SODAN International Studies High School held commencement for its Class of 2025 in St. Louis City, where school and district leaders highlighted student achievements, local storm recovery and postsecondary readiness.

Dr. Millicent Borachade, superintendent of schools, opened by acknowledging recent severe weather that affected the city and describing community recovery: "Our city and our neighborhoods were hit hard. Together, we will rebuild and overcome the immense challenges and hardships we are facing." She added she had worked with school staff to help ensure graduates could attend the ceremony: "I reached out to Dr. Carter to make sure that each and every one of you all had a way and would be able to get here safely and so I'm so glad that you all are here."

The ceremony spotlighted academic and career milestones. School and district officials recognized graduates who completed college coursework and professional programs while in high school: students participated in the Early College Academy at Harris–Stowe State University, earned college credits at St. Louis Community College, and several graduates earned industry certifications (medical assistant, cosmetology). Two students, Randall Bailey Jr. and Tade Davis, completed their final two years at St. Louis Community College and were noted as receiving associate degrees the following day.

Guest speaker Lakeisha Bolden, an electrical engineer and SODAN alumna, urged graduates to persist through setbacks and used a tangible gift to make the point: she gave each graduate a $2 bill as a symbol of value and encouraged them to take risks. "Use this $2 ... let it inspire you to chase your dreams no matter how unconventional they may seem," Bolden said. Her prepared remarks recounted her path from foster care to engineering and urged students to seek mentors and not quit when facing obstacles.

Student speakers also addressed classmates. Valedictorian Lashad Zayed reflected on growth after virtual learning and urged classmates to remember their shared journey: "High school was more than just a building or a schedule. It was a foundation, a place where we learned, struggled, laughed, and grew." Senior speaker Jayla Boston described adapting to the school community and the support she received from staff and family.

Administrators recognized honors and GPA bands by cord color: silver cords (GPA 3.0–3.49), white cords (GPA 3.5–3.74), maroon cords (GPA 3.75–3.99) and gold cords/stoles (GPA 4.0 or above). The principal and school officials noted the class had already earned substantial scholarship awards; one graduate, Keanu Williams, was announced as having received more than $730,000 in scholarship offers and multiple college acceptances.

In an official closing, a district official verified that the students had satisfied the requirements for graduation "as directed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Education of the City of Saint Louis," and then invited graduates to move tassels from right to left and receive diplomas.

The ceremony combined celebration with concrete indicators of postsecondary readiness: college credits, professional certifications, and scholarship awards that district speakers framed as measures of both individual achievement and the school’s focus on career and college preparation.