Gloucester High School saw 348 students graduate during its 73rd annual commencement exercises held Sunday afternoon in Williamsburg at the College of William and Mary’s Kaplan Arena.

A common theme among the speeches was that graduation does not signify a finish line, but shows that the graduates have completed the foundation that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

“It’s been one of the great honors of my career to get to know this class and witness the character, determination and spirit that define you,” said first-year GHS principal Adé Brayboy.

During his welcoming remarks, Brayboy encouraged the graduating seniors to be courageous, be kind and “stay connected to your purpose.” He also praised the class for learning how to persevere during difficult times.

“The diploma you receive is not a finish line,” continued Brayboy. “It is an invitation to continue learning, growing and contributing to the world around you. No matter where life takes you, Gloucester High School will always be a part of your story, and now you become a part of our legacy.”

“Whether we are entering the workforce, trade school or college, we all leave the hallways of Gloucester High School well prepared to tackle any of life’s challenges,” said Duke of the Year Grayson Shield.

“As we take the next step in life, let this not be our pinnacle, rather a foundation for the remainder of our lives,” said Shield. “As we walk out of here today, let us choose purpose over comfort, curiosity over certainty and progress over perfection. Here’s to the risks we’ll take, the doors we’ll open and the stories we’ll write next.”

Senior Class President Hannah Symonds spoke on achieving the impossible, a lesson she learned from being a member of the GHS varsity field hockey team.

“Going into my senior field hockey season, I was told that it would be impossible to win a state championship because we didn’t have certain players and that we were going into a harder district,” she said. “Yet, despite all the noise and all the doubt, I get to walk across this stage a champion.”

Symonds said that the state victory inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming an actress, no matter the odds.

“Find your Everest,” encouraged Symonds. “Find something that feels impossible and conquer it. Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from living and finding your happiness.”

“At the epicenter of my few fond memories and to whom I would like to give all the acknowledgment and appreciation for is our school’s NJROTC program,” said Salutatorian Noelle Anderson. “It has truly shaped me into a better person, physically and mentally.”

“Graduating high school is certainly a milestone worth celebrating, but it is not an achievement to glorify as the finish line,” said Valedictorian Cameron Palas. “It is a foundation. While this accomplishment deserves recognition, I believe we should place even greater importance on the standards we set for ourselves and the character we develop along the way.”

Palas spoke on the difference between the image of success and actual success.

“Success is not about appearances,” she said. “It is not about collecting achievements simply to impress others. True success comes from growth, discipline and the pursuit of goals that genuinely matter to us. Achievement should be valued for the lessons they teach and the person they help us become, not for the attention they bring us.”

“Graduates, wherever life takes you next, make one promise,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Vladu. “Build this country up. Do not spend your life tearing people down. We make America stronger by helping each other. Real wisdom is not found in division, outrage or destruction. It’s found in humility, sacrifice, discipline, service and kindness towards other people.”

Brayboy then certified the graduates and Gloucester County School Board chair Anita Parker conferred the diplomas as 348 GHS students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.