001[Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Oh, heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] The storm is coming. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Everyone has As EHS band plays our national anthem led by Mr. Warren Bur. Graduates, please stand. Heat [Music] up here. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Thank you. [Applause] It is my pleasure to welcome
002you on behalf of all faculty and staff at Ellenburg High School to the senior graduation assembly for the class of [Music] 2025. The class of 2025 is an amazing class. But before we get to the senior recognition, I would like to recognize three teachers that are retiring at the conclusion of this year. Carol, Jeff Ses, and Linda Cheney, please come forward. Cara Honeyut has been a teacher for 23 years. She has helped build an amazing orchestra program in our district. We've not we would have not been able to sustain that program without her. Cara, thank you for your dedication to your students and to your craft. You will be missed, otherwise known as Coach C, been a teacher for 18 years and had a stretch to the head football coach at both CWU and DHS.
003Coach C has left an impression on students and athletes alike. Your time and dedication have been greatly appreciated. Coach, you will be [Applause] missed. Linda Chen has been a teacher for 26 years. At DHS, she has worked hard to transition our ML program from a study skills model to a model where learning English as a second language is a priority. Linda has also served on our building leadership team for the last nine years. Your efforts and dedication will be missed. How about another round of applause? [Applause] All right. Now, let's get down to the scene. First, it is my pleasure to start with student recognition today for the Washington State Scholars. These students represent the top 10% academically in the entire state of Washington. Students, when your name is called, please stand and audience, please
004hold your applause until they are all standing. Samuel Albert Co. Ella B, Tiffany Bell, Charles Bennett, Landon Border, Jordan Dice, Joseph Romers, Emerson Gus, Catherine Damos, Teresa Garcia Green, Audrey Ingram, Alana Mars, Garrett Mars, Jocelyn Lwander, Jameson Phillip, Lydia Quinn, Jack Ryan, Cole Rogers, Jonathan Roinger, Wendell Scoville, Hie Smith, Kelly T, Sha Tenerelli, Dustin Wall, Kaylee Waldridge, and Lindsay Gap. Let's give them all a round of [Applause] applause. Next, we will recognize our Ellensburg elite scholars. This group represents the top 10% academically of the class and includes an adjusted GPA for those students taking AP college in the high school or running start courses. These students please stand with the Washington scholars until everyone is recognized. Taylor Alder Samuel Alman Co. Aaliyah Neing, Alex B, Ella Bean, Tiffany Bell, Charles Bennett, Grace Post, Landon Borgger,
005Beckley Bowen, Serena Chang, Jordan Dice, Joseph Bronners, Emerson, Catherine Dash, Teresa Garcia Green, Ausena Gonzalez, Audrey Ingram, Abigail Mace, Alana Mars, Garrett Mars, Emily Martone, Hazel Murphy, Savannah Nelson, Joshua Swaner, Alyn Payeyton, Jameson Phillip, Lydia Quinn, Eric Rous, Anukica Richards, Cole Rogers, Jonathan Roinger, Justice Schmidt, Wendell Stoville, Hi Smith, Ashlin Sun, Kelly T, Shale Tenerelli, Dylan Thomasson, Megan Wagon, Dustin Wall, Katon Willard, Kaye Woolridge, Lauren Worley, and Lindsay Gap. How about a round of applause? These students may obtain higher than a 3.92 GPA from their time at Elmsburg High School. Congratulations elite scholars. Now it's my pleasure to introduce Mr. Neil Buster, EHS assistant principal. [Applause] Good morning, seniors. It's my pleasure to recognize the character awards for your class. First up is the Frank Hartman Memorial Award. This award is given to a senior
006male based on character alone. Hartman was a member of the class of 1928 was accidentally killed in 1927 on rodeo weekend while working at the rodeo concessions when a tank exploded. He was an outstanding and popular high school student who excelled in track, baseball, and music. He planned to attend medical school to become a physician. This family has honored his memory by engraving a plaque recognizing deserving senior male who exemplifies outstanding character, high goals, and student involvement. This year's Frank Memorial Award winner is Cole Rogers. [Music] The next award is the Donna Islander Award. The Donna Nyler Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding character in the arts. Donna wrote dozens of original stories and plays for the Elber Children's Theater, which she and other creative friends founded in 1976. She was
007honored to be recognized as an Arts treasure in 2014. Donna shared a positive view of life that was generous and contagious. Many people in Helsburg had their own story of how she touched their lives. Donna cared deeply about young people who found their own theater, fine art, music, dance, writing, and other forms of creative expression. She encouraged them to grow in their creativity, curiosity, kindness, and respect. This year's Donald Memorial Award is Sophia [Applause] Wilson. Next is the Mary Closure Award. This award is given to a senior female based on character alone. Mary Cloer served as a a long time teacher at Elford High School who was well respected, who was well respected and is fondly remembered by her students and colleagues for making an impact. For years, she taught senior English and was known
008for encouraging and helping students to live their best lives. This year's Mary closure award winner is Megan [Applause] The next award is the John Jacobs Krauss Memorial Award. John Jacob Krauss is an active supporter of athletics at Ellensburg High School and have two children that are graduates at Ellenburg High School. The award is given to an outstanding female athlete based on leadership, sportsmanship, and high moral integrity. This year's John Jacob Craft Memorial Award winner is Jame [Applause] Phillip. Finally is the Lauren Road Award. The Lauren Road Memorial Award is presented annually to the graduating male student who mostly exemplifies the fine qualities of Lauren Drew Rhodess, the class of 1959. Lauren was a student athlete. He possessed personal qualities of warmth, generosity, kindness, and a great capacity to enjoy life and people which veered into
009all. This year's War Memorial Award winner is Joseph. [Applause] And next, please welcome Mr. [Applause] Good morning class of 202. It's always a day when students are [Music] grad and today I have an honor recognizing these two exceptional students each remarkable in their own way and both unforgettable and workers. First we'd like to celebrate a student who has courage persistence and the power of belief not just in oneself but in the value of challenging This student was once discouraged from taking AP classes, but instead of listening to doubt, they chose challenge. Instead of fear, they chose growth and to survive, they thrive. This is a student who asks questions that matter. Questions that show curiosity, insight, and to learn. They grow into a father, one learn at a time, and remind us that success isn't
010something you're build. This award goes to the marvelous [Applause] walls. And next we celebrate a uniform. Not the kind of uniform, but the rare student we all hope to teach one day. The kind whisper about meanings that people really don't think exist. This student is a thinker of depth and originality. A writer whose words linger long after you read them and a discussion partner who lives the room. They live and breathe creativity so much that one creative writing love could contain them. They joined two in a world that often values speed over substance. The student slows down and sees truly sees deeper meaning in things. It has been a joy to teach them and to see how their voice continues to shape the world. This award goes to the amazing David [Applause] Thomas. And next
011is Mr. Harry and Mr. for the social studies [Applause] awards. This recipient of Ellensburg High School Excellence in Social Studies Award is really a civics bulldog. Relentlessly pursuing accurate and varied information and really even more importantly um pursuing the perspectives of others. And not just classmates and teachers, but wait for it, they read. And they don't just read, they read books. And they don't just read books, they read really challenging, important works. And really, in the end, they're just seeking to focus on the common good. although they are known to be a little bit salty and want. So the award winner and the first award winner is Sam Good morning. Uh, as many of you are aware, uh, 2025 is a challenging time to be a social scientist. And so, I first like to start
012by thanking uh, everybody who's in my college and high school political science and sociology classes for jumping in along for the ride. I recognize all of you for your dedication uh to yourself and to the future and to our country. Um so I think it's a great group. You guys all have a special place in my heart and uh it's maybe a little bit of an inside thing that they might get but you guys are all my trees. Uh the social studies award that I would like to give goes to a super deep thinker, a concise writer and a consistent uh precise oral contributor all year long. So, I'd like to award my social studies and excellence award to James [Applause] Thomas. Next, I'd like to introduce Allison Ew. [Applause] See that dream's never lost
013[Music] My faith is shaking. I got to keep my head. [Music] I'm always going to want to make it move. Always got to be in a battle. Sometimes I'm going to have to lose. Ain't about ain't about the other [Music] side. It's you are taking [Music] some breaking. I may not know it, but I'm going to keep going. I got to be strong. cuz he pushed me. There's always going to be another I'm always going to be sometimes to lose [Music] about Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [Music] Yeah. I'm always going to want to make you move. Always going to be enough battle. something to lose. You have my [Music] Yeah. Yeah. Keep on moving. Keep baby. [Applause] [Music] Wo [Music] [Applause] wo that wonderful performance. [Music] Each year the math department selects a student who receive
014the excellence in math. This year's recipient has four years at high school including calc. This student is brightening inquisitive and highly respected by all his peers and my fellow. I know that you will be successful in all that he does. Please help me. Congratulations [Applause] for now. Please introduce [Applause] We knew back then you could tell she's going to be a strong personality. Honestly, she came with the world and asking questions. The journey She's faced real challenges in her education, but instead of giving up, she looked those challenges in the face and said, "Let's try and then she kept going." Now, she might have a tough exterior, you know, I'm not doing work today. But underneath, she's thoughtful, kind of investment. What Her heart is a clear vision for the future. She's not just dreaming.
015She's planning and preparing already halfway. Her success isn't a matter of if it's a matter of when. How smooth. But one thing is [Music] clear to succeed. Today we're not just categorical. Please join me in congratulations. [Applause] former state. I'd like [Applause] to Hey guys, congratulations. You made it. You were freshman. in my first year of teaching. So, thanks for letting me learn how to do this alongside you. It's been great. Today, I have the honor of presenting the inspiration and character award. The inspiration character award is bestowed upon an Ellensburg student who has inspired her peers and teachers by demonstrating a positive attitude and a hard work ethic all while achieving personal success. Academics are super important. I care so much about you guys. This year's recipient is a student who exhibits those traits
016every single day here at EHS. This student is an example of the exact reason why we give this award out. She greets everyone with a smile each morning and finds joy in every single situation. She's intentional about making eye contact, smiling, and cheering up those around her. When she sees positive traits in others, she compliments them and shares positivity constantly. She always encourages others to do their best. This student has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh and be silly. She has a huge heart and genuinely loves and cares for others. She has a special way of making you feel like you're the only person in our room. Despite any challenges she's faced, this student has remained selfless, joyful, positive, engaged, hardworking, and a friend to everyone she meets. She's the perfect example
017of the type of friend each and every one of us should be to another, and the type of friend all of us deserve to have. This student is an absolute ray of sunshine in the hall of Ellburg. And if you had the privilege of meeting her during your time here, I know you're a great. Our school is better now than you used to be before her and she is really truly going to be. I'm proud to announce that this year's recipient of the inspiration and character award is Miss Danny Fry. And now Shannon Panony will be presenting the excellence in CTD awards. [Applause] Good morning. My first award is for our agriculture education department. The excellence Agriculture Award recognizes individuals who embody the mission of the National FFA organization and those who excel in the
018agriculture education pathway. This year's recipient Bod Shirley is celebrated for his commitment for the past four years showcasing exceptional leadership, innovation, dedication to advancing agricultural education and fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. Congratulations. and marketing education. The 2025 business and marketing award of excellence is a quiet, peaceful soul who works hard and gets the job done. She has taken five business classes and achieved A's in all of them. She demonstrates good work ethic, commitment, and compassion for others. She shows both left and right grade qualities in her work. In digital design 1 and two, she demonstrated not only essential technical skills, but a high level of creativity and expressiveness. In her finance class, she consistently scored high and advanced her knowledge. These experiences in the business marketing program will assist with her goals. She's
019going to be an excellent elementary school teacher. This award goes to Miss Abigail. [Applause] Each year we honor one graduating senior excellence in computer science award. But this year we simply produced just one. Two students have raised the bar so high and work so closely together that they both deserve [Applause] both of our computer science program and TSH are out there at Peter. Peter entered a computer science principal as a question, would he care at all? Blending into the back row, at least at first. It wasn't long before he moved to the front, demonstrating how bright he really is, and started stepping into leadership, eventually serving as our TSA president. Dustin's path began with emails during his freshman year sent while learning from asking me in computer science classes right my answer was yes but
020I never could have guessed how essential he become to our program since joining as a sophomore he's been a top student and a constant support to his peers now serving as TSA Together, Dustin and Peter spent the last three years building a drone from scratch. If you've ever tried to build a drone from scratch, it does take three years. Uh they have um affectionally named their drone Sparky. If you'd like to know why, you can ask that. They worked on it every lunch, every lunch for the past three years while mentoring others and finishing this year with a top five placement at the TSA state conference in the known UAV event. As their TSA advisor, I had the privilege of watching their creativity, persistence, and teamwork in action. Both also completed the school's dis school
021district's IT internship, gaining tech experience along the way. Peter and Dustin have earned industry certifications in Python, Java, and cyber experience, just to name a few. More importantly, they they've left a legacy of integrity, service, and inspiration. They have been a cornerstone of the computer science program and our TSA chapter over these past years. It is bittersweet to see them go, but I'm incredibly proud of all they've accomplished. Please join me in celebrating this year's co-reians of the Excellence in Computer Science Award, Peter Hansen and Dustin W. [Applause] for our media studies courses. The AAA journalism award. Theresa Garcia Green joined the Elton in her sophomore year and rose to be associate editor. 23 24 and then head editor in 2024, excuse me, 202425. Her presentation to the school board, her representation to administration and
022her strong advocacy advocacy of student voice set her apart from her peers. Thank you Teresa for your outstanding leadership. Annabella has been on the gluten staff since her sophomore year. She has been indispensable in her skills in cutting through non-essentials and reporting on the truth. Thank you, Val, for your energy and enthusiasm. Photo journalism award. Hi Kennedy joined the LO staff her junior year and has since then made countless contributions to facet of the newspaper. Her special strength in mening staff is noble and exceptional. Thank you, Callie, for your passion. for our family consumer science education. Zarahi Contrasina and Liliana Ivara have demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism during their time at the early learning center. Going above and beyond in the preschool observations, their creativity, initiative, and strong rapport with the children truly set them
023apart as outstanding family and consumer science students. Congratulations, Skilled and technical Cooper Martin, Gavin Eagles, and Maxwell Moon have been the core group of builders for the past two years. They have helped build our construction program from the ground up by bringing hard work and great attitude to every build. Congratulations, Cooper, Gavin, and [Applause] Industry certification scholars. Students in our agriculture, computer science, family, consumer science, and health science classes have had the opportunity to earn at least one industry certification. Any industry recognized credential is verification of individual knowledge, qualifications, and confidence in a specific skill set that leads to a state or nationally recognized certification necessary for a preferential hiring, employment or job advancement in that field. Will the following industry certification scholars please stand and remain standing as we recognize your accomplishments? A Haley
024Bellina Peter Hansen Holly Johnson Mars Hazel Murphy Joselyn Hazel Patton Ner Ramos Po Jack Ryman Bobby Shirley Cheyen Kelly Tan Wag Dustin Wall Lo, please give them a round. Now for the foreign language department, Mr. Nicker. [Applause] Seniors, congratulations. On Tuesday night, we recognize 23 seniors who earned the seal by will be nomin 22 of those students earned the seal in Spanish and one in Russia. However, this message isn't preserved fully through. Any high school student take the stand test, earn credit, and possibly walk the silver course and have the seal of admir seniors, you have learned something truly special, a key to unlocking travel, adventure, and communicating with other people across the globe. Also, we as the world language department are not the only teachers who help these students earn this skill. So, a
025big thank you to the first teachers, parents, grandparents, I'm going to recognize these seniors again. Please stand and hold your applause until the [Music] end Jordan Joseph Gos Emily Martone Ashley Jesse Perez Oscar Ramirez Ramos Aruro Ruiz Kel Savage Ean let's give them a round of applause. You may be seated. I'm also here to award the excellence in Spanish award. The Spanish market is pleased to present an award to a very deserving senior who on the daily demonstrate what it means to be a student of language and culture. focused, fearless, and always willingly engaged in class and put in the hard work it takes to truly learn language. This student's humor and his Spanish nonetheless set a high bar for true excellence in the classroom. Please congratulate this honor for excellence in Spanish. Joseph, I
026call myself Jose [Applause] from And now, Mr. [Applause] All right, congratulations class of 2025. I'm here to present the Excellence in Science Awards. Uh, as a science department, we look for students who maximize their science education at Ellensburg High School, have done outstanding work in those classes and demonstrated unusual curiosity. And we have a bit of a bit of a an outstanding group. So, I'm going to present four of these. So Lydia [Applause] Quinn All [Applause] right, big round of applause for those four. We have Autumn Blackwood, Sophia Wilson, and Austin River for our performance. [Applause] [Music] May you be our [Music] us. Help us to [Music] be let our [Music] way. Lead us to a place With your grace to [Music] place your [Music] blood in our hearts. [Music] each other. [Music] us to
027a place us. [Music] of gold. Easter [Music] The life you'll [Music] disappear from your broker. [Music] Let this be [Music] our just like every child. [Music] us with [Music] our head and I am [Music] Jesus. Another round of applause. That was awesome. Today presenting one of the years high school fitness award in honor of a student who embodies what it means to live a life of fitness leadership and character. During this student must meet high standards, consistent dedication to fitness classes all four years, active participation, achievement in athletics, leadership in that lives and motivates your peers, integrity sportsmanship both on and off the field, and a commitment to apply beyond personal goals. This year's recipient has been a force of encouragement on the cross country team, a co-president, a leader in fellowship of Christian athletes,
028and someone who exemplifies his respect. Even inviting members of opposing wrestling teams to join him in prayer before match. He captures senior year with honors in soccer all while balancing the demands of high academics as an active member in national honor national honor society maintaining a 3.7 GPA. It's exciting though his plan to take this passion for fitness and their career as a paramedic firefighter where his strengths, heart and service will touch the lives of many hope. It's an honor to announce this year's recipient. [Applause] Our other recipient follows the same standard uh who's a great teammate, a great classmate, exemplifies hard work and leadership, always there for us four years. That's Cody Mil. I have the privilege for teaching. This class offers a unique opportunity for students of varying abilities to come together on
029equal terms through ongoing fitness, sports, and wellness activities. This class supports the development of leadership skills and empowers all students to foster an inclusive class in school environment while developing friendships through fitness. The first woman I'd like to recognize with us for the last four years. She has grown as a leader and always has an amazing attitude. She brings joy to every single class. Miss Petri said it best when she described her as sunshine. Miss Sammy Fred [Applause] The next student I'd like to recognize is another ladies young woman. She has taken unified PE for the last three years, adjusting her courses and college schedule to make sure she can continue working with her partners. She plans on becoming a special education teacher and she will be exceptional. Thank you for being an amazing partner
030and sharing your kindness and talents with our class. Miss Serena Chen [Applause] It is not a small thing to be part of an educational system where people are welcomed uh into our music groups into our groups into into all of our teaching and class experiences. I want to take a moment to thank you personally. Even if you didn't get or you're not coming to shake someone's hand, you have accomplished a lot by being here by making so we have three seniors that we want to recognize for orchestra. And the first person I expect to be here, but She's our 957. She is a senior uh and she's a high school student, but I'm going to recognize her anyway. [Applause] So, the next person is [Applause] Lissa, I have the 2016 sheet when you and your
031mom signed up for orchestra. I mean, it's such a wonderful thing to be able to have these students for so long to see see so much change. So I just want to tell you what it's meant to me to be your teacher for so many years. And the last person that we're going to invite up is Sam Al. [Applause] Yeah, I like I like So I would like to tell you that Sam is in the National School Orchestra Award plaque and his name will be in the or in the orchestra at the end for the rest of well for as long as it stays. So congratulations. [Applause] set up. Congratulations, class of 2025. It is my tremendous honor and privilege to give out the award for the outstanding musician in choir for 2025 with Mr.
032Austin Wigger. Please come Uh just a real quick word about Austin. I could go on for a very long time about his musical achievements over his lifetime, but in high school alone, Austin made it to states for solo ensemble four years in a row, which he can rarely achieve in distinction. Uh in second year, he took second in state as a sophomore. He also went to Walmart West as a sophomore. And this year he went to all state chorus uh where he represented EHS and at the state level. Austin's also been a lead and this is very very rarely accomplished. In all four years here at Ellensburg High School in our winter musical program his freshman year one of the leads had uh fall out sick on one of the shows and at the last
033second Austin went on and took the stage as one of the major lead roles in the show. So all four years Austin has done that. He's been an absolute cornerstone of our early morning programs, whether it be Golden Jazz or Broadway Bulldogs. Um he is a tireless musician. He loves to sing. He's going to be singing at University of Wyoming. Um and so please give it up for Mr. Austin. It is also my pleasure to introduce Mr. Warren [Applause] B. Again, congratulations everybody on this wonderful wonderful achievement. Um, so I have the pleasure and honor of being the band director here. Um, and this has been an especially special, just wonderfully special year. Uh, the group of seniors that we have, their leadership, their musicianship, um, their spirit has led this band in so many
034ways. Um, they are crucial to success. um from everything from the late nights, repetitive late nights, from early mornings in jazz, late nights football, basketball, um you name it, concerts, they have been there leading the way, supporting everybody and um the band would not be what it is without these seniors. Uh so, uh I would like all seniors to stand as I call your name. Uh please hold your applause and then we'll give them one huge round of applause. Uh on that standard Sam go Ella Bean Fender Carter Peterson Evelyn Shu Oliver Taff Amari Thorne Lo Pearl Tom please give them a big hand. We had our awards banquet uh a little while ago and the uh the plaques are handed out. But I would like to recognize a couple of people. We have uh
035two national band awards uh that are given out throughout the country. Um and there are very very stringent requirements uh for these awards. Uh the first one is the Louis Armstrong Jazz Excellence Award. Uh Louis Armstrong is one of the most influential uh jazz composers and performers of all time. He helped shape the jazz idium to what it is today. Without him uh jazz would not be the same. Uh this person uh sadly only had for a couple of short years but boy we made the most of it. Um he came to us not really knowing jazz and in two years turned into an absolute monster of a player. Um, in addition to his amazing musicality, um, he has always been the first in the door, um, with a with a wonderful smile, always helping,
036uh, doing everything he possibly can and really helping to shape, uh, our jazz program. Uh, it is my honor to introduce Mr. Paul. [Applause] and you'll get to hear all of our play with the CU jazz program next year. So, if you haven't had a chance to hear him play, go treat yourself. You'll love it. The final award uh that is a national award is John Philipsa award. And John Philips Suga uh was one of the early uh commanders and uh directors of the president's own United States Marine Band, one of the most famous um military bands uh and regular concert bands in the world. Um and he uh is also credited as the godfather of our march. Uh so most of the famous marches you hear, Souza wrote. um his influence is huge throughout
037the music world and so the award for John Souza uh is dedicated to somebody who has shown excellence in music uh musical ability leadership character um all the things that go into creating a top-not musician uh and this first this first award uh tell a little really quick story um I first saw this person when I was in central doing grad work and there's this little girl and mom walking out of one of my professor buddies office um finishing up a lesson and I was like wow this is a very very dedicated person taking a lesson of a professor at such a young age um little did I know that I would have the honor of being her band director and it has been an amazing four years not only is she an insanely good
038player she has a heart of a teacher and she's going to do incredible things in the classroom, always going out her way to help people, to help lead people, and her relationship speaks for itself. Uh, please come forward shoes. [Applause] [Music] The second recipient of this award uh goes to another person uh who like everyone have been in man for seven years and dedicated themselves for seven years to this wonderful craft. Um they came in with a smile larger than life and from the beginning had established themselves as someone that you're going to remember. uh in mentality, spirit, name um always always cheerful, always ready to ready to help, ready to be do whatever they can uh for for the band. For me, helping out in many many ways. Um this person had leadership positions
039in in the band, helping everyone to stay on track to rise to their, you know, expected and beyond expected levels of excellence. Um, I can't thank this person enough. Uh, please welcome the second recipient, Mr. Amari [Applause] Thorn. Please welcome Mr. Paul. [Applause] Good morning everybody. With so many powerful examples of excellence, it's my honor to recognize this group of students. Each year we are fortunate enough to welcome students from around the world who choose to spend their year with us at Alter High School. They come to us as visitors but quickly become part of our bulldog family. Today, we want to recognize the foreign exchange students, not only for their courage in stepping into a new culture and community, but for the way they've embraced EHS and enriched our school with their presence. Though
040their time here may have been just one school year, their impact is lasting. And no matter where life takes them from here, they will always be part of this community. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. I want you to recognize each one of these students as I call them up and leave a bulldog stamp on their hearts so they'll remember this forever. Our first dude we need to recognize today is Nicholas Compos. [Applause] The next student we get to recognize is Jessica Sashka. [Applause] Our next student is Johannes Brighter. The next student we get to recognized as Javier Marta with [Applause] Our next student is Alba Rico. [Applause] Our next few students we get to recognize are part of our senior class today and both happen to be from Denmark. Our first student, Oliver Reed.
041And the last we're fortunate enough to recognize today is Tristan Hol. I lie to you. Keep on your toes. Our last student today is Carla Nigal. [Applause] Let's give one more bulldog round of applause. Would now like to introduce the 2025 senior class president Dustin Walls. [Applause] There you go. I guess I have the pleasure of announcing the student teacher of the year award, Liz. A It is our honor to pre present this year's Bulldog Awards. The Bulldog Award is a distinguished honor that recognizes individuals who truly embody the spirit of resilience and dedication. It goes to those who demonstrate unwavering moral character, consistently putting forth their best effort and acting with Integrity. Recipients of this award are commended for their positive attitude, inspiring those around them, and their deep commitment to involvement going above
042and beyond in all they do. Most importantly, they exemplify the true Bulldog spirit. The staff nominate students to then be voted on by the graduating class. Class of 2025, you all have Bulldog spirit. This year's Bulldog Award recipients are Amari Amari Amari Thornne and Wan. Class of 2025, students, staff, and guests. At this time, I would like to direct your attention to the big screen behind me. A huge thank you to Mrs. Ghost and Mrs. Curry for creating this year's senior slideshow. Without any further ado, I present to you, the class of 2025 senior slideshow. Stop. Never. [Music] I wish somebody would have told me some will be the good old days. All the love you'll forget. And all these reckless nights you'll regret. So soon your whole life's going to change. You miss the
043magic of these good old days. I was thinking about the band. I was thinking about the fans. We were underground load of merch in that 12 passenger van in a small club of Minnesota and the snow outside of first half. I just wanted my name in the star. Now look at where we at. Still growing up. Still growing up. I would lay in my bed and dream about what I become. Cannot wait to get older. Cannot wait to be some now that I'm here. Wishing I was still young. Those good old days. I wish somebody would have told me that some would be the good old days. All the love you won't forget. And all these reckless nights you won't regret. Cuz someday soon your whole life's going to change. You'll miss the magic of
044the good old. Wish I didn't think I had the answers. Wish I didn't drink all of that blast first. Wish I made it to homecoming. Got up the courage to ask her. Wish I would have gotten out of my show. Wish I put the bottle back on that shelf. Wish I wouldn't have worried about what other people thought. I felt comfortable with myself. Rooftop open and the stars above. Moment frozen sneaking out and falling in love. Me, you, and that futon. We just begun on the grass. Dreaming figuring out who I was. Those good old days. I wish somebody would have told me, babe, that someday these will be the good old days. All the love you won't forget. And all these reckless nights you won't regret. Cuz someday soon your whole life's going to
045change. You miss the magic of the good old. A few days before he turned 80, he was sitting out back in a rocker. He said, "What you been up to lately?" I told him chasing a dollar and in between sips of coffee, he poured this wisdom out. Said, "If you want my two cents on making a dollar count, buy dirt. Find a one you can't live without. Get a ring, let your knee hit the ground. Do what you love, but call it work and throw a little money in the plate at church. Send your prayers up and your roots down. Add a few limbs to your family tree and watch their pencil marks in the grass in the yard all grow up. Cuz the truth about it is it all goes by real quick. You
046can't buy happiness, but you can buy dirt. Before you get caught on that ladder, let me tell you what it's all about. Find you a few things that matter that you can put a fence around. And then he laid it out by dirt. Find the one you can't live without. Get a ring. Let your knee hit the ground. Do what you love, but call it work. And throw a little money in the plate at church. Send your prayers up and your roots down deep. And add a few limbs to your family tree. and watch their pencil marks in the grass in the yard all grow up. Cuz the truth about it is it all goes by real quick. You came by happiness, but you can buy dirt. You can buy dirt. [Music] Thank the good
047Lord for it. Cuz he ain't making any more of it. So buy dirt, find the one you can't live without. Get a ring, let your knee hit the ground. Do what you love to call it work. And throw a little money in the plated church. Send your prayers up and your roots down deep. Add a few limbs to your family tree. Watch their pencil marks in the grass in the yard all grow up. Cuz the truth about it is it all goes by real quick. You can't buy happiness, but you can buy dirt. [Music] Using a fake ID at a college bar, getting caught with a girl in the backseat of a car. Running out on the field for the senior game where number 17, there's a last time for everything. Like a short straight
048cassette in a Pontiac or telling super cuts that's leaving long in the back wearing a tux in a high school gym and she's wearing your class ring. There's a last time for everything. Last call, last chance, last song, last dance. Sometimes you just don't know when that's going to be. Baby, give me a kiss like tonight is all there is. There's a last time for everything. Oh, with the first dog you ever had. Spending all day on the lake with your grandad watching when pricing already gone at the forum in LA. There's a last time for everything. Last call, last chance, last song, last dance. Sometimes you just don't know when that's going to be. That's going to be baby. Give me a kiss like tonight is all there is. Everything [Music] kissing goodbye on
049her porch and driving away. Introducing her as your fiancé. Getting woke up at 500 a.m. to see if Santa came. There's a last time for everything. Biscuits and mama's house break on the stage. You're impressing [Music] purple last [Music] time. Last time. [Applause] Another turning point. A fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the rest where to go. So make the best of this test and don't ask why. It's not a question but a lesson learned in time. It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your [Music] life. So take the photographs and still frames in your mind hanging on a shelf in good health and good time. tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial. For what it's worth, it was worth all the
050while. It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life. [Music] [Applause] [Music] It's something unpredictable, but in the end that's right. I help you at the time of your [Music] life. It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right. I hope you had the time of your life. Excuse [Music] Please hang tight and stand. We're almost done. Class of 2025, it's been an honor and we know there are many amazing things ahead for each of you. Ahead of you, ahead of you now, if you turn and look in the corner, is the staff of Melburg High School. They would like to send you out one last time to the EHS fighting zone. Mr. Murray, we're ready on you. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music]
051Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Great job, man. [Applause]