Pierce County High School’s Class of 2025 received their diplomas Friday night in one of the earliest graduation ceremonies in recent memory.
A new school calendar in place for the next two years, fixes the commencement ceremony a week earlier than normal — and prior to the end of the school year, set for May 20.
The air began to cool off as the ceremony got underway — after a near-record high temperature in the mid-90s Friday afternoon.
The 236 members of the class received their diplomas Friday night before an overflow crowd at Bear Stadium.
The theme of the evening was built around moving on, letting go and most of all — faith in God.
In his Valedictorian address, Will McIntosh struck a thankful tone quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
McIntosh thanked all those who helped the group: parents and families, staff and fellow classmates.
He related the experiences of the past year with Hurricane Helene in September and the snow storm in January.
“As students, we enjoyed the time off and seeing everyone’s pictures, but more importantly, we watched our community show up for us and we showed up for each other. Donations poured into the high school and students and community members volunteered their time to help others in need. I don’t think anyone can argue, Pierce County is the best there is and we are lucky to have been a part of the Pierce County School System.”
He told his classmates that their future success is not determined by grade point average or test scores, but their lives will be measured by their “integrity, motivation and character.”
McIntosh posed the question to his fellow seniors: “But have we really lived in the moment, or have we been too busy looking forward to the next big thing and missed what is right in front of us? By constantly anticipating the future, we are overlooking the present,” he said.
He then encouraged the Class of 2025 to “enjoy this season of life you are in...”.
“I hope you can reflect on this and live your lives in the present, making the most of the time you have with your family and friends,” he said. “Hold yourself to the high standards set for you by our PCHS faculty and encourage those around you to do the same. Your character will take you much farther in life than any cord or award you have received. Each of us has our own unique set of Godgiven gifts that only we can offer to the world. Make sure to use those gifts to better those around you. Be proud of who you are, how far you’ve come and the potential that lies ahead.”
He closed with more Scripture, this time from Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for man.”
Sergent, in his salutatorian address, also invoked the favor and blessings of God on the Class of 2025.
After recounting a number of thank yous to family, friends and faculty and staff at the high school, he thanked his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“He has been good to me, and is deserving of all the glory, honor and praise.”
He pointed out that his classmates and Pierce County in general have been blessed with faithful Christians who “have set a good example for how to live in a way that honors God.”
“Often we take this for granted, but having a community filled with faithful people is a blessing that we must cherish,” he said.
He encouraged the Class of 2025 “to seek after God and pursue a relationship with Him.”
Quoting John 3:16-18 and noting that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us when we rejected Him, he urged his classmates to turn to God.
“Despite our rejection of Him, He still loved us enough to send His own son to die for us. Should we not respond? And if we do respond, should we not model our lives after Him? God is a good God, and has good things planned for those who follow Him. So as we go out from here today, I encourage you to do just that: put your faith in Jesus and believe in Him.”
During the ceremony, the senior class sang their class song together “Wherever I Go” by Miley Cyrus.
The senior ensemble sang “Slipping Through my Fingers” by ABBA, dedicated to the parents of the graduating class. Members of the ensemble included: Dierks Altman, Hannah Bonvechio, Zakiah Davis, Keagan Gill, Morgan Gros-Ventre, Layla Melton, Emilee Robins, Abigail Rozier, Melvin Sallet and Emma Thornton.
Mary Emma Moore gave the welcome and Ruthie Boatright lead the pledge to the flag.
Jenna Herrin gave the inspiration. Quoting from Jeremiah 29:11 she told her classmates “Your life has a purpose, You are here for a reason. God has called you to do great things. Go with courage, go with purpose knowing that God is with you every step of the way.”
Bella Delaney offered a special recognition to family, school system administration, teachers from elementary to the present, high school administration, teachers and custodians and most of all parents. Delaney also led the crowd in a moment of silence in memory of fallen classmates Bailey Baldwin and Bradley Thomas. Both passed away from heart ailments. Baldwin passed away in 2019 and Thomas in 2017. Two vacant chairs draped with Pierce County caps and gowns and floral offerings were positioned in front of the stage.
Senior class advisors Rebecca Baldree and John DuPont presented the Class of 2025, while Du-Pont announced the name of each graduate. Superintendent Dara Bennett and Principal Kelly Murray presented diplomas to the seniors.
Ceb Carter offered the benediction.
The traditional cap toss followed and the class of 2025 left the field... letting go, moving on, with faith... as alumni of Pierce County High School.
