Roosevelt High School presented diplomas to its 100th graduating class during a commencement ceremony that combined speeches from school leaders and students with announcements of scholarship awards and career-technical education (CTE) certifications.

The ceremony included remarks from Principal Ina Dancy, who thanked district leaders, staff and families for supporting students, and from the district superintendent, who framed the event with the school's chosen theme. "Elevate is more than just a word," Superintendent Dr. Boricsay said, urging graduates to sustain curiosity and civic engagement. Salutatorian Samaya Glover told classmates, "This is not the end, but the beginning," and valedictorian Wally Ahmad Ibrahimi described Roosevelt as "more than just a building" that served as a foundation for students' next steps.

Why it matters: The event publicly acknowledged academic and career achievements and announced material financial support for graduates, factors that affect students' postsecondary options and the school's year-to-year outcomes. School staff and speakers highlighted both traditional academic recognition and CTE pathways that lead directly to employment or further training.

Most of the program focused on recognitions and awards. The school announced that graduates have been offered a combined total of more than $967,800 in scholarship money. The Roosevelt alumni association awarded a scholarship described in the program as "$1,000 yearly for the next four years" to graduate Wally Ibrahimi. Individual scholarship offers named during the ceremony included offers to Rain Clark (reported as $119,000 toward Washington University) and other students who received institution-specific awards; Angel Diaz was announced as receiving a $5,000 Isaac Bruce scholarship and planning to attend the University of Maryville. The ceremony presentation noted students accepted to institutions including Washington University, University of Missouri–St. Louis, Lindenwood University and others. The school said the total scholarship figure is "over $967,800" in the ceremony remarks; exact totals and award conditions were not specified onstage.

School leaders also recognized CTE accomplishments: multiple students completed internships at local businesses and passed industry-recognized certification exams in areas such as medical assisting, culinary arts and early childhood education. The CTE presenter said students completed at least 50 internship hours and listed several students by name who earned certifications and completed work-based learning placements. The Athletic Director, Ben Corgan, highlighted the school's athletics history while presenting alumni awards.

The program included a cultural recognition in which the speaker said the graduating class includes students from 13 different countries, and the national anthem was performed by LaMisha Brown Bird. The diploma conferral portion stated that students had completed "all graduation requirements set forth by the state of Missouri, the Saint Louis Board of Education, and Roosevelt High School" and instructed graduates to switch tassels from right to left as a symbolic step in receiving diplomas.

What happened and what it means: The ceremony combined ceremonial graduation elements with concrete acknowledgments of financial and credentialed support for graduates. Announced scholarship offers and certified credentials may shape immediate postgraduation choices — college enrollment, military service, or entry into the workforce — though many award details and conditions were not fully detailed onstage. School staff repeatedly urged graduates to stay in touch with counselors and school sponsors for postgraduation support.

The ceremony closed with the formal presentation of diplomas and an invitation for families to remain for photographs and to clear aisles for the graduates' exit. No formal board actions or votes occurred during the event.