001[Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat [Applause] [Music] up here. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I [Music] am Yeah. Heat. [Music] Heat up here. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] of the Garfield Heights City Schools, the board of education, and our superintendent, Dr. Richard Reynolds. I would like to thank you for coming to our commencement ceremony to celebrate the class of 2025. Graduates, many people were with you on the journey and helped you get to this night. Take a look around. Graduates, look at the audience filled with your parents, guardians, family members, and friends, and teachers that all played a part in helping you make it to graduation. Graduates, will you please stand at that time and show your appreciation to everyone who has assisted you by giving them
002a round of applause? [Applause] parents, family members, and close friends. We are here to celebrate the accomplishments of your scholars, and I know how excited you are to be here tonight. Please join me in celebrating them and all they've accomplished through their four years of high school. They did it. They made it to graduation. Let's take a moment to show them how proud we are of all they've accomplished so far. I know you are all excited to be here tonight and your graduate is thrilled to be able to walk across this stage this evening. As we progress through this ceremony, please remember that everyone wants to hear their graduate's name as they are announced. Please be respectful of so that every family can have the same [Music] experience. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join
003us in the playing of the national anthem at our school alma mater. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduates, please be [Applause] [Music] seated. At this time, I would like to welcome to the podium our superintendent, Dr. Richard Reynolds. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Good evening graduates, families, and friends. Today is a day of celebration. Not not just because you're going to be receiving your diploma, but because of everything that it took for you to get here today. Those late nights, those early mornings, those setbacks, and those comebacks. And it all led to this moment. And now you're getting ready
004to stand on the edge of something new, your next chapter. Now, in this next chapter, it might be a a little scary. And if we're going to be honest here tonight, when I was sitting in those seats so long ago, I was afraid as well. But what I've learned from that is that it's going to be be this thing that I want you to remember. If you're going to become who God has called you to be, you have to have the courage to step into the unknown. Growth doesn't just happen automatically. Growth happens when it is safe. Not when it is safe or comfortable, but it happens when you trust him enough to move forward even if the path isn't clear. Now remember this, your future, and I'm telling you this right now, your future
005is worth fighting for. Fight every day for your future on who you want to become. It is important to you and the person that you are trying to become. And not every door is just going to swing open. Sometimes you're going to have to kick that door open. And I need you to be courageous enough to know that you have the ability to do those things. So remember, your future again is worth fighting for. And when you move forward, don't forget the people who stood there for you. Your parents are sitting up there right now. Your your community members, your your mentors, they're all here right now for you. They stood up for you. They supported you and they showed you what love means in action. So, one more thing and I'm going to get
006out your way is this and I hope you carry this for the rest of your life. God has placed something inside of each one of you that shouldn't be hidden. Now, it's he's given you gifts that's uniquely yours and there are lives that you're meant to touch. There's work that you're meant to there's problems that you are meant to solve and there's change that you're meant to spark. So, stop looking to your left, stop looking to your right, because you need to know that there's no one else but you who can do these things and you can. You are enough. So, to end this thing, this is not the end right now, y'all. I need you to know that this is not the end. This is only the beginning for you. You need to continue
007to learn, continue to grow, continue to become, and then step into that gift that God has provided for you. So, class of 2025, go out there and be great. Go out there and be wonderful. Go out there and solve problems. Not someday, not tomorrow. Do it right now because you are capable. So, thank you and congratulations y'all. [Applause] [Music] At this time, I would like to welcome our student speakers to the stage for the class of 2025. Carly Ascu, Nyla Hill, and Zariah Pittz. [Applause] Good evening class of 2025. This is not the end. In fact, it is just the beginning. Yes, we are finishing what we started. But this is also the start of something new. It's a beautiful day to graduate from Garfield Ice High School. First, I would like to thank God,
008my family for supporting me, and my teachers who generally took the time to teach me and were patient with me. Today's the day we've been working towards for years. From the first time we stepped into school, whether it was kindergarten, middle school, or high school, we have been preparing for this moment. And now, here we are ready to step into the real world. Whether that means college, the workforce, the military, or whatever path we take. As we move forward, we will face new challenges. Some expected, some completely unforeseen. There will be moments of doubt, moments learn if we're truly prepared. But let me remind you, the lesson we have learned both inside outside the classroom have shaped us into individuals who are ready to take on whatever comes next. Our teachers helped us learn to
009expect the unexpected. I remember when we were given the Marshmallow Tower Challenge, working with groups of others, we combined our knowledge, helped each other learn new techniques, and hopefully won. That experience taught us teamwork, innovation, and problem solving. All of which helped us which with our future, careers, and life itself. And let's not forget the moments that still make us laugh to this day, like finding Mr. Townsen or that one group project where only one person did all the work and somehow turned into a class presentation for the ages. Or the way we all panicked when the Wi-Fi went down during online testing. These are the moments that bonded us, made us laugh, and reminded us that we don't always have to be so serious, but to roll with the punches and understand the unexpected
010happens. And who can forget the teachers who made our days both challenging and unfor unforgettable. Mrs. Opponent comforting chess when we needed reassurance. Miss Wallank's test that left us wondering if we were actually right in the right class. Mr. Summer's famous off-topic conversations and saying whether it was get with that freshman or get the money finish school. He always had a way to keep us on our toes. And my all-time favorite, Mrs. D, who simply yet powerful advice, look forward and not back helped me push through school even on my hardest days. It helped me to think that going forward with life. And of course, the moments outside of classroom that made high school unforgettable. The excitement of my home of homecoming with my home girls. The thrill first day of school stepping into the
011hallways searching for familiar faces and maybe even locking. You will carry the bittersweet memories of our shared journey. The unwavering support of your friends and the unwavering belief and the powers of our collective dreams. Thank you and congratulations. [Applause] Next to the stage, Zarya Pittz. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hi everyone. For those who don't know, my name is Zarya Pittz and I'm the class president. First, I would like to start off by saying I'm so proud of all of the grads. You've worked so hard to get to this very moment and you finally did it. The class of 2025 is very unique. We're not like any other class. We've demonstrated resilience, creativity, intelligence, valuable skills, and so much more. Looking back to 2020 when the CO 19 pandemic started, we were only in
012seventh grade. We had to do all of our work online. We were isolated from our family and friends, and we had to do that for almost two whole school years. When we went back, we were high schoolers. That was an obstacle that we had to overcome, which made us more resilient. One thing about our class is that we are ambitious to we are ambitious and driven to be the best. There are so many self-made entrepreneurs with thriving businesses, outstanding athletes in all of our sports, many future professionals, and we're only 17 and 18 years old. And on top of that, me and the rest of our brilliant class officers, Jayla Williams, Jasper Gourd, Celia Brown, Travis Harris, and Destiny Price, did many things this year to make it fun and memorable. We hosted a talent
013show, a winter wonderland event, a few seasonal spirit weeks, a pie, the principal fundraiser, Senior Sunset, Singer Sunrise, and more. I want everyone to take a good look at all of the grads. At this very moment, we're surrounded by greatness. And you'll see in the near future, as we move forward, we'll embrace new challenges, achieve higher things, create memories, and embrace our new found independence. The future is full of many possibilities, and I know every single one of you is bound to be excellent. And while I know that it you may be nervous about what's next, I want you all to remember that your mind is a powerful gift that you can always rely on. As we close this chapter and open the next, the Garfield Heights High School class of 2025 will never be
014forgotten. I want to thank our parents and teachers. Parents, guardians, and teachers. They're the reasons they're the reasons we've come this far. They've given us motivation, built us up, supported us along the way, and we're so appreciative of them. While we don't know what the future holds, we know we are capable of being the best versions of ourselves in any outcome. No matter where you are in life, dream big and have faith in your abilities. Let's leave a lasting legacy at this school. Not just at our school, but in life in general. The class of 2025 is truly something special. I want to end this speech with the with a quote to give you one last piece of advice. As Michelle Obama once said, "You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will
015not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own. Thank you. [Music] [Applause] Good evening again, students, families, staff, and honored guests. Tonight, we gather to celebrate a moment that will live forever in the hearts of Garfield Heights High School class of 2025. A moment that marks both an ending but also a beginning. You sit here today not just as graduates but as proud Bulldogs who have persevered through challenges, growth, and transformation. When we open this school year, I reminded you of what it means to show Bulldog pride, to be prepared, respectful, involved, determined, and always strive to be excellent in all that you
016do. These weren't just words on a poster in the hall. They were the foundation of our school culture. And more importantly, they became your reality. We've shown what it means to be prepared not just for tests and projects, but for life beyond these walls. You've been respectful of one another, your community, and yourselves. You got involved in athletics, the arts, service projects, and school spirit events that made this building come alive with energy and purpose. You've been determined. You kept pushing when things were hard, when the road ahead seemed uncertain. And yes, you've shown excellence in your achievements, in your leadership, and in how you represented Garfield Heights with pride. This year, I ask you to be present in the hallways, in the classrooms, and in this moment because everyone belongs. Every day counts, and
017together we have Bulldog pride. And you showed up again and again to support each other, to grow, to laugh, and to learn. Class of 2025, you have left your mark. From the excellent performance on the field and the courts to the sound of the band in the stands. From the classroom debates to the quiet moments in the library, your story is now a part of the legacy of this high school. But now the next chapter begins. As you step forward into a world that is both exciting and uncertain, take the lessons you've learned here with you. Keep your head high, your values strong, and never forget the power of your voice, your actions, and your community. You are Bulldogs for life, and that means something. So go forward, be bold, be kind, be relentless. The
018world needs more people who live with your bulldog pride. Congratulations, class 25. We are so incredibly proud of you tonight. The hour of graduation is at hand. On behalf of the superintendent of the schools, I present the Garfield Heights class of 2025 to the president of the board of education, Dr. Mlette King. The students have met the requirements for graduation and therefore are eligible to receive their diplomas. Dr. King will join us. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my colleagues on the board of education, families and friends, and distinguished guests. On behalf of everyone in our school district, I welcome you all to the most significant of ceremonies. It will forever be among the highest honors and privileges I have as board president to be among the very first
019to extend a formal congratulations to the graduating members of the Garfield Heights class of 2025. You are the scholars who shine and who soar as ambassadors for us all like a bright light serving as the beacon to all of the students of our school district. Tonight's graduation marks a milestone of your time as a bulldog. A completion in one sense and the launching pad for the next phase in your educational journeys to another sense. and events that marks the hard work, tenacity, challenge overcoming personality and self-sacrifi sacrifice endured over the last 13 years during your studies and the culmination of your time as a student joined with these important individuals. Class of 2025, your passion and your curiosity for education will guide you into the futures. Over the last four years, you have championed a
020desire for self-improvement, cultivated a clear direction your for yourselves that we as administrators and educators hope will remain with you for the remainder of your learning days. You have refused to allow challenges to slow you down or unexpected setbacks to steer you away from your dreams. Rather, you have persevered by using each crack in the mountainside as a grip for your next climb forward. Tonight, class of 2025, you ascend to the pinnacle of your time as a Girlfriend Heights Bulldog. And for this, we are extremely proud. You have you have not arrived here alone, graduates. There have been a valuable support network that assisted you in arriving on this stage tonight. to the families, the mothers, the fathers, the grandmothers, the grandfathers, the brothers, the sisters, the aunts, the uncles, and all of the special
021helpers along the way. Will you join me graduates? And with a round of applause to those that have helped you, your education, class of 2025, is never ending. If you intend to succeed and you continue to pursue pursue your dreams, education is a never- ending journey. There is a great risk in having a the courage to never stop learning, never stop stretching, never stop growing. My hope for you is that you leave this stage tonight with a sense of accomplishments, but also with an enduring curiosity for learning. After all, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously believed and shared that the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character is the goal of education. I believe that and we know all too well that this world and
022our country and our communities are going to require educated, intelligent scholars with good character. Ladies and gentlemen, I see an entire class with those traits here tonight. And so my special challenge to you is to remain curious, keep learning, keep leading, scholars of the class of 2025, and don't forget to love one another along the way. You are a gift to this world. Thank you all and congratulations. [Applause] The candidates for graduation will rise one row at a time. [Music] Presenting diplomas. Board of Education President Nlette King, Marcelus [Applause] Williams, Walter James Williams, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jir Howard. [Applause] [Music] Antonio Lee [Applause] [Music] Primite Charles [Applause] [Music] Akila Adams. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nyla. [Applause] [Music] Arman, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Alexander, Jay, Maline. [Applause] Demetrius [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Ellis, Jaden [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
023Anderson, Raan on. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Bria [Applause] [Music] Arrington Candel. [Music] [Applause] [Music] No, control B. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduating Suma Kali, Rand [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Baker, Jamar B. [Applause] [Music] King [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nia, Jesseline Batista, Trinidad [Applause] [Music] Dylan [Applause] [Music] Bell, Sariah Black, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Darion Bell, [Music] [Applause] [Music] David [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Black, Kamaya [Applause] BS. Congratulations. Thank you, Raquel. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduating from Li, Darren Poyette. [Applause] Antonio Brown. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jeremiah Paradise Brown. [Applause] [Music] Xavier Harris, [Applause] [Music] Taylor Brown. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] bird [Music] [Applause] [Music] camper. Let's go. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Rodney Cara, [Applause] [Music] Jaylen Chapman. [Music] Chase [Applause] Chappelle, Tristan church, [Applause] [Music] Brooklyn [Applause] [Music] call, Kayla Cook. [Applause] Now presenting
024diplomas, Board of Education Vice President Kevin Morrison, [Music] Alexander Dancy, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Alan Davis, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Aaron Davis, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Dani Davis [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Dian Davis, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Eliia Davis [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you, Jon Davis. [Applause] [Music] Jordan Davis [Applause] [Music] Ramonte [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Davis, Antoine [Applause] Denton, graduating soon from LA, receiving an honors diploma. Aiden Dues, [Music] [Applause] Javon Edwards, [Applause] Talia Ellis, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Kanye Ellis [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Chad Evans, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Javon Farley, [Applause] [Music] graduating LA Connor [Applause] [Music] Frell, Reagan Flake. [Music] [Applause] Kiari [Music] [Applause] Foster, graduating from LA. Jayla Francis [Applause] [Music] Rihanna [Applause] Franklin, Anthony Fritz. [Music] Chanel Fry. [Applause] [Music] Say George. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nicholas, Makaya
025gets [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduating Suma Palad Jessica [Applause] [Music] Giddings. Graduating Magna Kumali. Brandon Gibson. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Malaya good in it. [Applause] [Music] Lauren Graves [Music] [Applause] Great [Applause] [Music] House Green. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Ocean girl. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Shia, Sia Hampton. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Eric, I Harris [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Michaela [Applause] [Music] Harrison, Angelica Hower. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Elon Hayden [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Now see your [Applause] [Music] Lauren [Applause] [Music] Hodgees, graduating back in Lowi, receiving an honors diploma. Desara Holland. [Applause] [Music] Now presenting the pearls board of education member Tania Cox. [Music] Ayanna [Applause] [Music] Howard J. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I Devon Jackson. [Applause] [Music] Zarya Jackson, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Cameron [Applause] [Music] Johnson,
026Latina Johnson, [Applause] [Music] Gideon Johnson. Oh, [Applause] [Music] Ari Jones, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jones. [Music] Tamara Jones, [Applause] Jaden Jordan [Applause] They [Applause] engine. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] David, Alina Kamura [Music] Jacob Cost, Christian Lacy, [Music] [Applause] Jamisha [Applause] [Music] Jesus, Ashley [Applause] [Music] [Applause] V, Kiier Lee [Applause] Nicholas [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Leavana M. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Jersey [Music] [Applause] [Music] Marshall, Isaiah, Martin, and Taylor. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] 94 Mario. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] in the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] cloud. [Applause] [Music] Ryan, Skyla Mitchell, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Red, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Joselyn, the money. [Applause] Makita Moore, [Applause] [Music] Keon Moore. I can't I [Music] [Applause] [Music] can't divine. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Malik, [Applause] Deion Murphy, [Applause] [Music] Liam [Applause] Pearl. No [Applause] [Music] [Applause] one.
027Oh no, that's patience Nelson. Patience Nelson. [Applause] I'm checking in. [Music] Delicia Nesman graduating sum receiving an honors technical diploma. Young [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] and Maya [Applause] [Music] Norris. Now presenting diplomas to Board of Education Member Ashley Thomas. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] The shores. [Music] [Applause] unfortunate. Graduating soon from LA, receiving a technical honors, Gabriella. [Applause] [Music] Shaniah Palia. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Lean [Applause] [Music] Am [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I ready? Oh yeah. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Damonte [Applause] [Music] Phillips ticket [Applause] is [Applause] [Music] [Applause] out. Stephanie Puit [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduating from Lai, Olivia [Applause] [Music] Ratisal, Alia Ra [Applause] [Music] Quincy receive. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] See [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Graduating Sumatula, receiving a technical honors diploma.
028Rihanna [Applause] Robinson graduating mag. [Applause] [Music] Sierra Bowen, [Applause] David [Applause] Cross, graduating. Jaden Roia. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] graduating magnitude loud receiving a technical honors perform. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Monica [Applause] Sanchez graduating soon from LA receiving an honors diploma. Say thanks. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] French, Ricardo Scott. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Richard [Applause] [Music] stop. Yes, sir. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Now you sharpen. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] So, Steven Sims [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Caleb SP. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Dakota [Applause] [Music] Smith, Jasine [Applause] [Music] Smith. Now presenting diplomas, board of education member Michelle Daniels, [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Ariana [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Spikes, Kayla Joel Stevens, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Nathan [Applause] [Music] Stefan, graduating from LA, receiving an honors diploma. Emma Stevens.
029[Applause] Tama [Applause] Stevenson, Prince Charles Stewart. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Sullivan, Debian [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Sbury, Janelle Sutton, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Rashi, graduating Sumakum La, receiving an honors diploma with Tai Tate. [Applause] Terry, [Music] David Thompson [Applause] Graduating from LA, receiving an honors diploma, Lincoln [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Tony, L'Oreal, Travis [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Graduating Suma La [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Trailer now [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] graduating from LA receiving a fine arts honors diploma. Spencer [Applause] Cart, Jani [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Tus, Joseph Pia [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Michael Anthony Walker Jr. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jonathan [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Ala West, [Applause] [Music] Audrey Williams [Applause] Arman [Applause] Williams graduating from LA Carly [Music] [Applause] [Music] Su Nyla D [Applause] [Music]
030[Applause] [Music] Graduating magneti Zarya Pitts, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Travis Harris, [Music] [Applause] Selia Brown, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jasper Gore, [Music] Jayla [Applause] [Music] [Applause] graduating soon receiving an honors diploma. Destiny [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Price, Andre Williams, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jamari [Music] [Applause] Williams, Josh Williams, [Music] Graduating Sumac Lowing, receiving an honors diploma, Kiara [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Wilson. Graduating Magnum, Shaniah Wilson. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Nicholas [Music] Wood, Richard [Music] [Applause] [Music] Wood, Taran Wood, [Applause] Graduating magnet, Kyle [Applause] Woods, Miley [Applause] Marie [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] White and Ethan Yans. [Applause] Oh my god. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Staff, please report to your processional locations as I welcome to the stage our senior class president Zarya Pittz, vice president Travis Harris, and our senior class officers Jayla Williams, Jasper Gore, Destiny Price, and Celia Brown,
031who will lead the turning of the tassels. Audience, please remain seated until the graduates have recessed out the back doors. [Music] [Applause] Will the class of 2025 please rise? [Applause] As we are officially graduates of Bark Heights High School, we will now turn our tassels from the right to the left. One, two, three. [Applause] [Music] All right, processional leaders, let's lead them [Music] [Applause] out. Possess out. Follow your lap. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat up here. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]