001like two seconds. Be ready. All ready. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the entry of school district dignitaries and the graduating class of 2025. Please remain standing after our graduates have entered the field for the playing of the national anthem. Okay, trumpets. You remember the national anthem? They're singing, right? We're good. Anthem, yes. They didn't tell me this. [Music] One, two, one. [Music] Okay. Pop circumstance. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Circumstance. They didn't tell me these things. Circumstance. Here we go. Ready? [Music] Okay. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Yeah. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Come on. Last time [Music]
002around. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] The privilege of this event was made possible by those who fought and continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy. Ladies and gentlemen, please remove your hats. All veterans, we encourage you to render the appropriate salute. and everyone able, please remain standing for the national anthem being sung by our HPHS Viking Nation Choir. Say you see by the dawn early eyes. So proudly we held at the twilight lasting whose stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. All the railarts we watch were so gallently streaming. And the rock is great. There was mercy in this g through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that stars mangled [Music] and on the land of the [Applause] free and the home of the great [Music]
003[Applause] Seniors, you can take a seat. Middle school. Good evening and welcome to Gerba Field on the campus of Hazel Park High School for the class of 2025 commencement ceremony. You may be seated. As an alumni and principal of Hazel Park High School, it is an honor and privilege to welcome you to the 132nd commencement ceremony. At this time, I would like to introduce the members of the board of education. We ask that they stand and be recognized for their dedication to ensuring that all students in Hazel Park have access to a quality education. President, Mrs. Beverly Hinton, Vice President, Mrs. Deborah Lafro, Secretary, Mr. Darren Fox, Treasurer, Mrs. Heidi Fortress, Trustee, Mrs. Monica Rati, Trustee Mr. Nathan Becker and Trustee Mrs. April Beaton. The vision of our district and your students education is guided
004by our superintendent Dr. Amy Krooppy. We are also joined by central office administrators and other building administration assistant superintendent of teaching and learning Dr. Stephanie Domage, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. Mrs. Monica Papazian, don't believe she's here. K12 teaching and learning supervisor Dr. Julie Kaminsky. Director of Communications, Dr. Mr. Charles Plyus, Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Megan Papazi in Broadwell, director of information technology, Mr. Bradley Wilkins, our athletic director, Mr. James Patterson. And in our stands as a parent this evening is their director of human resources, Mrs. Christy Schlack. Please recognize them for their role in shaping your children's education. by another round of applause. Please also recognize the remarkably dedicated teachers, counselors, social workers, promise zone directors, college adviserss, cafeteria staff, secretarial staff, paraprofessionals, security staff, custodial staff, and coaches who have
005joined us this evening. whose commitment, support, and influence have guided our students on their journey from their earliest experiences in preschool and kindergarten all through elementary, middle school, and finally here at Hazel Park High School. Lastly, many thanks to our senior advisors, Mrs. Jennifer Elias and Miss Kelly Gil, who recently had a little baby, so she's out there somewhere with that baby right now, for their remarkable work in organizing this evening. and organizing many other events this school year, including the senior banquet and prom. Today, as I stand here looking at all of you, bright, hopeful, accomplished, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, joy, and yes, a little bit of disbelief. How has it been seven years since I met most of you for the first time way back in middle school?
006I certainly remember those nervous middle school smiles and questions about things like where's the bathroom on an AB schedule and how are we going to make it to class with just a few minutes for hall passing. We've shared snow days and sunshine, challenges and triumphs, laughter, and yes, sometimes the occasional tear. Over these years, I've had the honor of watching you grow not just in height and shoe size, but in character, courage, and kindness to become the remarkable young ladies and gentlemen you are today. I've watched you take on leadership roles, support each other during difficult times, and become individuals that we are all so proud to send out into this world. What makes this moment so special to me is that I haven't just been your principal. I've been your witness. I've seen your
007resilience and action. I've watched you fail. Get up, brush it off, and try again. I've seen your creativity shine in classrooms, stages, and athletics. And I've seen your hearts full of compassion and friendship. Now, as you take this next step, whether it's high school, college, or other new adventures, I want you to remember this. You are ready. You are more ready than you know. You carry with you not only knowledge, but the love and belief of everyone here who's cheered you on. Never forget where you came from. This school, these halls, these classrooms will always be a part of your story. As a former graduate of Hazel Park High School, my pro myself, I promise you all this. This place, these people, and this town will always hold a special place in your heart. And
008more than that, you will always be a part of Hazel Park. So on behalf of every teacher who guided you, every staff member who supported you, your family who raised you, and from me, someone who's walked proudly beside you for these unforgettable years, I say congratulations, class of 2025, you have made us all very proud. Now go out, my fellow Vikings, and make the world proud, too. At this time, I'm pleased to welcome to the podium our superintendent of Hazel Park Schools, Dr. Amy Krooppy. Well, good evening, board of education, Hazel Park staff, families, friends, community members, and of course, our incredible Hazel Park graduates of 2025. But before we begin tonight's celebration, I'd like to take a moment to recognize a very special graduate in the audience. Now, she's not wearing a cap and
009gown, though frankly, she deserves both, and maybe even a superhero cape with a sparkly tea on it. This remarkable woman has spent her life loving Hazel Park schools, our staff, our students, and our community with a heart the size of our football field. So, tonight, let's flip the script and give her a standing ovation she deserves. Congratulations to the one and only Miss Tammy Mckenry, who'll be graduating to retirement from Hazel Park Schools this June. [Applause] [Music] Tammy, your diploma comes with unlimited coffee, naps, and the internal gratitude of everyone you've touched along the way. Let's give her all the love back. She's earned every bit of [Music] it. Class of 2025, I'm truly honored to share to stand in front of you tonight. Over the years, I've had the privilege of watching your growth,
010witnessing your achievements, and supporting your journeys. The pride I feel tonight is overwhelming as we celebrate this remarkable moment together. I remember so many of you when you were younger. Your energy, your curiosity, your boldness. Some of you fought for your peers to ride bikes to school. Some of you made gifts for others, especially the superintendent. And many of you showered imagination and creativity that pushed all of our boundaries. And now those same spirited kids stand before us tonight as thoughtful, determined young adults. What a gift it is to watch you transform. As you leave this football field tonight, remember your success isn't just about where you end up. It's about how you shine and stand out along the way with creativity, imagination that has always been a part of you. Shine when even others
011doubt you. Shine when the world dares you to be someone else. Don't be afraid to stand out. Don't be afraid to be different. In fact, dare to be different. That's where your growth is going to happen and where the real impact is going to begin. Step outside your comfort zone. Take risks. Ask bold questions. Say yes to challenges that stress you. Be fearless and never be afraid. Always move forward. You're going to shine not because the world gives you permission, because you have chosen to, even when it's hard. Remember that amazing graduates have walked before you here in Hazel Park. They are doctors, nurses, plumbers, welders, educators, and more. Whatever path you choose, walk it with your head high. There is pride in every honest effort, dignity in every trade, and greatness in whatever you
012pursue. Some of you are going to build, some of you are going to lead, some will heal, some will teach, protect, or create. But every one of you are going to make a difference. As Hazel Park alumni, you are brave, strong, dreamers, doers, change makers. And the world says you can't. You are going to say, "Watch me." So, class of 2025, shine as you walk out here tonight. Be bold, be bright, make a difference. The staff in the community of Hazel Park believes in you. We are proud of you, and you are an amazing 2025 Hazel Park Viking. [Applause] At this time, please welcome to the podium the valadictorian of the class of 2025, Miss Railen Hemple. [Applause] All right. Thank you. All right. Hello everyone. You may know me, but if you don't, my
013name is Raylin Humble, and I am your class of 2025's Valley Victorian. Firstly, I want to start with thanking my family. They are the backbone of who I am. I wouldn't trade them for anything, even when they make me want to rip my hair out. I want to thank every office lady, every custodian, every counselor, and every security guard, especially the one who raised me. Thank you, Miss Sue or Give me a second. Mom. All right. Thank you to every principal, every vice principal, de students, and the board of education. Thank you to Miss Finley. You're such a wonderful college advisor and an even better person. I'm [Applause] so I'm so glad I haven't met you. I hope everything goes well for you and you don't miss your favorite class too much. And finally, sincerely,
014thank you to every teacher in the stands or were I here for choosing to be a teacher. It's not the most glamorous job, but you truly are the foundation of our world. You raise and teach generation and generations of young adults. And even without knowing it, you have touched so many students hearts and who will remember you for the rest of your lives. And now, dear class, I've learned a lot here. Not so much math or English, but I'm just kidding. But it has taught me to cherish the small moments. Despite all the differences we have from culture to religion and many more, we still have one thing that brings us together. Hazel Park. And whether it's waiting 10 minutes before the deadline to turn in an assignment, counting down the minutes until the last
015bell or ping our petty beats aside for to have a night of fun. From all the homecomings, the proms, senior banquet, the decision day, and so many memories, we did it together. But now this is our final event together. We will never graduate with these exact group of people. Some we've known only for a short period of time, others our whole lives. And now we might never see each other again. But I sincerely hope you keep the memories we had together in your hearts. Even if you won't miss them now or even 10 years, but in 30 years when your bones are creaking in ways you don't like, well, we'll just wish we had one more minute in that English class or a Friday football game with all your friends where you laughed until you
016physically couldn't breathe. And as we move from the this chapter of our lives into the next, I hope that at least one day we meet again. Maybe in the grocery store or at our school reunion. I hope you got that dream job you always wanted. Have a family or just a bed to keep you company. And if all else fails, which it probably will, and life doesn't turn out the way you originally planned, I hope at least you're happy. With love and gratitude, sincerely, Brilland Hemple. [Applause] [Music] At this time, I'd like welcome to the stage Mr. George Deus for the introduction of armed services [Applause] distinction. Good evening. The freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America are protected and enforced by the members of our armed services. We would like to take
017this opportunity to ask that any active duty members of our armed forces as well as any veterans stand and be recognized. [Applause] We thank you all for your service. The origin of the expression freedom is not free is credited to retired US Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock of the New Mexico Military Institute. It is meant to express gratitude for the service of members of the military, implicitly stating that the freedoms enjoyed by those living in democracies today are only possible due to the risks taken and sacrifice made by those in the armed services. To all of our heroes and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, for all of us, we are eternally grateful. The graduating class of 2025 has two members who have chosen to enter the military. We are thankful for their
018commitment and dedication to protecting those rights we hold most sacred. Will the following two graduates please stand as we honor you? Jamari Scott and Corey Thomas. [Applause] Congratulations and thank you gentlemen as they will be joining the National [Applause] Guard. At this time we're are pleased to announce that Miss Chancer will come up and assemble our graduates. Thank you. Good evening everyone and congratulations class of 2025. We are super proud of you. At this time we are pleased to announce each of the seniors assembled has met the requirements for graduation from Hazel Park High School set forth by the state of Michigan and the department of education. At this time, we welcome to the podium our counselors, Miss Kira Stewart and Mr. Jason Winchester, to read the names of each candidate for graduation. And our
019board of education, Dr. Krooppy, and the other Hazel Park administrators to congratulate our graduates as they are presented with their diploma. Are we ready? All right. Yeah, I'm starting. Ah, no way. [Music] [Applause] Zad Nazar, Alicia [Applause] [Music] Xavier Maurice Allen, Julian Andrew Atinson, Aiden Robert Bailey, Hayden Christopher [Music] Bargertock, Zier Deion, Jordan Bell, Kylin Anthony [Music] Belton, Joseph Amos Cornelius Burks Jr. [Music] Javon Quinn Sean [Applause] Bernett Clarence James Carrie IV Kamari James Carey Leonzo Leon Cohen Jr. Jeremiah Elijah Collins [Applause] Gilmore Daniel James Courtourtney Jaylen Maurice Dell Jaden Nelson Draw Elijah Antonio Duncan, [Applause] Jonah Michael Levi [Applause] Enriquez, Dominic Ruben [Music] [Applause] Garza, Kylie Denise Marie Alexander, Ashai Kalia Alfred Laauo, Alyssa Genevie [Applause] Arsenal, Ser Serenity Elena Aterson, Hannah Lee Bellinger, [Music] Lillian May Blackwell, [Applause] Kaylee Adele Blair, Madison Marie
020Bose, Micaia Antuinette Bowden, Elena Lee Brown, Madison Taylor Brown, Allison Audrey [Music] [Applause] Bucko, Joel Maria Burton, Katherine Anne Chapel, [Applause] Tangela Rose Charleston. [Applause] Deja Ray Chapman, Gina Elizabeth Coats, Sydney Jordan Cummings, Briana Lache Cunningham, Nathan William Goodson, Xavier Michael Green, Adams, inspire Lucas Griffin, [Applause] Justin Drakari Harris, [Applause] Ryan Terrell Harvey III, Christopher Donovan Hill, Nicholas Dair Hunter Jun, Junior Joseph Edward Nathaniel Jackson Jr. [Applause] Alonz Cardier Justice [Applause] [Music] David Jeffrey Justice I Jason Matthew Gold Smith Jeremiah Lee Kemp Shannon Luke Kirby Caleb Elijah Kier, Camden, Joseph, [Music] Knandre Mason, Clifton, Jaden Massie, Thomas Arthur McAfee, Ian J. McCuten, Stephanie Joanne Borwick, [Applause] [Music] Janiah Alicia Depri, Savannah Marie Ford, Alyssa Marie Freeman, Michaela Lashra Glass, Railan Sarah Hemple, Katana J. height, [Applause] Emily Rose Hudnau, Autumn Sky Jackson, Monae Skyla Johnson,
021[Applause] [Music] Mina Kish, [Applause] Julianne Dawn McMahon, Jamaiah Denise Moore, [Applause] Kora [Applause] Jai, Chelsea Lynn Nickerson, Isabelle Marie Orin, Nerissa Shereé Owens, Genesis Florence Roberts, [Applause] [Music] Kamaya Marie Rushing Leila Sai shoulders Philip Austin Palmer Brandon Gregory Penelan II, [Applause] Dylan Ray Fop, Michael Anthony [Applause] Riley, Matthew Matthew James Rich, Myron Rashawn Robinson, Jason Jaquan Rogers, [Music] Juan Rammon Rodriguez III, [Applause] I'm reading it. Yep. Juno Pierce Meenic Lon Enis. Lead Jaden Leon Enis [Applause] Paige Robert [Music] SWAL Landon William Schllock Jamari Oman Scott [Applause] [Music] Sama Ramal Shaw Junior Robert Lee Shelton James Conit Southern [Music] Anthony James Tate, [Music] right? Corey J. Swan Thomas Jr. Zabri, Zabri Len Jones, Jordan Rihanna Smith, [Applause] Diamond Lynn Jana Spear, [Music] Sylvia Ray Styac [Applause] Paradise Karen Stit [Music] [Applause] Dborah Ebonyique Taylor Messiah Asia
022Acade Michaela Charnie [Music] Terry Emily Elaine Timick don't eat me. Don't eat me. Nia Wanita Turner, Riley an Margaret Wentworth, [Music] Angel Racine Willis. I know it. Kayn Lisa Marie Winkler, [Applause] Genevieve Nicole Lynn Workman, [Applause] [Music] Aina Mariah Young, Cheyana Marie Vanchina, Yeah. Morgan Daniel Rosen Bloom, [Applause] Christopher Michael Sandifer. Dewan Shantz, Henry Weaver, Reginald Lamar Willis, [Music] Dexter Christian Wilson, [Applause] [Music] Aa Dallas Torbert Isaac James [Music] Venus Andrew Steven Whitney Lanclo Jr. [Applause] [Music] Cord Corleó [Applause] Wilson Harlem Ali Williams Dearan De Man Wright [Applause] [Music] Here we Go. All right. At this time, we would like to welcome to the stage the class president, Miss Tangela Charleston. [Applause] All right. Hello. Okay. Good evening, everyone. My name is Tangela Charleston, and I am the president of my 2025 senior class. It
023is my honor here today to be able to address you all one last time before we all go off and do great things life has in store for us. I would like to start off with thanking everyone who made this day special. Our families, our staff, and our friends, and most importantly, all of you. Without us, there is no future. It feels like just yesterday, we were walking into school for the first time, nervous and unsure. But now, here we are at the finish line. One of my favorite things about this class is how extremely diverse we all are. There has yet to be a dull moment with anyone here. Whether it be the chaos that ensued with our senior prank, us running at any sign or smell of food, or having the worst case
024of senioritis I've ever seen. Despite all that, we have been able to overcome so many challenges. We are considered the last COVID class. We have been through thick and thin and one of the most important times of our lives. We learned how to be independent but still be able to turn to those around us. I am proud to be able to say that I was able to grow alongside all of you. Everyone has taught one another something. Whether that be knowing how to find your perfect social circle or finding every way imaginable to getting to getting out of doing homework. And as I stand here and look out at all of you, my classmates and my friends, I'm reminded of just how unique and resilient this class truly is. We are more than just teenagers
025who finally made it through high school. We are a new generation that has seen the world for its crazy and unpredictableness firsthand. We are the class that stayed up all night doing an assignment we swore up and down we finish earlier. We are the class that turned painstakingly long Zoom calls into inside jokes. We are the class that knows how to take any boring day and make it a fun one. But what makes us different from all the rest? Our spirit, our drive, our sense of community. Being the loudest at every event, no matter what it is. I'm looking at you, Emily. We truly have built something real. Something everyone can look back to and say, "Remember that one time. This moment now is the official end of our childhoods." Growing up isn't just about
026being another adult in the world. It's about discovering who you are as a person. A new gateway has opened for all of us. It is a new beginning, a way to start fresh. Lead your life the way you want to. It's okay to feel unsure, scared, and who knows what else. Even as the girl you see with her life completely planned out, I'm still scared out of my mind. But I know I can do it. And I know all of you will be able to do it, too. Because I know who all of you are. I know how resilient, outgoing, creative, and smart all of you are. No matter what life throws at any of you, I know you will prevail. Those little roadblocks are nothing compared to what you are destined to achieve. Hold
027on, guys. All right. I see a bright future in all of you. No matter what it is, no matter if that path is college, work, the military, or the unknown. Anywhere you go, always lead with your heart. Do what you know is right, and others will see it. You have to follow your dreams, find your passion, and most importantly, find yourself. And with that, you will forever shine. Today, let's leave with our heads high. Let's turn everything we've learned these past four years into action. Remember, no one can write your story. It's up to you to decide how that story goes. With that, I would like to share my final thank yous. Thank you to everyone who has supported us for believing in us when no one else did. Thank you to those who helped
028us but never received the recognition they deserved. And most importantly, I'd like to thank all of you one last time. Thank you for entrusting me as your leader and your guide. You have truly made my senior year amazing, and I hope I was able to do the same for all of you. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. Now that we got that out of the way, let's move to what we've all been waiting for. Turning the tassel is a symbol of graduation. Before we move our tassels, please take a moment to remember all the academic and personal achievements that have brought us to this day. Let's also remember all the family members, faculty, staff, and classmates with whom we've shared these last four years. At this time, all graduates of the
029class of 2025, please [Applause] stand. My fellow graduates, as a symbolic gesture of your completion of high school, you may now turn your tassel from the right to the left. Congratulations, class of 2025. We did it. [Applause] At this time, we'd like to welcome our Viking Nation choir back to sing our alma mater. After that, our seniors will walk in a spiral to the end zone where they will toss their caps. Uh seniors will get their diplomas inside and then meet you at your vehicles after. [Applause] Okay, forget they are the happiest we had yet. Days will pass and we will part. But we'll hazel. will remember friends we made and jo [Music] [Applause] [Music] This is the conclusion of our 132nd commencement program. Congratulations class of 2025. [Applause] Riley, love you. Where's Riley? Why
030can't I find her? Love you, [Music] Riley. [Music] Let's [Music] go. Here we go. [Music] Come on. [Music] We [Music] can't help you. [Music] talking during stop. Kylie um Alexander told she had to shut up. [Music] [Applause] [Music] It's raining sunny and nice yesterday and her soccer. Yeah. Thank you. [Music]