On June 27, family, friends, faculty, and administrators gathered on the Ellenville Junior/Senior High School athletic field to celebrate the commencement of the Class of 2025. Following the school leaders, a procession of graduating seniors accompanied by bagpipers—a cherished Ellenville tradition—entered the field. As the graduates walked onto the track, band members began playing "Pomp and Circumstance.”
Ellenville Junior/Senior High School Principal Carl Pabón presided over the ceremony, welcoming everyone and introducing the soon-to-be graduates. He later introduced the senior class advisors and presented diplomas to students as they crossed the stage.
In her speech, salutatorian Kay Barbieri reflected on a memorable time during their Grade 5 moving up ceremony when they wore T-shirts that featured "2025" over a mountain—a year that seemed so far away at the time. She encouraged her classmates to look back on their school years with forgiveness and pride, saying she hoped they could forgive each test and struggle, each setback and each breakthrough, and remember their accomplishments rather than dwelling on difficulties.
Valedictorian Gabriel Julca spoke about the honor of standing before so many familiar faces, emphasizing that their success was earned through perseverance and growth. “We did not arrive at this moment by chance, we earned it," he told his classmates, reminding them that every late night studying, every challenge conquered, and even moments of self-doubt had brought them to this milestone, making them closer to their goals than ever before.
Superintendent Lisa Wiles addressed the families first, recognizing that parents give their children two great gifts—roots and wings—and thanking them for their guidance in helping graduates develop both. To the graduates, she expressed pride not just in their achievement, but in how they earned their diplomas "with resilience, with integrity, and with heart."
After turning their tassels and being officially pronounced graduates, the Class of 2025 celebrated by tossing their caps and sharing hugs with classmates and family.
These Blue Devils are ready to soar!