001[Music] Hallelujah. Ever [Music] speech? Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [Music] Morning. [Music] [Applause] Hallelujah. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Are you [Music] hallelujah? [Music] Forever [Music] God. [Music] What? [Music] Where is it? Heat. Heat. [Music] Here [Music] I am. Here I am. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] me. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Hallelujah. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the playing of our national anthem. See [Applause] by the dawn early light. What proud we held at the twilight lasting stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the parts
002we watch were so gallently streaming and the rockets red. The bombs bursting in air through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled b [Applause] [Music] for the land of the free and the great [Applause] [Music] You can be seated. One more round of applause for the core leaders led by Jason Dashu. Mr. Jason Dashu. Thank you. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. On behalf of myself, the board of education, our high school and district administration, faculty, staff, and the class of 2025, welcome to the 91st commencement of Bethleam Central High School. I would like to take a moment to thank all those involved in making today's event a success. More specifically, those are not listed in the program. The behind-the-scenes efforts of our clerical staff, Miss Rhonda Bull, Miss Kayla
003Salisbury, and Laura Kandle, and the maintenance staff often go unnoticed, but their assistance is critical in the organization and setup for the event. So, thank you to those individuals. I'd also like to thank Mr. Cory Fong, who's here with us today as a marshall uh for he's responsible for all the graphics around the arena. Thank you, Corey. Appreciate it. It al it is also my honor to introduce many special guests in attendance. On stage, we have our board of education members, president, Miss Holly Dylan, Miss Meredith Morardi, Miss Lauren Graasso, Mr. Ean Mcne, who's not with us, but I'm sure watching, Miss Katherine Naidu, Mr. Robert Teen, and Mr. John Walston. Thank you for being with us. Also on stage, our superintendent, Miss Jodie Monroe, our deputy superintendent, Dr. Dave Hurst, our director of student
004support services, Mr. Doug Moresy, our chief business and financial officer, Mr. John McFillips, our chief technology officer, Miss Aaron Shivers, our high school assistant principal, Miss Heather Cullen, and K12 counseling supervisor, Miss Kristen Connor. Also on stage, our counseling staff, counselors, Mr. Tyler Anderson, Miss Kate Birkhart, Miss Lindseay Clark, Miss Liz Colton, Mr. Darnell Douglas, Mr. Ryan Donlin, and Miss Deborah Z. Thank you to everybody be here. Acknowledgement's important and uh none greater than the marshals that are with us on the floor here. Uh, our marshals, if you could please stand when your name is called. Uh, Miss Michelle Atala, Miss Kelly Babick, Miss Teracita Barcia, Miss McKenzie Barrett, Mr. Lester Bourtor, Miss Eileen Brown, Mr. Michael Charvette, Miss Corey Defabio, Miss Christy Elden, Mr. Corey Fong, Miss Kathleen Han, Miss Melissa Leech, Mr. Evan
005Harley, Miss Maryanne Lynch, Mr. Thomas Maldonado, Mr. Shawn Mooney, who will be here. He was stuck in traffic. Mr. Mark Nean, Miss Kim Panero, Miss Maria Cultter, Miss McKenzie Regal, Mr. Anthony Scott, Mr. Steven Smith, Miss Eileen Turo, Mr. Michael Valente, Mr. Anthony Wilson and finally, Miss Christine Zky. Thank you, Marshalls. Also on the floor, uh, acknowledgement, doing a lot of the hard work, lining the students up, my other two assistant principles, Mr. Shan Grainy and Miss Kim Sparkman. Thank you guys. All right, class of 2025. Graduation speeches require a great deal of reflection, consideration, edits, rewrites, and agony. I often seek input from individuals around me to brainstorm and come up with a composition that is engaging, stimulating, and inspiring. This is now my eighth commencement speech. I have to write for I've had
006to write for Bethlehem Central High School. I've often been told, Dave, don't worry so much people won't even remember what is said at graduation. They just want to see their kid walk across stage. As much as I would wish for my message to be so powerful that it stays with students for the rest of their lives, in reflection, I don't know what was said at my own graduation. That is what pushes me to dig deep every year to try to find another angle, a gimmick or inspiring story that will break that mold. Many of you in the audience can relate to where I do most of my thinking and brainstorming. I'm an unpaid Uber driver for my kids and therefore spend a lot of time in the car outside of work. This also affords me
007the opportunity to think while stuck in traffic or driving the same route over and over again week after week. A couple of months ago, I began pondering ideas for my graduation speech, searching for that inspiring thought. Nothing new came to me. Writer's block, as many of you would call it. Then at last resort, I do it a lot. I do a lot of times. I ask for divine intervention. Please send me a sign. A sign. That was it. What was the one thing I can guarantee everyone here will see for the rest of their lives that would remind them of the message I'm trying to convey. A stop sign can be symbolic of so many things. We often need reminders to stop and slow down. I began my first draft rambling and about stopping, reflecting,
008and I realized that my first draft resembled a lecture that would be ineffective, and you may never want to look at a stop sign ever again. After seeing our morning parking lot, I can't have that. My thoughts immediately went to something a little more catchy, like an acronym. I struggled and struggled to come up with something I really liked. I have to be forthcoming that I received some assistance finding the perfect acronym. Have you ever all ever heard of chat GBT? Anybody? Apparently, it's this new tool and I place emphasis on tool that can be very helpful when used ethically to support brainstorming. Many of you will be supported by AI technology in the varied fields you pursue. And I encourage you all to keep exploring the many benefits in an ethical manner. I can't
009imagine the temptations to use AI that exist while you will be held under such tremendous pressure. Use it wisely and ethically. Okay, enough of preaching about AI and back to the message. Stop sign, the acronym. S, seek truth. T, trust others. O, own moments. And P, pause often. Here's the breakdown. Seek truth. Chat GBT's thoughts. In a world full of noise, keep searching for what's real and meaningful to you. My personal thoughts. You will have many factors that will continue to try to manipulate you and influence your decisions. Find your moral compass and hold true to your beliefs. Continue to expand your life experiences, allowing you to understand others in the world around you. Tust others. Chat GPT's thoughts. Life is not meant to be done alone. Lean on the people who care about you.
010My personal thoughts. You are coming from a school that places emphasis on making every effort and attempt to provide students with adults they can trust. You have friends and family who have supported you. You will lose some of those direct supports moving forward. And it is critical for you to continue to grow your trusting network. You can rely on the most successful people I know are forthcoming that they would not be in the position they are in now without the support of the many individuals in their lives. Oh moments chat GPT's thoughts celebrate your successes learn from your failures and be present for both my personal thoughts. Today we celebrate your success. Enjoy this moment and more importantly remember the times that required you to have grit, perseverance and overcome adversity. I use this quote
011often. Thomas Edison said, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." The simplicity yet profound impact of creating a mindset in which we try just one more time is the difference between innovation, exploration, scientific and medical breakthroughs, civil rights, and the list goes on. Never let the feel of failure stop you from pursuing moments that can change your life, but also the world. Pause often. Chat GPT's thoughts. Don't rush through life. Stop, reflect, recharge, and appreciate the journey. My thoughts. When you see a stop sign, if I could have you remember one part of this acronym, it would be to stop and pause often. Your journey, your story is unique. You are just getting through your first chapter. Be grateful for the
012gift of life and the opportunities we have all been afforded. Each day is a blessing and another opportunity to stop and decide how you want to write your next chapter. One thing AI will never be able to replace is the human spirit and experience. Never underestimate the power you all have on others and the impact you can make on the world. There will never be any technology c created that can replace your drive, ambition or will to improve yourself or the world around you. Class of 2025, you will never know what will come next in your journey. But I promise you, if you stop, seek truth, trust others, own moments, and pause often, it will allow you the ability to keep balance and perspective through success and failures. I will miss you all, and thank
013you for all you've done for Bethlehem Central High School. Thank you guys. It is an honor to introduce our opening speaker, Skyler Mau. [Applause] Thank you. Good afternoon. It's an honor to be standing in front of all of you today. This is one of the most exciting and heart-wrenching days of our lives. And I am proud to say that through your hard work and dedication, you have made it through high school and survived your senior year. Senior year, the setting of some of the most iconic movies in history. Some of my favorites include Ferris Buer's Day Off, 10 Things I Hate About You, and of course, High School Musical 3. Along with these characters, you all had exper had an exciting year filled with lots of ups and downs, heartfelting memories, and heartbreaking goodbyes. This
014year, it's known to be the best year in high school. And I definitely would agree. Most people believe this because you have the most freedom with the least amount of work. And don't get me wrong, I love that. But one of my favorite parts of senior year have been the things that I've learned. Now, I know that sounds scripted by Mr. Domel, but I promise it's not. It's true. One thing that I learned about that I was not expecting to was the human experience. Understanding other stories was the main focus of our English class this year. We focused on identifying bias and figuring out how to combat that and how our life experiences can shift our perspectives. That idea really stuck with me. I started to look at my life and compare it to others.
015Some of the first things that I thought of were hanging out with my friends at Delanes, going to the drive-in for ice cream, or going to a basketball or football game. These things I knew other people around me had experienced. But then I started to think of things that made me different. Things that changed my perspective on life, like my fight against chronic Lyme disease and regaining my ability to walk properly, or my struggle with OCD and germaphobia, the work I put into stress management, and the resources that helped me. Those things are mine. Everyone in this room has thought and experienced things that are theirs. For a long time, this discovery made me sad. I was sad because even though I could relate to people on some level, I could never truly understand them
016and they could never truly understand me. We were simply too different. But one day it hit me how beautiful that fact is. Every single person in this room is totally different. And that's the thing we can relate on. That is so beautifully human. Everyone in the infinite vastness of life has experienced their own unique stories. Everyone in this room can watch the same movie or read the same book and think something different. I personally love that fact. I know this is very cliche and cheesy and all of what I'm really saying boils down to the vas very basic statements of be yourself, everyone's unique, blah blah blah. But if there is ever a time to be overly positive and overly cheesy and all the happy feelings, it's graduation. So just hear me out on this.
017Everyone in this room has a book full of stories of their stories to tell. As long as someone is there to listen, the human experience is so beautiful because you'll never meet the same person twice. What I'm really trying to say is this is a turning point in your life. You're going from an iconic coming of age movie to a bigger, better version of you. So, be great. Be yourself. Be different. Be beautifully different. Be beautifully human because this is the time to get your head in the game cuz you can bet on it. We're breaking free. And of course, because we're all in this together. Thank you. I would now like to introduce our senior address done by Claire McGee. [Applause] Good afternoon. My name is Claire McGee and I am honored to be
018able to speak as we celebrate the 91st commencement of Bethlehem Central High School. Class of 2025, as we reflect on our high school experiences, we should also be energized by our potential as we have learned countless valuable lessons that have prepared us for our bright futures. To our friends, families, teachers, administrators, staff, and the greater BCSD community. Let us express our gratitude for the roles that they have played and remind them that as the future generation, we've got this. Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working with incoming freshmen at their freshman orientation. I've looked into their eyes, pictured myself in their shoes, and reminded myself of the swirling thoughts and rushing emotions that come with new experiences. The three pieces of advice I gave them still ring true. And I
019believe it applies to us too today as we graduate, preparing for our own new experiences, ready to shape the future. First, I love to remind them that the high school is built like a spiderweb and that if you ever get lost, just go back to the main foyer and try again. If you get lost in life, which we all someday will, center yourself, seek out the people who ground you, and try again. Second, have fun. Find humor in the little things. Don't take yourself too seriously. Work hard, play hard. But the biggest piece of advice that I gave the freshman and that I offer you today is to get involved. Stay during ninth period or whatever the equivalent in your future life and pull up a seat. Pull up a seat at whatever table you
020are interested in because there is always room for one more and because you all have unique and important gifts. The table needs you. Some of my fondest memories at Bethlehem involve pulling up a seat next to my teachers, filling them in on exciting life updates, building relationships that propelled me through a successful high school career. Some of my proudest moments happened as I pulled up a seat at student government meetings, allowing my voice to be heard and acting as a voice for others. My BC pride flourished as I pulled up a seat at sporting events, forcing myself on to the crowded bleachers with people I had barely ever spoken to before. I have pulled up a chair to frustration, working through hard math problems at the dinner table, learning that failure is required for growth.
021Pulling up a chair has allowed me opportunities to be involved in the vibrant BCHS community, to experience and see change, and to find my voice in the conversation. No matter the community you find yourself in, I encourage you to pull up a chair. Pull up a chair to get involved, to find what is most important to you, and to share your voice because your voice matters. There were times where the study session after school felt too crowded and I kept walking instead of going next door to get an extra chair. There were times where I sat with my parents at sporting events because the student section seemed too full. There were times where the frustration was too heavy and I left the math question blank. There were times where I left the full table, one
022with no more empty seats, turned me away. But former US legislator Shirley Chisum once said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." In my time at BCHS, I have learned to get my own chair, either by pulling it up or by unfolding an extra, and I encourage you all to do the same in your next phase of life or beyond. Pull up a seat to join the conversation about something that is important to you. Pull up a seat in the dining hall to make new friends. Pull up a seat next to your teachers, your co-workers, your boss, and build relationships that may last you a lifetime. Pull up a seat to discomfort because comfort is the enemy of growth. Pull up a seat to joy, to anger, to
023fear, and allow yourself to feel every emotion and to learn from it. And while it may seem there is no room, I promise you there is. And for those of you who always seem to have a seat, whether it's because you start the conversation or because your spiderweb has already started to grow, I encourage you to bring help bring in chairs when there aren't yet enough. I encourage you to move over on the train so that someone else can take a break and welcome someone at your table who is dining alone. I encourage you to make room for one more chair because in reality, what is there to lose? I urge you to pull up a seat to empathy and to understanding because there is value in inclusion and collaboration, especially in a world that
024can be ever isolating. I am confident that every single individual in this arena has the capacity to grab a chair either for themselves or for others. So, join the conversation and support those who need your help to do the same. Pull up a seat or bring a folding chair. And don't forget, just like the high school, this world is like a spiderweb. As you build new connections and experience new things, your spiderweb will grow. But if you ever get lost, come back to the center, come back to Bethlehem, and try again. Thank you. [Music] Open these doors. Open the sky. We're walking together. We're learning to fly. Searching horizon for all that is new. Looking for answers and what I can do. I am an ego. My vision is glory. The higher I fly to
025follow the call over the river and walls of these canyons. Each one a challenge. I am an eagle. [Music] I am an eagle. Enter September and exit in June. before we know him. [Music] [Applause] [Music] We take what we came with. We're leaving with so much more changes will happen. Change. [Music] Never surrender. Never give up on never give up. keeping your friends and all of your family inside. And you'll be all right. You will be all right. Cuz I am an eagle. [Music] My vision is glory. Whatever happens, I'll be ready for more. Remember the lessons. Remember the laughter. Remember the effort now and you are an eagle. [Music] Always an eagle. always in high. [Music] [Applause] My pleasure now to introduce our superintendent, Miss Jodie Monroe. Thank you, Mr. Romel. Welcome board of
026education members, parents, family members, friends, faculty and staff, and of course our honores, the class of 2025. I'm honored to be here celebrating with all of you today. It has become a tradition at Bethlehem Central for our seniors to return to their elementary schools for a final assembly. A full circle moment that marks both an ending and a beginning. As I began to reflect on what I might share with you this afternoon, one of the teachers from Slingerlands, Miss Qualter, thank you, sent me a video that truly resonated. It featured our youngest students, kindergarteners, offering advice to you, the graduating class of 2025. Some of you may have seen that video during the senior assembly. If you did, I hope it brought a smile to your face and maybe even a few tears. As I
027watched it, I was reminded of a book I read years ago, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulham. Now, let me be clear. I'm not suggesting that the incredible knowledge you've gained in math, science, literature, the arts, and beyond isn't important. It absolutely is. But sometimes the most lasting and meaningful lessons, the ones that guide how we treat one another, how we persevere, how we contribute to our communities, were taught to us when we were just 5 years old. So today I want to share some of the simple but powerful words of advice from the kindergarteners at Slingerlands because their wisdom is surprisingly relevant as you step into adulthood. And I quote, "Be nice to your parents. Don't bite people. Be careful with sharp stuff. Be a good listener.
028You should go to the beach. Don't play too many video games. You shouldn't bang a nail into your finger. Help people. Don't mess with things that grown-ups have to do. Do good work. Cook your own meals. Pick up garbage on the ground. Be kind. And finally, don't break other kids toys. From what I have seen from the class of during your high school career, I believe you are well on your way to success. Three of you are National Merit finalists. Five of you were recognized this year by NISMA, the New York State School Music Association, as exceptional student musicians. Six of you were interns at the technology help desk this year, troubleshooting simple and complex tech issues for students and staff. And yes, we are aware that at times we tested your patience. As a
029kindergartener might say, try turning it off and turning it back on again. No one would argue that the unified sports have changed our district for the better. Let's have a round of applause for our 12 unified student athletes and coaches who are graduating today. BC is the only school in the Capitol region with a studentled coaching staff in basketball and we're extremely proud of their dedication to unified sports. As athletes, there are more than three dozen state champions, sectional champions, and all stars in this class in baseball, lacrosse, golf, track and field, cross country, and is part of the dominant boys tennis and girls tennis teams, breaking school records, and setting personal bests. Can you clap? Charlotte Omira and Katie Banigan are not only part of a state championship relay team, they were also part
030of a cross-country team that finished in the top five in the nation. 27 of our student athletes will continue to compete at the collegiate level. Letters of intent are not just reserved for athletes. Yousef Elsamarie participated in a career in technical ed national signing day in May where he accepted a job offer from BBL management that will be waiting for him when he completes his college studies in network technology. [Applause] 14 of you have been integral to the success of many stage 700 shows including a Broadway work Broadway worthy and joyous anything goes this year. Six of you had your artwork featured in New York City at a statewide NISBA conference attended by thousands of people. One of you helped me shovel snow earlier this year and helped me announce our one and only snow
031day. An intern in the district office, Patrick Nunan, showed up every day with a smile on his face. Remember, smiles are contagious. In kindergarten, you learn to count pennies. Two members of the class of 2025 rang up thousands of dollars in earnings in this year's stock market game. With their economic insight and investment strategies, Beer Williams and Mammud Zamar Zamari, sorry, finished one and two out of more than 4500 student investors in New York State. You may be wondering how they did it. They were humble in the limelight both but both offered advice of senior investors. The secret to success in the stock market is to play the long game. 32 students have earned the seal of biiteracy and many have earned medals in competitive national language exam competitions. Harper Wallace was recently awarded a
032national Spanish scholarship for her dedication to language studies. All of you have performed community service, a requirement that I'm proud to say is unique to Bethlehem. Volunteerism and a commitment to the greater good is alive and well in the class of 2025. Four of you brave the cold November waters of Lake George to raise nearly $2500 for Special Olympics. I'm sure the kindergarteners would have a lot to say about that. Eight seniors volunteered their time to be trained as peer educators by experts at the National Coalition Building Institute so they could teach middle schoolers how to be advocates, allies, and ambassadors of kindness. A kindergartener also might say, "Be good even when no one's watching." Like Molly Vladis, who earned a spot at the National Speech and Debate tournament. When the board of education recognized
033her and her teammates, the most surprising reveal that night was that Molly's gifts go well beyond her researched and reasoned arguments. Her younger teammates had nothing but praise for Molly's leadership, preparedness, and her endless support to help them do their best. Class of 2025, I wish you the very best on your next adventure. I will close with a final statement from Robert Fulham's book. It is still true. No matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together. Congratulations. Thank you, Miss Monroe. I'd like to now introduce the president of our board of education, Miss Holly Dela. [Applause] On behalf of the board of education, congratulations to you and to your families and friends. It is a privilege and a joy to be here
034with you this afternoon. Commencements are full of hope. Your families hope for your future. Your teachers hope that you've learned something. And you are all probably hoping that this speech is short. I get it. I promise not to give you a lecture. You've probably had enough of those for now. But I do want to leave you with a few thoughts, a few questions. Because today isn't just about celebrating what you finished. It's also about what you're beginning. Think back over the past four years. You've explored new ideas, created art and music, played sports, learned trades, and served your community. But are you done? Are you done learning? Because, and maybe I'm not supposed to say this part out loud, the most valuable lessons aren't found in school. They happen in conversations and from mistakes and
035uncertainty. At its heart, learning is really about curiosity, about saying,"I don't know, but I want to find out." A good friend of mine has a magical phrase that she uses in conversations. Tell me more. You might say, "I'm thinking of starting a podcast," or, "I decided to start writing some fanfiction." And instead of immediately offering advice or judgment, she'll just respond, "Tell me more." That's it. Three simple words, but they change everything. Suddenly, you're not defending your ideas, you're exploring them. Those words make space for honesty, for connection, for complexity. That kind of curiosity builds bridges because it asks asks not just what people want, but why. Now, maybe that kind of conversation is new for you. So now I ask you, are you done trying new things or are you still willing to try
036something that might open up possibilities? Yes, trying new things takes courage and a sense of humor because let's be honest, it often doesn't work out the first time. But that's okay. That's how you find out what does work for you. In fact, I encourage you to intentionally try things that make you uncomfortable. Read something unexpected. travel somewhere unfamiliar, strike up a conversation with a stranger, and maybe even ask them, "Tell me more." A little bit of discomfort helps us grow. When you try something new, you spark creativity and wake up to possibility. You start figuring out who you really are and what you stand for. Which brings me to one last question I hope you consider. What are you for? It's easy to know what you're against, to critique. I bet you all could list
037a few things right now. But being for something, that's where meaning and purpose live. That's where courage begins. Being for something is an act of optimism, a belief that a better world is attainable and that you want to help build it. What am I for? Some of what I'm for is small and simple. peanut M&M's on road trips, chai lattes anytime, and re-watching old episodes of The West Wing. But I'm also for building and serving my community. And I'm for the transformative power of education, an education that encourages joy and discovery and asks you to think broadly. So, what about you? What do you imagine? What kind of community do you want to create? Because building a life takes more than just critique. It takes people willing to stand for something, for kindness, for innovation,
038for the kind of hope that we have here in this room today. And here's the thing, it's okay. It's expected that your answers will change over time. In fact, they should. As Robert Pen Warren wrote, you live what you learn, and if you keep learning, you'll evolve. So don't be afraid to change your mind. I don't know where life will take you. But I do know this. The world doesn't need perfect people. It needs real people. People who are still learning, still trying, and still standing for something. As you leave here, remember you have the heart of a chief and the soul of a dragon. In other words, you have the compassion to lead, the strength to face what's hard, and the spirit to embrace new possibilities. So stay curious, live boldly, and when you
039don't know what to do next, ask someone, "Tell me more." Congratulations again. We can't wait to see what comes next. [Applause] Thank you, Miss Dylan Ba. See how good we do, Mr. Grainy. It is our honor now, almost I almost got stand at the same time. It is our honor now to present the class of 2025 with their diplomas. [Applause] Itel Aguilar Hernandez. Congratulations. Sabrina Marie Ayata, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Xavier Ayetsa, [Music] [Applause] Marwa Muhammad Alisa, [Applause] Cole Allen Yousef Alamari, Romero, Cavan Ambia, [Applause] Armen Alexander, Embeckian, [Applause] Tito O Aante, [Applause] Declan Armbster, Jiren I [Applause] Sophia S [Applause] Timothy Bailey, [Applause] Anna Baltus, Catherine Marie Banigan, [Applause] Ruby Julia Banister, [Applause] Nate Barkman, [Applause] Megan Ray Barnes, Lily A. Barah, [Applause] Matthew James Baron, [Applause] Duncan Patrick Alansen Bartholomew. Yes, you can go.
040[Applause] Giana Marie Burgella, [Applause] Jaden Blimeman, [Applause] Aiden Bloxton, [Applause] Morgan Blahett, [Applause] Sage Blahett. Congratulations Jacob Bloom, [Applause] Eva Luna Bolton, congratulations Marim Brace, William Bradley, [Applause] Andrew Brat, [Applause] Hope Brown, [Applause] Katherine Brown, [Applause] Samantha Jean Buchanan, Nara, [Applause] Niara Nibros, Baragra, [Applause] Alex Burgerer, Lucas Jackson Burns, [Applause] Spencer Butterite [Applause] [Music] Thomas A. Carlson, Amanda Caswell, [Music] Michael Caulfield, [Applause] Estella Cece, [Applause] Brody Douglas Chambers, [Applause] Amaran Sharpier, [Applause] Alice Chen, Moratic, Morat Chich, [Applause] Derek Clark, [Applause] Owen Clark, Lily Paige Coggins, [Applause] Cassandra Lynn Colin, Griffin Joseph Colette [Music] [Applause] Jordan E. Collins [Applause] Caitlyn M. Collins [Applause] Andrew Conklin [Applause] [Music] Kathleen Connelly, [Applause] Nathaniel Contento, [Applause] Michael Corbett, Mora Corbett, [Applause] Gregory Whitman, Courtourtney, [Applause] Lucia Kramer, [Applause] Gabe Quinn, Cronin, [Applause] Sakora Curry, [Applause] Patrick Snider Daly, [Applause]
041Margot Kim Danziger, [Applause] Kimberly Grace Davenport, [Applause] Marcela Deullia, [Applause] Catherine Aninsley, Delimba, [Applause] Chloe Anne Deno, congratulations. Natalie Burke Dani, [Applause] Audrey Dep Prey, [Applause] Nolan Hey, Diggian, [Applause] Alexis Noel Dondorf, [Applause] Isabella Joan Deira [Applause] Nova B. Duramo, [Applause] Sierra Dherty, [Applause] Neve Rose Dano, [Applause] Sha Mark Donovan, [Applause] Logan Anthony DS, Quinn Drury. Thank you. Thank you so much. Lauren Marie Dudgeon, [Applause] Ian Duffy, [Applause] William Gerald Dupant, [Applause] Joy Iiku, Jifa, Jiba, [Applause] Avery Beatrice, Ike, [Applause] Francine Charice, Ehonda, [Music] Ro, Michael Roman, Evangelista, I'm not looking. No, no, not that. Grace Evans, [Music] J H Felio, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Griffin Jones, Field, Anna Fishburn, [Applause] Emma D. Fleming Cecilia C. Fis [Music] Xavier Michael Forro [Applause] Benjamin Vincent Fugat [Applause] Liam Sheamus Fulham [Music] Sarah Elizabeth Gaitano, [Applause] Ren Gambalangi,
042Connor Lewis Garcia, [Applause] Ariana Kalin Gardy, Ava Grace Gasson, Sophia Elizabeth Genevvisi, Owen Kenneth Godlooki, [Applause] Sydney Olivia Goff, [Applause] Angela Graph, [Applause] Christopher Scott Graham, [Applause] Liam Gray, Matthew Kenneth Greenblat, [Applause] Roman Greenfield, [Applause] Owen Greenwood, [Applause] Adam Griezbach, [Applause] Luke Thomas Grimaldi, [Applause] Avery Lynn Hartell, [Applause] Tyler Harbinger, [Applause] Lexi Grace Hartson, [Applause] Timothy James Harwick, [Applause] Camila Grace Hecman, [Music] [Applause] Kayn Marie Hefern, [Applause] Aaron Elizabeth Hennessy, [Applause] Maline Virginia Henigan, [Applause] Josephine Margaret Higs, [Applause] Allison Katherine Hill, [Applause] [Music] Nathan Daniel George Hullbrook, [Applause] Krypa Hungi, [Applause] Dylan Hokampamp, finally Andrew Hopper. [Applause] Coleman Hughes, [Applause] Shaina Leia Hulie, [Applause] Nora Akasalo, [Applause] Ela Jerbeck, [Applause] Ian Jyn, [Applause] Alyssa Hope Johnson, [Applause] Andrew Michael Johnston, [Applause] Abbott Jones, [Applause] Cade Owen Jones, Matthew Jones, [Music] [Applause] Anika Kalam, Moammer Kich
043[Applause] EMTT Kaufman, Haley Alexa Kibbrick, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Justin Bernard Kibrich, [Applause] Tabitha Kora Clink, [Applause] Aika Moon, Knox, [Applause] Ao Knox, [Applause] Abby Kaneki, [Applause] Reika Kogat, [Applause] Andrew David Kohler, [Applause] Jonah Coplick, [Applause] Chloe Kristen Kosak. [Applause] Flint Kunzoff, [Applause] Autumn Labore, [Applause] Hannah Delilah Lowenstein, [Applause] Samantha Nicole Leachch. Is my male name in there? No. All right. Nico Lef Fever Panessa [Music] Triton Lennahan [Applause] Willow Eve Lillis Morse [Applause] Owen Lily [Applause] Grace Long, [Applause] Jolie Virginia, Lucarelli, [Music] [Applause] Paul Lurri, [Applause] Brian Laida, [Applause] Leah Hope Mclofflin, Jeremiah Manini, [Applause] Braden John Manning, Anthony Martin, [Music] [Applause] Ben Haron Martin. Gavin Martin Mars Martoi, Nathan Martoi, [Music] Brendan Martone, Felicia Mallea Masau, [Music] [Applause] Senzia Matthews, [Applause] Seth Matthews, Sean Thomas Matros, [Applause] Will Alfred Matros, [Applause] Skyler Mau, Megan May,
044[Applause] Naima Rose Mazo, [Applause] Lily Kale, Masmanian Kaylee Eileene McCallister [Applause] Ellen McCaffrey, [Applause] [Music] Nikolai McCcluskey, Dylan Jeremiah Maku, Haley Bisset McDermott, [Applause] Rhysa Shaw McGawan, Ava Jacqueline McGrath, [Applause] Aiden James McGinness, [Applause] Dylan Rory McCannernney, Riley Anne McCannernney, Kevin Patrick McNab, [Applause] Merade Swift McFillips, [Applause] [Music] Cameron Alyssa Mcrenolds, Courtney Rose Midert, [Applause] Claire Kathleen McGee, [Applause] Nathaniel David Mia, [Applause] Kala Noel Meyer, [Applause] Nikki Milton, [Applause] Mia Jennifer Moffrey, [Music] [Applause] Jack Landon Moore, [Music] [Applause] Madison Avery Melany, [Applause] Kira Ruth Murphy, Michael Daniel, Murphy, Harrison Nasi, [Music] Miriam Lee Nester, [Applause] Patrick Nunan, Brody Okonnell, [Applause] Ryan Okonnell, [Applause] Connor Charles Ali, [Applause] Charlotte Jane Omira, [Applause] Riley Anne Omira, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Adicha OJ [Applause] Tamison Oki [Applause] Dylan Patchin [Applause] Jason Thomas Payjack [Applause] Const Constantine Palace, [Applause] Nicole
045Pan, [Applause] Joseph Carmelo Papa, [Applause] Zara Patterson, [Applause] Lucy Caroline Pose, [Applause] Anna Stephanie Pelis, Mariah Perez, Justin Tyler Fitz, [Applause] Serena Elizabeth Phelps, Aiden Phillips, Theo Plamer, Ellie Christina Pocaba, [Applause] Addison Payton Pool, Alexander Porter, Paul Pooio, [Applause] Mitchell Puly Moodle, Devin Quell, [Applause] Johanna Jane Ivy Radcliffe, [Applause] Vicash Radasovich, [Applause] Sophia Roseo, [Applause] Claire Emily Riley, [Applause] Aliona Wrights, [Applause] Laya Renders, [Applause] Katherine Elise Reynolds, Maya Tanner Richter, Avery Ryder, [Applause] James Donald Robbins, Caitlyn Rose Robbins, [Applause] Avi Rodriguez, [Applause] Alexandra Row, [Applause] Tegan Marie Rosen Crrance, Olivia Ty Rother, Dylan Michael Row, [Applause] Lauraai Malli, I rufa [Applause] Mason Anthony Rugabber, [Applause] Phineas Roiro, [Applause] Molina Sabia, [Applause] Emily Rose Sagenorf, [Applause] Messa Shodan, [Applause] Jonathan Salzer, [Applause] Natalia Samuels, [Applause] Raheem Sala, [Applause] Katherine Julia Sauders, [Music] [Applause] Evelyn Saunders, [Applause]
046Iris Sunshine, Sawyer, [Applause] Cole Scoville, Jonathan Seedome, [Applause] Steven Seedome, [Music] Thomas Seedome, Logan Zayn Sea [Music] [Applause] Sha [Applause] Justin Sharer [Applause] Julia E. Seagull Joe Silvernell Isabella Syninden [Applause] Ronan Fitzgerald Singh, [Applause] Lacy Madison Smith, Nick Smith, [Applause] Sean Patrick Smith, [Applause] Z Smithz, [Applause] Emily Joan Snider, [Music] [Applause] Ella Catherine Spore, [Applause] Theodore J. Stainbrook, [Applause] Asaiasan Star, Ethan Stasac, Laya Tissson Steins, Rachel Briana Stein, [Applause] Benjamin Stevens, [Applause] Matthew Starks, Catherine Remy Sutliff, Destiny Tanner, Henry Tetro, [Applause] Elizabeth Thela, [Applause] [Music] Rashine Thuto, [Applause] Logan R. Toe [Music] Greta Louise Trainer Quan Tatouille, Miles Tuman, Owen Patrick Turner, [Applause] Zoe Paige Tatungjen, [Applause] Charlie Elizabeth Vani, [Applause] Nina Vargas, [Applause] Jackson Vad, Rachel Miriam, Vener Kelsey Marie Vanido [Applause] Harper D. Wag Max Charles Walddemire [Applause] Harper May Wallace, Kevin Walters,
047Sophie Wang, [Applause] Mattaline Grace Ward, Ryan James Whipbeck. Congrats, Vincent Whiting, [Applause] Kyle Wilcox, [Applause] Kayla Sky Williams, [Applause] Ver Williams, Wyatt Williams, [Music] [Applause] Molly Wadis, [Applause] Phoebe Jane Worooster, Cashes Wowers, [Applause] Joy Woo, [Applause] Malik Yigot, Maya Young, Khan, Uelmud [Applause] Zamiri, Thomas Zki, [Applause] Daniel C. Zang, Kevin Zang, Vicky Zang, Mopy Zoo, [Applause] Get used to the pictures, guys. This is just a start, I'm sure. Class of 2025, can you please stand? [Applause] At this time, graduates, at this time, please move your tassel from right to left. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you. You may be seated as I bring forward our closing by senior Janna Radcliffe. Yes. Good afternoon, seniors, parents, and all those in between. Before I start my speech, I want to give a shout out to my family as
048this is a surprise to them. So, when deciding I wanted to give try and give a speech, I discussed it with my mom as one does, and she inspired me to try something different. So, I decided to write a poem. I wanted to write a poem that expressed how I feel during this time of celebration and transition and share it with y'all. The title of this poem is Grownish, which is inspired by one of my favorite TV shows. Grownish. There have been many times when we have felt grown. And although we want this to be true, we have only ever been grownish. walking down the squeaky gym floor, graduating, not having more than a fifth grade education, not worrying about what was ahead because we knew we'd have our friends. We thought we were grown.
049As we sang songs that sparked joy and inspiration, as we ran around with the sensation of freedom, as the smell of face, paint, grass, and ice pops distracted us. We felt on top of the world. We felt grown. We again felt grown when in middle school, as if we ate Wonderland's cookies, the hallways no longer felt huge. We were learning, we were growing, we were changing, we were aging into our new selves, our more true selves, learning our likes and dislikes, auditioning or trying out, choosing our paths. And even when the world shut down, we felt grown because we were resilient. We adapted. We showed up. still laughed and learned. We, the class of 2025, we make great out of the situation we're in. And when we graduated middle school with a pride in cars
050that our parents drived, we moved up. We thought we were grown because when we got to high school, the combo switched from cartoons to permits. Rushing to that perfect spot on Van Dyke because ain't no one want to take that hike. Hating our license photos, but loving the freedom it brings. We know what we want, so we take the classes to match or we experiment because, well, we can. AP and honors become the new trend. Testing, homework, after school after after school, juggling it all. And though in the end we smell like pencil shavings and we need to ice our hands, we make it through the test and pass the course. In high school, we become our own people. Our friends solidify whether it's a crew of us or two of us spending evenings at
051rehearsals, concerts, or sports events together and we feel grown. Then just like that, it's your last first day. You're slowly running out of free time to play. You're juggling the want and need for change. Deciding what college is best for us, if college is best for us. Really deciding what you can afford. deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life, which is crazy when you can't even decide what you want to eat at night. Every day you're inching closer to being an adult. The people you used to know are no longer the people that stand next to you. And that's terrifying. You then acknowledge, you then realize that you were only ever grownish. You realize you're only grownish because when you look back at the times of celebration, you recognize the
052people that led you there. Your father, your mother, your sister, your brother, your grandparents, your uncles, your aunties, and teachers. Recognize the sacrifices that were made to make you into the amazing people that sit before me today. Your blessings are overflowing as you're standing here glowing from head to toe with the pride your family has for you. In this season of change, there will be trials and tribulations, but there will also be unspeakable amounts of joy. As you go about this journey in finding yourself, remember the confidence you felt in elementary school, the passion you had in middle school, and the ter the determination that grew in high school. Seniors, take a second to say hi because soon will be the last time you say goodbye to one another. The last time you truly know
053one another. And that's okay because everyone has to grow up someday. Now, to quote my favorite show, "Watch out world, we're grownish." Whoa. Watch out world, we're grown now. Well, grownish. One more round of applause for all three students. It's not an easy thing to do. Thank you. If you could all rise now for our alma mater stand for the alma mater please. [Music] We stand our mother filling us with pride. Sing the praises of Bethlehem. Fight to bring her fame. [Applause] Coner all who dare to challenge. Glorify her name. Though we pass outside her portal when our days are through. Orange and black, her grand old colors. We will honor you. Sing the praises of Bethlehem Central to bring her fame. Coner all dare to challenge glorify her name. [Music] Thank you, Mr. Dashu
054and the Coralers. [Applause] Before we leave today, I want to thank everybody for coming. I want to acknowledge those of you in the audience. Uh, thank you uh for all your support for these amazing humans that sit before us. Class of 2025, you're always welcome at BC. Can't wait to see what's ahead of you. Good luck to all of you. Thank you everybody. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]