Kelly Walsh High School celebrated a historic milestone during its graduation ceremony on May 31, 2025, with a record-breaking 476 graduates. This year's event was particularly poignant, as many students marked their first and only high school graduation, with some being the first in their families to achieve this significant milestone.
Principal Brad Diller opened the ceremony with a heartfelt reminder to the audience about the importance of honoring each graduate's journey. He urged attendees to maintain focus on the students, emphasizing that every name called represents hard work and dedication.
The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from the class's salutatorian, Emerson Levin, and valedictorian, Haley Williams. Levin spoke candidly about resilience, sharing personal struggles with mental health and the importance of finding humor and support during challenging times. He encouraged his classmates to embrace their own journeys and to remember the strength found in vulnerability.
Valedictorian Haley Williams highlighted the determination of her peers, acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by students throughout their high school years. She praised the hard work of her classmates, many of whom balanced academics with jobs and personal hardships. Williams expressed gratitude to teachers and family members for their unwavering support, reminding graduates to carry the lessons learned into their futures.
The ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements but also fostered a sense of community and support among graduates, families, and educators. As the class of 2025 embarks on their next chapters, the messages of resilience, determination, and kindness will undoubtedly resonate, shaping their paths ahead.