Class of 2025 Turns the Tassel: Central Mountain High School’s Heartfelt Graduation Ceremony
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL — On the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, under clear skies and to the enthusiastic applause of family and friends, who filled both sides of the Don Malinak Stadium bleachers nearly to capacity, the Central Mountain High School (CMHS) Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate the end of a memorable chapter and the beginning of a new one. As the more than 200 graduating seniors filed onto the stadium field, they were joined by proud principals, superintendent, and faculty members, all of whom shared a night filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and hope for the future.
The ceremony began with the audience rising for the national anthem, followed by a special moment that recognized graduating seniors entering the military and also honored the veterans in attendance. CMHS Principal Nick Verrelli set a tone of appreciation and service, thanking veterans for their dedication to the country.
In his opening statements, Principal Verrelli shared his own bittersweet emotions, both as a school leader and as a parent of a CMHS Class of 2025 graduate. He underscored the vital support of families and friends, stating, “This is a very ambivalent and bittersweet night for me. As I look out at the graduating class, I feel the pride that I’ve felt every year, but tonight, I feel something a little bit more because somewhere out there in a cap and gown is my son, and like every parent here tonight, I’m asking myself, ‘How did we get here so fast?’” He continued, “Class of 2025, what I need you to do is take a look around. This is a packed stadium of friends, family, parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, friends— you do not get to this point without their help.”
Principal Verrelli’s speech set a tone that was both empathetic and relatable as he recounted a humorous story about cooking a family dinner that spiraled into chaos but ultimately became a treasured memory. “That entire meal may have been a disaster, but that is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life because it was an experience with people that I care about and that I love,” he expressed. Verrelli encouraged graduates to embrace all of life’s experiences—both good and bad.
“Graduates, I challenge you to embrace all of life’s experiences. Don’t be afraid to apply for that job that you don’t think you can get, try new things, fail at something. These experiences make us who we are. Focus on what that does to make you a better person,” Verrelli emphasized, adding, “The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs purpose.”
Following his opening statements, Principal Verrelli introduced Class President Heidi Miller, who opened her address by expressing the surreal feeling of finally reaching graduation day, stating, “The day we worked so hard for, the day we finally have to say goodbye to four years spent at Central Mountain High School, is here.”
Miller expressed gratitude to the families of her classmates for their unwavering support and to the teachers at CMHS for their mentorship. She also gave special recognition to the class’s advisor, Mrs. Ashley Rippey. “You’ve been our guide through it all. We are especially grateful for the time and dedication you put into giving our class a year to remember,” she said.
Miller’s speech centered on the inevitability of change and the courage it takes to embrace new chapters in life. “Change is simply a transition,” she asserted before reading a heartfelt letter she’d written to her classmates. “Dear Class of 2025, my peers, my friends: We did it. After four years of hard work, long days, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable memories, we’re graduating. Every one of you deserves this moment right now.”
Miller’s letter to her classmates celebrated their individual uniqueness and encouraged them to measure success not by titles or paychecks but through kindness, curiosity, a willingness to stand up for what is right, and staying true to their roots. She emphasized that while the Class of 2025 is closing one chapter, their story is just beginning: “Tonight, you will walk off this field changed from a student to a graduate. We may be closing the chapter in high school, but the story doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s just the beginning. So as we step into this next phase of life, whatever it may look like, just remember to embrace the changes.”
Following the welcome address, six band students from the graduating class performed the first musical selection of the evening for the audience.
Valedictorian Gavin Karstetter delivered a valedictory address that highlighted his gratitude to those who have supported both himself and his fellow graduates along the way. He extended an especially heartfelt thank-you to his parents, extended family, friends, teachers, and his baseball coach, Michael Kramer, acknowledging the critical roles they played in helping the class reach this significant milestone. “It’s not unfair to say that they are a big reason we are here today to celebrate this amazing and unforgettable milestone,” Karstetter asserted.
Karstetter acknowledged the hard work and perseverance of his classmates leading up to graduation day. He emphasized that, regardless of whether they plan to further their education, enter the workforce, or remain uncertain about their next chapter, it is important to remain grateful to those who provided support along the way.
“Some of us are going to further their education, like me, to pursue future career goals, and others will enter right into the workforce. For those who aren’t sure yet, someone once said, ‘Just because you don’t know what you want yet, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing to want,’ and as we head into the world, wherever that may be, I hope that you can all take a moment and appreciate those parents, mentors, teachers, and coaches, who’ve helped us along the way,” he said.
The program continued with the evening’s second musical selection, performed by CMHS graduate McKenna Gray, who sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel. McKenna delivered a moving rendition of the iconic ballad, clearly expressing the song’s message of support and solace through her voice.
Following the musical performance, Salutatorian Bryce Warren took to the podium to deliver his salutatory address, reflecting on his high school journey and the many memories made and lessons learned along the way. He encouraged his classmates to cherish the memories they’ve made during their time at Central Mountain, stating, “Cherish those moments because they have shaped us into who we have become.”
Warren highlighted the importance of taking chances, quoting Theodore Roosevelt: “It is better to fail than to not have tried to succeed in the first place.” He urged graduates to be brave, to meet new people, to get involved in their communities, and not be overly concerned with the opinions of others.
He underscored that when the ceremony concludes and the Class of 2025 leaves the stadium, each graduate becomes the author of their own life story. “Once we leave here today, it is on us to write our new chapter. You’re the only one who can write the next chapter of your story. Others may be able to help you navigate, but you’re the one that’s in the driver’s seat,” he said.
Warren thanked teachers, families, and classmates for their support and concluded with a powerful challenge to the class: “Central Mountain Class of 2025, are you going to write your story? Are you going to choose to leave the pages blank? The choice is up to you, but I know what I will be doing.” His speech was a passionate call for graduates to take charge of their futures, be authentic, and move forward with courage and determination as they chart their own paths.
The final musical selection of the evening featured seniors Claire Bowman and Victoria Guthrie performing “I’ll Always Remember You”— a heartfelt ballad made popular by Miley Cyrus that speaks to cherishing memories, saying goodbye, and coming to terms with change. The lyrics reflect the experience of an important chapter of life coming to a close and also express gratitude for the people and experiences that made the time meaningful. Together, Bowman and Guthrie’s voices intertwined in a heartfelt performance that captured the bittersweet essence of saying goodbye.
Keystone Central School District Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon delivered an empowering and insightful speech just before the seniors received their diplomas, commending the graduates for their achievements and their potential. He highlighted their resilience and readiness for the future, recognizing the dedication that is required to reach this significant milestone. “Today is a celebration, not just of receiving a diploma, but of everything that diploma represents— the late nights, the early mornings, the projects, the setbacks, the persistence and the support and determination that it took for you to reach this moment.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Redmon expressed his excitement for the future of the Class of 2025. “You’ve gotten here through a combined effort with the help of family, friends, teachers, but also coaches and mentors, and your community. Now you sit here, poised, tassels ready to turn, and on to the threshold of what comes next. What excites me is knowing that you will help shape what comes next— the innovations, the breakthroughs, the leadership; those are not just abstract ideas… Those are yours to create,” he emphasized.
Dr. Redmon recognized the valuable skills the Class of 2025 gained during their education, emphasizing their understanding of “how to serve, how to lead, and how to give back.” He encouraged graduates to carry these skills with them after graduation: “Make them a part of who you are. Draw strength from within and wisdom from those around you. That’s how we make our world better: one relationship, one connection, one choice, and one day at a time. Now it’s up to you. The doors are open. Step forward with confidence, step forward with courage, step forward with hope and determination. The world is waiting,”
As the names of more than 200 seniors were read, each graduate approached the podium on the football field to accept their diploma to the sound of cheers and applause from the crowd. Following a tradition that never fails to inspire, tassels were turned with pride as Dr. Redmond formally recognized the class as new graduates of CMHS: “As the superintendent of the Keystone Central School District, and having been assured by the principal and faculty of Central Mountain High School that the members of this class have met all of the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Keystone Central School District, I hereby confirm and recognize the class of 2025 as graduates of Central Mountain High School. Congratulations.”
And with that, the Central Mountain High School Class of 2025 tossed their caps into the air in celebration before they left the field—ready to begin the next chapters of their lives, supported by the love and encouragement of all who cheered them on.
Congratulations, Wildcats, and best wishes in the next chapters — and adventures — to come!
