Southwestern graduates celebrate as they throw their caps in the air.

LAKEWOOD – The Class of 2025 at Southwestern High School gathered together for a final time on the evening of Friday, June 27, in the auditorium for the district’s 78th annual commencement.

Wearing coordinating blue gowns with red piping, the 12th-graders strode on stage as the high school band played “Pomp & Circumstance” for a full house of parents, guardians, and loved ones.

Senior class co-vice presidents Brody Larson and Gavin Ternullo welcomed the crowd before everyone rose for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the introduction of the guests, class co-presidents Grey Kidder and Simeon Lewis spoke.

Salutatorian Annabella (Bella) Sirianni, who will attend Ohio University to major in business, then offered remarks. The daughter of Jay and Kay Sirianni, she reflected on the graduates’ shared experiences of senior year.

“We’ve grown individually and together these past four years, with amazing role models and teachers to look up to,” said Sirianni. “It’s not about the labels we’ve had, the teams we’ve been on, or the activities we’ve participated in. It’s about the people we’ve become because of them. We’ve learned to work through challenges, push past disappointments, and support one another when it’s needed most. These aren’t just lessons we learned in the classroom or on the field; they’re lessons that will follow us as we step into whatever comes next.”

Valedictorian Emma Malmstrom-Jouannet, who will attend the University at Buffalo to double major in political science and economics, then addressed the audience.

Malmstrom-Jouannet, the daughter of Bruno Jouannet and Maria Malmstrom, moved from Sweden to the United States when she was five years old. She addressed the audience in English, Swedish and French, focusing on gratitude, curiosity, and embracing the unexpected.

“There’s so much to be thankful for, and I hope we never forget where we came from,” said Malmstrom-Jouannet, who once never imagined growing up in a small town in New York, but now can’t imagine life anywhere else.

“Knowledge is power, and it can help you overcome any fear of the unexpected. I ask a LOT of questions, I like to try new things, and I always want to understand the ‘why.’ That curiosity has led me to new opportunities, new passions, new friendships and taught me to say yes. Most importantly, it has shown me the beauty of the unexpected.”

The awarding of diplomas was led by Superintendent Maureen Donahue and Principal Scott A. Cooper, who are both retiring this year, along with Board of Education president Kurt Gustafson, Principal Cooper and Director of Instructional Services Molly Moore.

Following the traditional change-over of the tassels, the graduates headed outside for a group cap toss underneath the large “Southwestern” sign on the high school gymnasium. Photo opportunities along with refreshments followed in the cafeteria.