001Heat up here. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] At this time, Please stand or remain standing for the playing of a national anthem. [Music] [Applause] Yeah. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] You may be seated. [Music] I remember him. [Applause] We love you. Good afternoon, families, friends, staff, and most importantly, graduates. I am Jose Rosado, and I have the honor and privilege to serve this class, this school, and this great community as principal of Building 21 High School. It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to our seventh commencement ceremony where we celebrate the class of 2025. Before we celebrate, I'd like to acknowledge the many individuals who have walked alongside our graduates. To our
002board of school directors, your dedication has opened doors for our students and lifted their voices. Please rise when your name is called. Vice President Audrey Mat, Lisa Conover, Miss Phoebe Harris, Latasha Brown, Anna Tersio, Delay, Sierra, to our superintendent and CEO of schools, Dr. Carol D. Burks. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our learning community. To our central administration and extended cabinet, your efforts ensure that students have the resources and support to thrive. As I call your names, please rise and remain standing so we can acknowledge you as a team. Please hold your applause until all names have been read. Deputy Superintendent Chief of Schools Jennifer Ramos, Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Malikica Seavoy, Deputy Superintendent of Special Projects, Dr. Michael Roth, Chief Outreach Officer, Family and Community Engagement. Jenna Manley, Chief
003Operations Officer. Dr. Robert Wharton, Intram Chief Official Officer. Jeffrey Cub, Executive Director of Instructional Leadership. Jennifer Bryant, Executive Director of Instructional Leadership. Tiffany Pollock, Executive Director of Instructional Leadership. Arcilius Brick House, Executive Director of Technology, Jorge Deline, Executive Director of Early Learning, Dr. Jodie Fran Kelly, executive director of institutional advancement and grants development. Lindseay Parks, executive director of stream academy. Dr. Heidi Rocklin, executive director of human resources. William Sang, executive director of special education. Brian Sickett, Executive Director of Learning and Teaching, Melissa Smith, Director of Assessment and Accountability, Dr. Dr. Kurt Burbomb, director of finance. Josephine Casey, director of federal programs. Carrie Canour, Director of Virtual Learning, Dr. Robert Diliplane, Director of Child Nutrition Services, Gina Giotana, Director of College and Career Readiness, Dr. Andrea Graham Mosley, Director of Newcomer Programs, Lisa Griter, Director of
004Talent Management and Recruitment, Dr. Ramona Holly Major, Director of STEM, Kyle Kaufman, Director of Student Transportation, Andrew Krillik, Nap, Director of Facility Services, Kirk Cresley, Director of Internal Account and Systems, Mark McKenzie, Director of Procurement, Ali Nasta, Director of School Choice and Enrollment, Audi Torres, Director of World Language and Multilingual Services, Mark Weiss, and Director of Arts and Wellness, Ryan Urchic. Please join me now in showing our appreciation for their leadership and dedication. to our keynote speaker, Darien Cobber, founder and executive director of Cohesion and 2025 PBS 39 Good Neighbor Award recipient. Thank you for your commitment to our community and your powerful message this afternoon. And to our assistant school leader, Miss Braden Warmer, thank you for your unwavering support and presence. All right, time to bring the energy up a bit. So, graduates,
005many of you had a teacher who believed in you even when you didn't believe in yourself. Many of you heard a staff member say, "You've got this right when you needed it most." Let's take a moment. On the count of three, I want you to shout the name of someone on this staff who helped you get to this moment. Y'all ready? One, two, three. Yeah. Go. That's the sound of impact right there. Please join me in honoring the team that helped make this moment possible. the proud faculty and staff of building 21 Allentown High School. Throughout your journey, many many of these educators have been the your mentors, your guides, and your champions. I begin with our senior adviserss. Please stand when your name is called. Megan Justice, Melissa Rousson, Melissa Novak, Christopher Shoemate, Masaki
006Bo, Shakira Coyle, and now will all remaining faculty and staff please rise. Yeah. To our staff and faculty, you challenged, supported, and inspired this class in ways that will echo for years to come. Thank you. Let's give them a thunderous round of applause. They've earned every day. Now to the first teachers in every student's life, our parents and guardians. If you're here tonight and have supported a graduate in any way through late nights, tough conversations, words of encouragement, or simply by showing up, please stand. [Applause] Stand up, parents. [Applause] To our families, thank you for your patience, your sacrifices, and your unwavering belief in your students. You are the quiet heroes behind this milestone. And tonight, we honor you, too. And now, welcome to each of you, the Billing 21 High School graduating class of
0072025. Proud of you, champion. [Applause] Today, we gather for a moment that marks mo both a turning point in our school's history and a celebration of your individual journeys. As I stand here facing all of you in the audience with this remarkable class behind me, I'm reminded that this isn't just a ceremony. It's a tribute. That's right. A tribute to a journey that was bold, challenging, and entirely your own. We're not just marking the end of a chapter. We're closing the final volume of Building 21 Allentown as we've known it. But what a story it's been. Each of you behind me helped write it line by line, action by action. And as the final authors of this story, you've le left us with a legacy that won't fade with the closing of a book. You've
008redefined what it means to lead, to build, and to belong. I remember when many of you first entered our doors during Summerbridge. One of our very first challenges was symbolic, crossing a path. Only one route led forward. If you picked the wrong one, I'd chomp you. And some of you may remember that vividly. Some watched, others learned quickly and made it across. Others tried their own way and learned from the missteps. And some had to overcome even more distractions, doubts, or obstacles you didn't choose. But no matter your approach, you learned to navigate that path. It mirrored your journey to this moment. One step at a time, you figured out how to move forward. And today you've arrived from that very summer to now. You've built something powerful. You created clubs and launched after school
009programs. You served at board meetings and led civic engagement initiatives. You brought vision to our advisory groups and energy to every hallway. You made art that now lives on the turnpike seen by thousands who stop at that rest area each day. You didn't just attend building 21, you transformed it. And speaking of unforgettable journeys, I have to mention one path I'll never forget. It wasn't symbolic, it wasn't academic, it was the base path. Yes, I'm talking about the teacher student softball game, the one you organized. It was competitive. It was dramatic. And it ended with me, your principal, hitting a walk-off home run. I know, I know I don't look like your typical power hitter, but that day I channeled every ounce of Phoenix energy and took flight around those bases. As I rounded third,
010arms in the air, leading the teachers to victory, I realized something. That pa base path was a lot like the journey we've taken together. Full of twist, moments of doubt, a few stumbles, and maybe one or two questionable calls. But ultimately, it was about perseverance, joy, and crossing home with your community behind you. So, thank you for letting me share that moment with you and for all the paths we've walked together from advisory circles to graduation stages. You've shown us what's possible when students are seen as partners. When learning is rooted in relevance, when community isn't just a place, it's a practice. Even as we look ahead to a new identity as a theme-based school, know this, your story doesn't end with the name on the building. It becomes a foundation for everything that follows.
011You are the standard. You are the legacy. And like the phoenix that represents us, you rose through challenge, burned bright through change, and emerged stronger each time. So today, we don't just say congratulations, we say thank you. Thank you for your voice. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for reminding us that young people aren't the future. They are here now. Class of 2025, may you continue to disrupt with love, lead with purpose, and lift others as you rise. Each of you is a phoenix reborn through challenge, strengthened by community, and destined to soar. And remember, together we rise. It is now my honor to introduce our class of 2025 validictorian. This remarkable student has exemplified dedication, resilience, and academic excellence throughout his time at building 21. As a member of our early college program,
012he didn't just meet the expectations of high school, he exceeded them. Today, he graduates with an associates degree, a testament to his hard work and unwavering commitment to his future. Please join me in welcoming our valadictorian, Justin Aras. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. I am grateful and honored to speak to you today as the balladictorian of the Bell21 class of 2025. Yeah. Thank you everyone for joining us here on this special day. [Applause] I'd like to open tonight with gratitude. Billing Dwan has given me so much. Like many of us in this stage, I'm here because people in our school believed in me and thanks to that belief, I was offered opportunities like the L3C early college program. And through that program, I met wonderful people. And tonight, I will end with a both
013a high school diploma and an associates degree. [Applause] I owe a special thank you to Miss Gomez. Her faith in me and my classmates is what made that opportunity possible. Muchimas gracias Gomez. Yeah. Round of applause for her, please. Come on now. Yeah. I also want to thank my family for being there for me through everything. [Applause] Graciasto. Six years ago, I arrived here. I didn't speak any English at all. But with them by my side, look at me now. Each of us have been shaped by the people who have surrounded us. We have learned from all the people we've met and hopefully been made better because of them. Classmates, don't forget who has supported you. Take time to let them know what they mean to you. As important as all these people in our
014lives have been, tonight I want to talk about the most important person in each of our lives, ourselves. No matter how special the other people in our lives have been, you are the one person who you spend your whole life with. This may sound so centered to some people, but don't misunderstand me. All the people that I just thanked helped me um get where I am today. Each of us have people in in our lives like that. But we cannot only look outside of ourselves for what we want out of life. How many of us look to others to tell us whether we're succeeding in this world? If you're like me, you may even be scared of how other people see you. Do they think I'm working hard enough? Do they think I'm good enough?
015I've thought. But at the end of the day, what really matters is how we see ourselves. When Cheryl Lee Ralph accepted our best supporting actress award for Abbott Elementary, she said this. People don't have to like you. People don't have to love you. They don't even have to respect you. But when you look in that mirror, you better love what you see. Struggles comes to us in so many forms. Maybe like me, you had to learn a new language in order to survive. Maybe like me, you faced some moment when someone said no to you. Maybe like me, you reached a moment where you were the one saying no to yourself. And maybe like me, you reached a moment where you wanted to quit. I had that moment on the second day of the early
016L3C program. I wanted to quit because in the past four years I changed schools, states, countries, and languages. And here yet was another change. However, that day I remembered the faith that others had had in me. And I realized that it was time for me to have the same belief in myself. I needed to learn that I am the one who decides every single day to never give up. Thank you. Science fiction author Arthur C. Clark said it well. The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. I hope that each of you Oh, okay. I hope. All right. Thank you. I hope that each of you looks back at those times we struggled and succeeded and can see that it was our own strengths that
017were needed to get us through. ASD superintendent Dr. Burks reminds us often that all of our strengths are needed. And she's right. When she says all, she means each of us. Not just giving our strengths to each other, but being strong for ourselves. When we leave here today, we will face a future full of unknown steps. We will be stepping away from many of the people we have trusted and support and believe in us up until now. What we can do now is to take those people's love, support, and faith into ourselves and become our biggest supporters. We have been made strong by the challenges we have faced and the gifts that those around us have given us. I remember the first time I met Mr. Novak. Yeah, if you know, you know. When I
018was so overwhelmed by school during the pandemic, he became my mentor and my friend. However, he didn't overcome life's challenges for me. Instead, he showed me how to overcome to them myself. That was his gift to me. Thank you, Mr. Noc. The Billings 21 mascot is a phoenix. Did you know that in ancient mythology, there's only one Phoenix? It doesn't have a partner, parents, or even other phoenix to lean on. In fact, the word itself doesn't even have a plural. Tonight, we're all here together, but tomorrow we'll meet our futures like the solitary Phoenix. And with our own strength, we will rise. Thank you to the entire Billington one community, students, faculty, family, and staff. For the past four years, they have shaped me. We have shaped each other. And now, let's go get it
019done. Justin, [Applause] [Music] thank you, Justin. Up next, we have a member of the class of 25 who has been a voice of positivity, leadership, and authenticity throughout her time at building 21. Chosen to deliver this year's senior message, this student represents the heart and spirit of her graduating class. Her words reflect not only personal growth, but also the collective journey, memories, and hopes of the class of 2025. Please welcome Jay Vet Bayz. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Rosado. And can we give another round of applause for our amazing valadictorian for his speech? It's amazing. It's amazing. Now, good evening family, friends, teachers, and the class of 2025. As we get ready to take the first steps as adults, I want to share a quote from author Fedor Dostovski. Above all, don't lie to yourself. This
020might sound simple, but it's one of the most powerful pieces of advice I've ever heard. High school has been a journey of self-discovery. We spent years trying to figure out who we are, what we believe in, and what we want to become. Along the way, it's been tempting to conform to what others expect of us. We've all done it. Laughed at a joke we really didn't find funny, joined activities we really didn't enjoy, or stayed silent when we really should have spoken up. These small moments are small ways we all collectively lie to ourselves. DSKI's words remind us that honesty with ourselves is a foundation of a meaningful life. It means admitting our fears and our doubts, recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and being true to what we value most. It's about saying, "This is
021who I am without an apology or pretense." But let's be real, being honest with yourself isn't always easy. Sometimes it means taking risks, making unpopular decisions, or stepping out your comfort zone. It means choosing your best path even when it feels uncertain or scary. Sometimes we lie to ourselves because we've been unwilling or unable to look for ourselves. Self-discovery can be as hard and scary as going against the crowd. What I'm asking each of us to do today is to be brave enough to find ourselves. Do not be afraid to accept that college acceptance letter that's going to take you states away. Do not be afraid to start that career without knowing where it would lead. Be brave enough to take risks and try new things. As we leave high school and step into the
022next chapter of our lives, let's carry this lesson with us. Let's promise ourselves to live authentically, to trace what truly matters, and to embrace who we are, flaws and all. When we stop lying to ourselves or hiding from ourselves, we get to wake up every morning knowing that we are enough. Let's go build genuine relationships. Genuine genuine relationships. We get to pursue dreams that set ourselves on fire. The world is full of noise, opinions, and pressures. Do not lose sight of who you are. And don't be afraid to become your biggest, your brightest, and your bravest self. Now take a deep breath and exhale the words, "I am me." I am me. [Applause] [Music] Now, before I go any further, I need to take a moment to thank my greatest support and my biggest inspiration,
023my mom. Mom, I didn't know how you did it, but you always found a way to give me everything that I needed. You showed me what it means to be strong and to persevere. Through it all, you've taught me to face life with courage, kindness, and gratitude. And now look where I'm standing right now. I love you and thank you so much for raising me. And thanks to my brothers Marcos and Nicholas for helping mom and for helping me become the person I am today. I would like to thank a few people at Billing 21 also who helped me guide me through high school. I would like to thank Marissa, our brave head of security for always being real and never sugar coating anything. Thank you, Curtis, our hardworking custodian, for your conversations and your
024endless support for our class. And thank you, my adviser, Miss Coyle, for always being there. For always being there and no matter what, never letting me push her away. Classmates, please take a moment to think about the people who helped you reach this moment. That way. They're that way. Make a promise to yourself right now. Don't let today's celebrations end without thanking them. Now, congratulations, class of 2025, and the last graduating class of building 21. Let's go out there and be real. The world needs our authentic selves now more than ever. Thank you. I'm so proud of you. [Applause] Thank you, Jaylat. And thank you, Justin. It is now my privilege to introduce a visionary leader whose dedication to innovation and student success continues to shape the future of our schools. Under her leadership, our
025district has remained focused on creating meaningful opportunities for all students to thrive. Please join me in welcoming the superintendent and CEO of schools, Dr. Carol D. Burks. Let's give another round of applause for Mr. Rosado. And we have to give it up for Justin and Jay Leette. They were sensational. Good afternoon everyone. [Music] Good afternoon everyone. Okay. All right. Though we're here for a celebration. So to our distinguished school board of directors who's sitting here on stage with me, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your leadership. Let's listen. They're my bosses. Give them a round of applause, please. [Applause] It's truly an honor and privilege to serve with each of you. To the faculty and staff of Building 21 High School, please rise. Please stand. Everyone, every
026staff person, every Let's give it up for building 21's faculty and staff. We can do better than that. And administration, want to say thank you so much. I appreciate you. I honor you and the great work that you do every day in service and love to all our children. So, thank you very much. I appreciate your unwavering dedication, your leadership, and the love that you show to all of our children every day. And I know when I say the love word sometimes in education, people look at me like love. Yes, you give countless acts of love. All the smiles, all the encouragement, all the pushes on behalf of the children. We appreciate you. Thank you so much. Just please give them another round of applause. I want to commend our school leaders, Mr. Rosado, Miss
027Sparks, Miss Walmer, all of you who worked very hard to build the building 21 network. I know she's gone on to Ramos now, but you spent a lot of time working really hard to build this network. So, I want to say thank you and for building such a robust sense of community and family. Don't we feel the love in the room here? Now we are all ready to build a bold next step into the future for building 21. to Chip and Laura, our friends from building 21, who over the past 11 years worked collaboratively with our team to help set the framework and structure for students and staff to build an agency to use power and to find passion to make an impact in the world. I thank you. Please give them a round of
028applause. And to the first teachers, our proud families, parents, abuelas, abuelas, siblings, cousins. Thank you. Thank you. Let's give them a roaring round of applause. We are extremely grateful and honored that you've allowed us to walk with you in this journey to produce such sensational, creative students who are sitting here that are about to be our graduates in a few minutes. the class of 2025. Let's give them a round of applause. And now to the stars of this afternoon, the radiant, resilient, talented, gifted, creative, intellectual 94 students for the class of 2025. Let's give them another round of applause. This this afternoon, I want to tell you a story. There's a legend of a mythical bird, the phoenix, born from fire. It rises from the ashes, strong, brighter, and more powerful than before. That, dear
029graduates, that's you. You are the phoenix. Give him a round of applause. Over the past four years, you've endured challenges, embraced change, and ignited passions that will burn long after you leave your school. You've built a legacy that will never be forgotten. Even as your school transforms into the future Bridgeview Academy of Health, Science, Innovation, and Technology, your voices helped shape the transformation. To the students who participated in the remaining renaming committee, thank you. Thank you for sharing your voices through every survey and focus group. You didn't just attend school over the last four years, but you've helped reimagine it. Let's give them a round of applause for that. You found your agency. You discovered your power. And you use your passion to make a significant impact not only at Building 21 and within Allentown,
030but within the world. Let's give them a round of applause. You earned more than $500,000 in scholarships and aid. You built a basketball court, a dream realized through the leadership of students like Adriana, Jay Levette, Janitsa, Isaiah, Elanis, and Michael. Let's give them a round of applause. You launched the only flag team in Allentown football team starred by Alex, Alexis, Yurel, and Naia. What began with only five students in a parking lot turned into 40 students and a girls team. So give them a round of applause. Now that is leaving a legacy. You registered to vote 90% of your class earning the governor's civic engagement of award for the seventh year in a row. Let's give them a round. You didn't just participate, but you led. You introduced the vice presidential candidate, Tim Waltz. I
031think that was Kim, my friend Kim, who did that. Janitza, you gave the keynote at the governor's civic engagement awards ceremony and are on track to become a judge of elections. Now, that is impressive. Now, talk about leaving a legacy. to Kim and Adriana who served on my advisory council and represented your peers to the school board. Thank you. Thank you for challenging us. Thank you for challenging me to think more deeply and sharing your perspectives. I appreciate you. And to our friend Teddy who served as an intern in the communications office [Music] right down the hall from my office. And let me tell you, I gave Teddy a lot of his assignments back and said, "Do it all over again, Teddy, cuz that's not what I'm looking for." But I thank you. He did
032it gracefully. He did it with pride. He rose like a phoenix. And I appreciate you, Teddy. He also participated in the strategic planning process as well as the back to school bash. Your advocacy earned you the Lynden M. Anthony Scholarship through the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. This class completed internships, earned associates degrees, and joined pre-assess pre-assent apprenticeship program. Excuse me. Yes, they are Michael, Isaiah, Justin. Let's give him a round of applause. who participated in internships within our offices at the central office. Corly, Adrien, Jeremy, and Messiah completed pre- internship programs with IBW. Eight of you earned associates degrees through an early college program. 11 students completed healthcare futures internships with Lehigh Valley Health Network. And those students are Ariana, Eliana, Juliana, Tiarara, Angel, Venus, Jasmara, Venice, Angelie, and Assari. Let's give them a
033round of applause. And now you're ready to soar. I also want to acknowledge all of you, every single person in the class of 2025, including the student groups that I didn't mention and they can call by your name. 70% of you are enlisted in the military. Thank you for your willingness to serve our great country. 11% of you are heading to trade or technical schools. 13% are entering the workforce. And 62% of you are off to Westchester, Moravian, Kutztown, Tempo, Penn State, and beyond. And everyone in this audience, I know wherever they go, there's going to be fire burning within them. Let's give them a round of applause. Let that passion guide you through the unknown. Let it fuel your dreams. Let it remind you that you are never starting from scratch. You are always
034rising from something greater. You are a phoenix. Let's say they are a phoenix. Come on. They are a phoenix. They are a phoenix. All right. As we look towards your future, the ocean you are entering is not always going to be calm. You will encounter the strong currents of a rapidly evolving job market. Wherever innovation especially in AI is reshaping industries and adaptability alongside those uniquely human skills like critical thinking that's still in and collaboration will be your most valuable compass. You'll navigate the rising tides of global challenges from environmental shifts because I don't know it's June. It doesn't feel like June to me today. That demand urgent action to complex geopolitical landscapes that require thoughtful engagement. But you have those skills because you are a Phoenix. You will feel the economic currents of a
035world that asks you to be resourceful and resilient, finding your footing amidst changing tides. This moment in your launch into that dynamic, everchanging sea. But like a phoenix, this class is full of dynamic change makers. Like a phoenix, this class is full of dynamic change makers. Like a phoenix, this class is filled with dynamic change makers. Let's give them a round of applause. We all know that you will not stand on the sidelines. You are ready to ride the waves. Whether they carry you to new discoveryoveries, challenge you to build a better world, or simply ask you to find your own unique rhythm, embrace that journey. Don't be afraid to make a splash to create your own ripples or even to stir up some powerful currents of change. The world is your power, your agency,
036and above all, your passion because you are a phoenix. As you go throughout life, remember, let let that fire burn bright. Let it light your path. Let it remind you that no matter what comes next, you have already proven you can rise. We love you. We believe in you. And we cannot wait to see how much you were sore. Come on, let's give a round of applause for the class of 2025. I appreciate you. I love you. And God bless you all. Phoenix. Let's hear another round of applause for Dr. Burks. [Applause] Our guest speaker today is a dedicated leader, community builder, and change maker. He is the founder and executive director of Cohesion Network and has spent over two decades leading urban and global development efforts, forging partnerships across education, justice, and international communities.
037As a passionate, motivational speaker, he challenges audiences to lead with purpose, build resil resilience, and drive collective impact. In 2025, he was honored with the PBS 39 Good Neighbor Award for his trans transformative work in empowering marginalized communities right here in the Lehigh Valley. Please join me in welcoming our commencement speaker, Darien Colbert. I hope my cards fit up here. Yeah, they do. It looks like they're going to fall, though. Can I put this book down so I can It's cool. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Congratulations to the class of 2025. Give it up. I want to look at you. I celebrate you in this moment. And I am grateful that some of you in this space nominated me to be your keynote speaker. I am honored and I consider it a wonderful privilege to stand
038with you and hold space not just with you but with your family and friends and staff. A special shout out to all the family members, the guardians, friends, teachers, and staff that helped them get to this very special moment. I celebrate you as well. To Marissa and Mr. Novak right aka Marissa is ma for helping me and my wife navigate building 21 going inside doors back doors and all those other things to make sure we can hold space with these wonderful young leaders. Thank you to Mr. Rosado for his leadership. Um and also I want to thank Dr. Burks and the board for your leadership in our district. Now, when I was thinking about what to share that could have impact on your young leaders here today and on all of you, I decided to
039share from a platform of something very familiar to all of the students here and staff. And it's their school model, which is powerful passion, power, and agency. Passion, power, and agency. And let me just say this. You saw that represented in Justin speaking and Jay speaking and many of the different nominations and things are mentioned about the young leaders here. What I want to let you all know is we call that culture in a building and it is powerful. You can feel it. It's palpable. You felt it up here like Dr. Bur called it love. When I walk through the doors of building 21, I'm like, "Oh, oh, something going on up in this piece." Oh, I'm sorry. Something's going on in this building. This piece means the building. That was a joke, but it
040really didn't land the way I thought it would land. Now, I am that guy who I love to teach character education and have amazing conversations that we create together, right, young leaders. And so, I'm all about having some fun, too. So, my goals is to inspire your young leaders, to challenge them, but also to have some fun. So, I want to do something kind of fun to bring home passion, power, and agency. If you're down to help me, say, "I'm down. I'm down. All right. So, now I'm going to do a dance. And when I do this dance, I want you to say passion. Can y'all help me out? Yes. Now, that means I'm going to have to get out here in front of all of y'all and do my dance, right? So, when I
041do this dance, say passion. Are you ready? Yes. Okay, cool. So, I'm going to do my dance. We called this the Willie Clyde back in the day, but I'm going just call it. Let's go. Right now, when I do that, anytime I do that, when I'm speaking, I want you to say passion. You got it? All right. All right. Now, next one. I want you to say power when I do this. Now, we call this the running man that I did for days. [Applause] No. Say it. Thank you. And now this last one. Yeah. When I do this last one, I want you to say agency. Now, I got to take my jacket off when I do this cuz this like [Applause] when I do that. Are y'all ready? So, I'm going to do it
042all together. Y'all ready? Here we go. Let's go. [Applause] All right. Now, let's get this started. Now, what I love to say about what they say power, passion, power, agency, is they have this saying, I learned it 25 years ago, is the mission statement hanging on the wall happening down the hallways of the school building organization. And from what you've witnessed today, you know that mission purpose is happening in the hallways and classrooms of this building. Now, I'm going to speak through the lens of those three words today. Tell some stories and then I'll close out. So, passion. I've been working with young people for about 30 years. I love it. It is amazing. They inspire me. I was inspired by Justin. Man, that's powerful. Justin, look in the mirror. You got to love yourself.
043That is super powerful. Justin and Jay, where she There she is, man. Love it. I love their words. But here's what I want to tell you. Many years ago, I was working with young men in the Lehigh Valley. They're about to graduate just like these young leaders are about to graduate. And I asked them a question. I said, "Do you believe you can do what you are passionate about doing and get paid well to do it?" We call that today a livable wage. And there's about nine of them in the room with me and they all like I think so. We had some musicians, some football players and all this other stuff. And some of them hesitated to say respond to me but not Chris. Chris was like, "Oh yeah." And I walk right up
044to Chris and he was in the middle of the group and it was his house. We're in the basement. I call the house hop and I go to young leaders houses and hold space with them. And I walk right up to him. He was in the middle and I said, "Man, you sat there with passion." He goes, "Cuz I believe it." And I did that and I want you to know he's about to graduate. That young man a year and a half later secured a job. Oh, here's the thing. He was passionate about drumming now. I believed him. He made me a believer by how he said it to me. But I'm thinking, man, how can how can you get pro? Well, you ain't Bon Joy. You get paid what Bon Joie is a old
045man, but I guess that y'all not going to knew who Bon Jo is. Anyway, I didn't understand it, but I believed him in that moment cuz he convinced me. A year and a half later, he's traveling the world drumming for a well-known artist all over the world. Yeah. Passion. His passion for drums got him there. Now, I'm going talk about power. And power is like just all about you, right? So, I'm going to share a small bit of my story. So March 30th from 1997 till 12:32 p.m. which is 28 years 2 months and 17 days ago at 12:32 p.m. for the first time in my life I believed something positive about myself. I looked in the mirror and I said, "Dude, I love you. You're powerful." And from that moment, it has been a
046catalyst to get me to the space that I now stand in simply by believing in myself. I'm telling you. And I have been on a mission to ensure elementary, middle, and high school in college and beyond that people believe in themselves. That people bet on themselves. Don't go play the rally. Bet on yourself. You are powerful. That's my message. And I always say your superpower is to be you because no one else can be you. And lastly, agency. Now, I like to say with agency. Now, this group right here knows all about agency. And what I want to tell you is um they really we do this activity called bugs and wishes. Now it sounds elementary but we had some fun with it in building 21. If you agree say I agree. I agree. Oh
047yeah. I see. Yeah. There we go. Well anyway we did bugs and wishes and these young leaders helped me change how we facilitate bugs and wishes because how powerful they were in this space. And we talk about agency and I would say communication is the antidote to conflict. Some of them I had in ninth grade, 10th, and also 12th. And I want you to know these young leaders know how to communicate. They will blaze a trail in reference to communication and solving problems because they're willing to not only communicate, but to be kind and when necessary, they will be firm with themselves and with one another. Agency. Now to sum up this amazing group of young leaders, I have a quote that I share almost everywhere I go. And it's out of the book, The
048Law Success by Napoleon Hill. That book was written in 1921. But this quote rings true today. And the quote is deposited within every human soul is the seed of a great future. But that seed will not germinate much less grow except through the rendering of useful service. I'm going to say it again because that was powerful. Deposited within every human soul is the seed of a great future. But that seed will not germinate much less grow except through the rendering of useful service. Young leaders, all of you, there is greatness within you. Greatness within. I'm not saying there is greatness already within you. And that greatness within you is your purpose. It is your purpose. That is the greatest within you is your purpose. Your gift to the world. And here's what I want to
049share with you. Your passion can lead you to your purpose. Your power can fuel your purpose. And your agency can mold your purpose. You are powerful. There is greatness within you. Now, as I close out, I want to share seven topics that I go over in my character education program that I've facilitated with some of the young leaders here today. Our first one and they're all in order of most importance. And the first one is who am I? Who am I? Right? And like I said, your superpowers is to be you. And what I want to say to you, like Jordan said, know who you are, be who you are, love who you are, believe who you are. The next one is friends matter. I always say to them, show me your friends and I'll
050show your future. Who you spend time with will shape all your experiences for the good or not so good. We don't use the word bad because everyone can grow and that's just not for them. That's for us as well. What I love about facilitating this thing, it always reminds me, grounds me in my identity and who I spend time with on friends cuz y'all do this very well. Y'all going to need some friends, right, Isaiah? Who love you enough to celebrate you and clap at you when you do amazing things, but who will challenge you and check you and say, "Yo, you out of pocket right now." You will need friends like that. And feedback doesn't mean they don't love you. Feedback means they love you. I learned that from Isaiah. Give it up for
051Isaiah. Who am I? Friends matter. Next one is you choose. Adults in this room, you make 30,000 plus decisions a day. Dr. Burks like 90. But anyway, all of those decisions that you make, none of us in this room, your parents, Dr. Burks and team and staff, your principal. We're not looking for perfection, young leaders. Just consistency because that shapes your character. Just your consistency. It speaks loudly your consistency. The next one is draw the line, which is all about values. I tell young leaders all the time, they they tell me, they write down what they really, really value. And I say, "How does your values show up in your every day? When you're in that small group, you're out the mall, when you're in school, when you're how your values show up. honor them.
052The next one is handle your business and that is all about self-discipline. And we talk about short-term goals and long-term goals. And you can see Justin has some short-term goals and some long-term goals. And our brothers graduated with associates. Love it. Give it up for him again. And as I close up my time, here it is. Next one is know your role. That's all about authority. Everyone in this room has authority. Dr. Burks has her board. I have my board. We have parents and all. We all have authority. It's understanding that and working with them to help get you to where you desire to go. It's about that movement of we together with those who care and love you. And lastly, taking your place. That is all about your leadership and your give back. Deposit
053within every human soul is the seed of a great future. But that seed will not germinate much less grow except through the rendering of useful service. on March 30th of 1997 at 12:32 p.m. What happened to me is I believed I could be useful. That's what because anybody anybody can be great because anybody could serve. That's Dr. Martin Luther King. Super powerful. Now, one thing's for sure, two things are certain. That's a quote from the 80s. I'm dating myself. I'm 53. People go on people and life's going to life. People go on people and life's going to life. And when that happens, I want you to lean into your passion, your power, and your agency. Now, one more time, when I do my dance, what we going to say, right? What's this? What's this? Power.
054What is this? Agency. Agency. Right. Peace. [Applause] Good afternoon. My name is Braden Wulmer and I have had the privilege to serve this class not only as an assistant school leader but also as a teacher and a counselor. On behalf of building 21 High School and the Allentown School District Foundation, I am honored to present this year's scholarship recipients from the graduating class of 2025. Our [Music] first scholarship, the Mary E. Ley scholarship, was established in 2014. Miss Libby was a 1905 graduate of the Allentown School District's only high school at the time, William Allen High School. She taught the Allentown School District for 47 years. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student of good character. This year's honore is an outstanding student, a courageous advocate for both herself and her peers, and a
055talented performer whose contributions to our school community have been remarkable. While excelling in rigorous dual enrollment courses, she has also led our school dance team, spoke on behalf of students at the Allentown School District opening convocation, and made history as the first female to take on the role of our beloved mascot, Fuego. Her energy, talent, and heart have left an undeniable mark on building 21, and her future is just as bright. This fall, she will continue her education at Moravian University, pursuing a degree in business management. Congratulations to Ilani Staleon Rivera. Please come forward to receive your scholarship. Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Congratulations. The Watt Ring Scholarship was created by the estate of Roland Watring in memory of his wife. This generous scholarship is awarded each year for four years of postsecary education. Our recipient
056of the Watt Ring scholarship is a student deeply committed to strengthening our community and serving as a voice that brings people together. Throughout her time at building 21, she has demonstrated this commitment through her leadership, not only as a member of our student advisory council, but also a representative on the superintendent advisory council and as a student board representative. Balancing these responsibilities with academic excellence, she consistently challenged herself with dual enrollment courses and extracurricular activities such as ethics bowl while also dedicating time to civic service as a pole worker on election days. In her final months as a senior, her focus has remained on building a better future for those who will follow. Even with graduation approaching, she embraced the responsibility of serving on the building 21 renaming committee, helping shape the identity of what
057will soon become Bridge View Academy. In doing so, she has left a meaningful legacy as a proud member of the final graduating class of building 21 and extended a hand to the first class of Bridgeview students. This fall, she will continue to pursue her passion for justice and service by attending Kutztown University where she plans to major in criminal justice. It's our great pleasure to recognize this year's Wating Scholarship recipient, Adriana Rodriguez. [Applause] [Music] The JF Memorial Scholarship established in 2025 memorials a generous anonymous donor from the JF charitable trust. This scholarship honors a commitment to education especially in the area of literacy. The recipient of this scholarship has been accepted to over eight colleges and universities, a reflection of his academic strength, determination, and character. He consistently excels in both his high school and
058dual enrollment courses while also making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. His commitment to service is evident in the ways he gives back to his community. Whether donating blood to help those in need or organizing a field day for the students at Central Elementary School, he has made it a priority to uplift others and create opportunities for joy. With a deep determination to push beyond his limits and build a path toward future success, he reflects resilience, kindness, and humble leadership in all that he does. Building 21 will surely feel different without his genuine smile and positive spirit brightening our days. This fall, he will continue his academic and personal journey at Cheney University where he plans to study psychology. Please join me in congratulating Jaden Sams. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Congratulations. Thank you so much. [Applause]
059Our next three recipients will receive scholarships from the building 21 student scholarship fund. The building 21 scholarship fund was established in 2019. This scholarship recognizes outstanding graduating seniors from building 21 high school who are pursuing post-secary education. Our first recipient is a true servant leader in her community. She works closely with her church to support those in need, creating hygiene and essential care packages, volunteering at children's summer camp, and delivering hot chocolate and sandwiches during the cold months to members of our homeless community. In her own words, she believes it is her duty to give out hope and encouragement, and she lives that mission daily. This fall, she will attend Moravian University to study predental and biology. Please join me in congratulating Josari Leesma. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you. Congratulations. Our second recipient is a
060no fuss, get it done kind of person. Someone you can always count on to handle a task and lift up those around her in the process. She asks the right questions, supports her peers, and makes even the busiest days look effortless. She too will attend Moravian University in the fall, majoring in business management. Congratulations to Laniah Anderson. [Applause] Let's go. Congratulations. Our third and final recipient is a is achieving a personal and family milestone as a first generation college student. Over the past four years, she has consistently balanced academics, extracurricular activities, and friendships with heart and determination. She's been a fierce, loyal friend and a compassionate listener to anyone in need. And for our staff, we've got a future educator in our midst. This fall she will attend Kutztown University to study early childhood education.
061Congratulations Orani Swite. [Applause] Congratulations. I have a job for you. Congrats. Love you. Congratulations again to our 2025 scholarship recipients. Please join me in thanking our generous scholarship benefactors with one more round of applause. [Music] So at building 21, we expect and receive excellence from all of our students. Even so, some of our students have gone above and beyond and have distinguished themselves through their achievement. Please join me in congratulating the following groups of students. Our early college graduates, please stand when you hear your name. Justin Aras, Abrauim, Kimberly Aras, Jasmine Beck, Michael Delejleon, Jani Johnson, [Music] Edi Medina, Theodore Solomon, Alexis Torres. [Applause] Through partnership between the Allentown School District and Lehigh Carbon Community College, you all earned an associates degree while simultaneously earning your high school diploma. Let's hear it. You may be
062seated. Now, I would like to acknowledge the top 15% of the class of 2025 with an overall grade point average of 376 or higher. I int I introduce you to our honor graduates. Please stand when you hear your name. Yani Meliss Aosta Antuna Laniah Anderson Kimberly Aras [Music] Justin Aras Abrau, Jasmine Beck, [Music] Michael Delejleon, Jani Johnson, Josi Leiddesma, [Music] Ajiri Medina, Jasima Menddees, Dos Santos, Batista, Owen Otto, Theodore Solomon, Alexis Torres with an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher. You are also recipients of the Presidential Excellence Award. Please remain standing while I acknowledge additional recipients of this award. Please stand when you hear your name. Da Canales Velasquez. [Music] Ilianis delejon Ria [Applause] Adrien Felipa [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Laurianne Gonzalez Bayz Quesa Marray Cologne Avisuel Rosado, Corley Sanchez, Palanco, Chelsea Suabi. Join
063me in a round of applause for our distinguished graduates. You may be seated. And now I'm pleased to introduce you to your class saludiatoran with a 478 grade point average and planning to attend Penn State University, Michael Deleó. Congratulations. [Applause] Yeah, Mikey. Yeah. [Applause] And now your class validictorian with a 506 grade point average, Justin Aras Abrau. [Applause] [Music] Today we recognize the extraordinary work you've completed during your time at building 21. At this time, I would like to introduce you to our school board vice president, Audrey Mat. [Applause] Miss Mat, I have the honor to present you the candidates for graduation of building 21 high school for the 2425 school year composed of 94 students. I ask you to certify the completion of the requirements of these candidates. Good afternoon everyone. My colleagues and
064I are just thrilled to have been a part of this ceremony this afternoon. Amen. in recognition of your having fulfilled the requirements established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the school district of the city of Allentown and through the authority vested in me by the board of education of Allentown, I do hereby declare building 21 High School's class of 2025 graduated. [Applause] All [Music] right. So, now the moment you've all been waiting for. I call upon our senior class adviser, Miss Melissa Routson and George Nameaker to acknowledge our graduates. [Applause] That was crazy. Oh, stand up. Here [Applause] we go. Ready. [Music] Justin Praidus Aras of Rayu. Michael Dion, Michael Jani, A Costa, Antonuna, Laniah Anderson, [Applause] Kimberly Aras, [Applause] Jasmine Lache, Deandra Beck, Jazani Johnson. Congratulations. Joari Lessma, [Applause] Ajiri, Jalen, Medina, We're just
065congratulations Jasmine Menddees. Jasmar Menddees. [Music] Congratulations. Owen Otto. [Applause] Congratulations. Adrien Rodriguez, [Music] [Applause] [Music] Theodore Brookke Solomon, [Applause] [Music] Alexis Torres, Good job, Ted. Jose Albino Modeski [Applause] Carlos Elante [Applause] Carolisse Kalin Amaro. Congratulations, [Music] Angel Aras. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Jay Levette Deise Bayz. Congratulations. [Applause] Sean Benner, I shake your hands, too. Alexander Joel Burggoyo Sales Yodini Paola Kalcano Ramos. Congratulations. Da Vanessa Canales Velasquez. [Music] Michael Castillo. Congratulations, Janitza Marie Claudio Santana. [Applause] Anthony Cole. [Applause] Let's go. Zachary Corsino. [Applause] [Music] Mark Corona Rodriguez, [Applause] Ashley Evette Cortez, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Anna Christomo, [Applause] Chase Nazir Cunningham, Haley Anna, Curet [Applause] Ilanise Sophia Dion Rivera. Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] I love you so much. Tiara De Jesus, [Applause] Venice Rende, Dos Santos, Baptista. Congratulations, Elelliana Elizabeth Escalera, [Applause] Adrien Felipe. Congratulations Kamaya Gilok [Applause] Laurianne
066Ros Gonzalez Bayz [Applause] Christopher Joelle Gonzalez Carabalo [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Taraji Inabinet [Applause] Ariana Erizzari Ramos. Congratulations. [Applause] Amin Loranzo [Applause] Nielli Lopez [Applause] [Music] Andrich Lopez [Applause] Poliola Nicole Lugo Fred Congratulations [Applause] Messiah Lynch. Congratulations, [Music] Yadiel Marte Serrano. Liliana Medina, [Applause] David Melendez. Congratulations Valyriia Alejandra Mora Topia [Applause] Quesa Morett Cologne [Applause] [Music] Isaiah Nathaniel McGuendry. [Applause] Congratulations, Isari Oliveres. You're amazing. [Music] [Applause] Aana Ortiz, [Applause] Yurel Ortiz. Danieli Pacheco Santana [Applause] Daniel L. Payne [Music] Kiana Lee Janesca Perez, [Applause] Jeremy Ricardo Benedto. [Applause] Kiana Lee Pino [Applause] Joelle Antonio Quintana good. [Applause] Angelie Resto. [Applause] Congratulations, [Music] Emily Abigail Rexos. [Applause] Angel Ariel Renoso, [Applause] José, Rios [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Diane Rivas. [Applause] [Music] Julian Rivera, [Applause] Eloise Rivera Diaz. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Luzalei Rivera Negrron [Applause] [Music] Rihanna Marie Rodriguez
067[Applause] Adriana Rodriguez, Angie Rojos. [Applause] [Music] Kaylee Rosa Roman [Music] Victor Rosado Figureroa [Applause] Avis Manuel Rosado, [Applause] Jaden Sams, [Applause] Kiana Suri Sanchez, [Applause] Gabriella Sanchez Lopez, Congratulations, [Music] Corley Ricardo Sanchez. Palanco, [Applause] Ryan Santiago Perez. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Karen Gel, Sila Olivero, [Applause] [Music] Lai Walter Singleton. Landon Sodto [Applause] Chelsea Sway I'm proud of you. Na Thomas, [Applause] Simea Ajoy Tenho. [Applause] [Music] Karen Urana Santos, [Applause] Milo Walters, Orianis White, [Applause] Marlon Zambrano, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Juliana Kayn Vasquez. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Let's go. Class of 2025. [Applause] Class of 2025, please rise. Heat. You're well on your way to your own personal success and happiness. We are so proud of each of you and I am so proud to work in a school community that shares the values, beliefs, and expectations that
068are reflected in the work you have done during your time at Building 21 High School. You have done all that we have asked of you. You have qualified yourself to pursue high levels of success and happiness. No matter what your what path you choose, each of you deserve nothing but the best. I now have the honor of acknowledging you as graduates. This is the last task you will have as building 21 high school students. Turning your tassels from right to left represents moving from candidate to graduate. At this time, [Applause] Thank you. You may be seated. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Let's make a little bit more noise. [Applause] [Music] At this time, I want to turn our attention to the screen to where we will share a video full of senior memories. So many things
069that I just don't know why. Cut my hair, bought a new shirt, new pair of shoes. It's time to go. Finally found an apartment. Signed a lease on a car this month. Can't go back to the start. Now time doesn't slow down. Guess my childhood is over now. I'm taking down my posters. And I'm inside the box into a toaster. That's my closest thing to closure. I can't stop this roller coaster. I'm not ready to get older. I'm not ready to get older. Guess my childhood is over now. I'm taking down my posters and I'm telling all my friends we get together closure. I can't stop this roller coaster. I'm not ready to get over. I'm not ready to get over. [Music] Never thought I'd be 20 now. 30. You don't seem so far away.
070I know I got to make a little money. Then maybe find somebody to call my own ready, but I can't go back in time. No, it's all out of my control. Now I know my childhood is over now. I'm taking down my posters and I'm putting all my things inside a box like a toaster. That's my closest. I can't stop this roller coaster. I'm not ready to get over. I'm not ready to get older. It's my childhood is over and now I've been taking on my posters and I'm telling all my friends we'll get together next October. That's my closest thing closure. I can't stop this roller coaster. I'm not ready to get older. I'm not ready to get older. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Cuz my childhood is over. One day I'll be buying posters for
071my kids just like my parents. For me it's never over. They'll grow up and soon enough they'll waste their time with just slow. I'm not ready to get away. Guess my childhood is over. Now I'm taking down my closures and I'm putting all my things inside of a toaster. That's my closest thing closure. I can stop this roller coaster. I'm not ready to get older. I'm not ready to get older. [Music] I'm not prepared for the future. So many things that I just don't know. I cut my hair, bought a new shirt, new pair of shoes, and it's time to go. [Applause] [Music] Going out tonight changes into something red. Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress. Everything she ever she's showing up. Driving too fast. Moon is breaking through her hair. She's heading
072for something that she won't forget. Having no regrets is all that she really wants. You're only getting baby and I've been thinking about it lately. Does it ever drive you crazy? Just how fast the night changes. Everything that you've ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up. But there's nothing to be afraid of. Even when life changes, it will never change me and you. Chasing it tonight. Doubts are running around her head. He's waiting. Hides behind a cigarette. Heart is beating loud and she doesn't want it to stop. Moving too fast. Moon is lighting up her skin. She's falling. Doesn't even know it yet. Having no regrets is all that she really wants. [Music] You're only getting older, baby. And I've been thinking about you lately. Does it ever drive you crazy? Just how fast
073the night changes. Everything that you've ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up. But there's nothing to be afraid of. Even when the night changes, it will never change. Me and you. [Music] Going out tonight changes into something red. Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress. Reminds her of the missing piece of innocence she loves. Only getting older, baby. And I've been thinking about it lately. Does it ever drive you crazy? Just how fast the night changes everything that you ever dreamed of. Disappearing when you wake up. But there's nothing to be afraid of. Even when the night changes, everything that you ever dreamed of disappearing when you wake up. But there's nothing to be afraid of. Even when the night changes, it will never change. Baby, you never change. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank
074you. So, as we close our commencement, I would like to remind our students to pick up their diplomas up on the third floor. Upon completion of the resession, we ask that families exit and meet their children outside of the venue. We're also going to ask that everybody remain in their seats to allow students a space to walk down the aisles and and exit the the venue here. To the families, friends, and educators who have supported our graduates, thank you. Your unwavering encouragement and love have been the foundation upon which our graduates have built their success. Today is as much a celebration of your of your dedication as it is their achievement. Graduates, as you spread your wings and embark on this new journey, carry the essence of the phoenix with you. Let it remind you
075that you are capable of extraordinary things, that you can rise above any challenge, and that your p potential is limitless. Congratulations, class of 2025. Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]