“Thank you for being the best students I could have ever had to rebuild Gloucester High School.”
GHS principal Dr. Stefan Mygas voiced his gratitude to the 335 members of the Class of 2025 during commencement exercises Saturday morning at Dukes Stadium.
Mygas began serving as GHS principal in 2021, welcoming the Class of 2025 as his first freshman class. This was the first time that the school was fully reopened for in-person learning since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“You all had a big challenge ahead of you,” said Mygas who had needed help rebuilding the culture of GHS after so much time away. “You have succeeded even beyond my greatest expectations.”
Mygas thanked his students for rising to the challenge and being a positive impact on both the school and the wider community.
“You will be leaving this place better than how you found it,” said Mygas.
“This class is not only ready for the future,” said superintendent of schools Dr. Anthony Vladu during his remarks. “They are shaping it.”
According to Vladu, 21 of this year’s graduates are joining the military, 147 are headed to college or trade school and 167 are going straight into the workforce. Collectively, the Class of 2025 has earned $1.7 million in scholarships, surpassing last year’s total.
“You are better than us,” said Vladu. “You made us better parents, better teachers and a stronger community.”
Duke of the Year Raelynn Hefferon, Class of 2025 president Haylee Hartleben, salutatorian Lilly Riffe and valedictorian Kaylee Jones also provided their own remarks during commencement.
“I want to encourage each and every one of you to pursue fulfilling lives,” said Hefferon.
“Be kind to everyone,” said Hartleben. During her remarks, Hartleben transferred the senior class insignia to the Class of 2026 through junior Hannah Symonds.
“When you find an opportunity take it,” said Riffe. “It may just change your life.”
“It is my greatest wish that we all find our place in the world,” said Jones.
Also, during the program, graduating senior Paige Willis led the stadium in the Pledge of Allegiance and senior chorus members performed the National Anthem and the GHS Alma Mater.
Mygas certified the graduates and Gloucester County School Board vice chair Anita Parker conferred the diplomas. Presentation of diplomas was led by Mygas and Director of Counseling Matthew Lord.
After each diploma was presented, Mygas presented the Class of 2025 and students and staff marched away from the field.
Addison Herndon is all smiles graduation morning.
Jada Peet holds her diploma up in victory after crossing the stage.
Jaden Ganzenmuller shares his excitement on graduating from high school. Shown following him is Kaitlyn Gardner.
Julian Avis takes a look at his most recent accomplishment. Christopher Ayers is shown exiting the stage behind him.
Tayshawn Wallace flashes a smile to the crowd after receiving his diploma.