Applause] Aiden Cozy [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Mercedes Vega Hana [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Charles A. with your son to serve [Music] Brooklyn right [Applause] Nicholas Kosinski Pay [Applause] attention. Please be seated. [Applause] Will the class of 2025 please rise? [Applause] [Music] and their status as graduates of Warren Fox. [Applause]
033[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] My pleasure to introduce National Honor Society. and Skills USA president. [Music] [Applause] [Music] I love you. Before we run all out, well, I can't speak. Before we all run out here to celebrate, I want to remind every single one of you of just how far Whether it's all your classes, making it through this graduation ceremony without accidentally falling asleep, or landing a spot in your dream career, I'm proud of you. Seriously, give yourself of applause and a pat. Now, I know not everyone gets proper recognition they deserve. I have watched all the hard work you guys have poured into these four years without ever hearing the words thank you. But sometimes our biggest wins happen quietly, like showing up on time, being there for another in need, or just managing to
034get through a tough day without losing it. So don't feel bad if you don't have a fancy piece of paper to prove your greatness or a little cord that's nice and shiny. After all, an award is just a piece of paper. But your growth, that's real and that's powerful. And here's something even more important. Don't forget to notice the people around you. The classmates who sat next to you during those long lectures. The teachers who stayed late grading papers. The friends who just cheered you on. and the families who supported you every step of the way. They're all part of your story and they deserve your gratitude. So before this ceremony ends, take a moment and show them some love. [Applause] And since I do believe by example, let me start by saying thank you.
035Thank you for everyone here who's ever tolerated me singing Christmas music in April and who've had to deal with throwing vote for Lydia ducks in your face. To the friends who motivated me not to cry while writing literary analysis and article of the week essays. Thank you for being my sanity. To my teammates and coaches, thank you for pushing me to keep running even when I was halfway up a hill that I thought would be illegal in cross country because I don't even know want to know how high it was. And for cheering me on while I was running eight laps in a 3200 during track. I swear every time I did that I was like, why did I sign up for this? To the teachers who had to drag a chair next to me
036during quizzes just because I asked so many questions and it was just easier to stay close. I appreciate your patience more than you know. And most of all, thank you to my family, the ones who funded my cut and half toilet for Skills USA without asking too many questions and who picked me up at totally random hours because I was like, "Oh, I have a thing at Caner tonight. Uh, I forgot to tell you." If I had all the time in the world, I could name every single person in Ker that I'm thankful for. But to save us an Oscar speech and really just some time so you guys can go home and celebrate, I I'll stop here. But want you to remember one thing. Never forget to show that gratitude to the people who
037show up for you. They're the reason we made it here. And I know you will hear this at least five more times before we leave, but congratulations to the class of 2025. [Music] And now it's time to turn it over. It is now my pleasure to introduce to you the class president, Lyanna Rene. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Um, I'm going to try to say this without crying. Um, good evening friends, family, faculty, and fellow graduates. It is an honor being able to stand in front of you all as the class president of the class of 2025. I feel so excited yet so sad to be speaking to you all. Sad because I know this will be the last time our faces will all be sitting in the same place at once. But yet so excited
038because this is truly where our journey begins. Today we gather to s to celebrate a significant milestone in your lives, our lives. an accumulation of hard work, dedication, and as you sit here in your caps and gowns, I want you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that to this point. Each of you has a unique story filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless memories that have shaped who you are today. As you move forward, I urge you to carry with you the lessons that you have learned here. You have developed critical thinking skills, forged lasting friendships, and discovered your true passions. These experiences will lead and serve as your compass as you navigate through the complexities of adulthood. In a world that often feels divided, remember the power of empathy and understanding. You
039have the ability to make a difference, to be a voice for those who don't have one, and create more a more inclusive and compassionate society. Use your education not for personal gain but to uplift others and contribute to the greater good. Now my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friends, the Dallas parents whom I've received my name in life's blood, Crystal and Loy Jones. Thank you for being there for me, pushing me to make something of myself, and most importantly, loving me despite my flaws, my true guidepost for everything. I'd also like to take a minute to thank my high school best friends. Sorry, the people who have made me laugh when I would cry, be there for me when no one else would, and most importantly, make me feel both loved and appreciated. The
040memories we've made over these four years will continue to be memorable, and I couldn't do it without you all, and I'm beyond grateful. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you. Now, as you all embark on your next next adventure, whether it be in further education, entering the workforce, or exploring the world, don't be afraid to take risks. Some of the greatest achievements come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. And I've learned that during my time here. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. It is often in our failures that we learn the most about ourselves and our capabilities. And so with this class of 2025, I ask that you turn around and look to the people who have stood behind you your whole life and remember that
041when you pass these, make it your mission to let your world know who you are. Let it be known, a leader, and most importantly, let be known that you're a part of the class of 2025 right here at Kirner Technical High School. We don't know everything, but we know this and we're ready. Here's to us, to the journey ahead, to the memories made, and to never forgetting who we are right here, right now. So, with that being said, Eliza Diaz and I have a video to present to you all, a gift, a trophy, and most importantly, a memory. Time go. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sh. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hey, you are [Music] [Applause] Thank you, Leanne. Thank you very much. Please rise. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]
042[Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Children no more. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Oh yeah.