At a commencement ceremony at Taos High School, school leaders certified that the Class of 2025 met graduation requirements set by the New Mexico Public Education Department and the Taos Municipal Schools Board of Education. The program featured student speeches, musical performances, a class gift presentation and the announcement that a student identified as Ari will receive an honorary diploma.

The certification was delivered by Principal Emmy Martinez de Herrera, who said, "I, Emmy Martinez de Herrera, principal of Taos High School, certify that all of the graduates have met the requirements as set forth by the New Mexico Public Education Department and the local school board. Let us begin." The superintendent, Dr. Antonio Leighton Jr., congratulated graduates and urged them to "Be good, study hard, and live life," and the ceremony included a land acknowledgment read by Isaiah Romero and a performance of the national anthem by Isaiah Valerio.

The class president announced a moment of silence for classmates and staff who recently died and said that "Ari will receive an honorary diploma." Later in the ceremony a student speaker referred to "Ari Sofia" while remembering a classmate who died; the transcript does not explicitly state whether the honorary diploma was physically presented at that moment.

The class presented a gift to Taos High School: "tables and chairs," the class president said during the program. The ceremony also recognized students who plan to enter military service; the superintendent asked those students to stand for recognition, but the transcript does not specify how many students were in the service cohort.

Student speakers emphasized resilience and self-reliance. Salutatorian Ari Coleman told classmates they had persisted through setbacks and change, saying, "No one's coming to hand you meaning. You build it yourself," and encouraged graduates to move forward with purpose. Valedictorian Otto Manley reflected on failure and risk, urging peers not to fear trying new things and to appreciate the people who supported them.

Musical elements included the Taos High School mariachi ensemble, El Tigre, directed by Jeff Mayers. The Knights of Columbus presented colors at the start of the ceremony. Principal Martinez de Herrera and Superintendent Leighton each offered brief remarks thanking families, faculty and the community.

After the formal diploma recognitions, the school asked guests to remain in the stands as graduates exited for a new post‑graduation tradition: a walk around the track followed by a gathering on the football field.

The transcript does not record any formal votes or board actions beyond the principal's certification of graduation requirements and the ceremonial announcements made during the program.