Following the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the JHS Concert Band and “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the A Cappella Choir, Senior Class Council co-vice president Nolah C. Hamilton delivered the Ceremony Welcome.

Platform guests were introduced by Ashlyn M. Galeazzo and Dr. Kevin Whitaker, Superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools, was introduced by council co-sergeant at arms Lauren M. Prynn.

Whitaker began by asking for a moment of silence in honor of Daniel Galarza Ramos, a Jefferson Middle School student who passed away on Wednesday. He then addressed and thanked parents and families for their support of their children while at JPS, and additionally praised the teachers and staff who work so tirelessly in support of education. He urged graduates to give back to their community when they enter their next phase after high school.

In his Salutatorian Address, Leonardo M. Tehan wished his classmates well and thanked families, friends, and school staff members for their support in helping make their individual successes possible.

Members of the JHS Class of 2025 laugh as they watch the graduation slideshow during the 2025 JHS Commencement Ceremony.

“Although this support may have come in the form of surprise deadlines or pop quizzes, the adversity delivered from teachers to each student was a boost towards an end goal,” Tehan said. “And here we are at that end goal, four years later and thirteen years in the making.”

The 100 Member Club Award, given to the school’s two most outstanding graduating seniors by its alumni association, was awarded to Kate Kathman and Adam Kubera by Cindy Lind Hanson, the organization’s president, and Matthew Kindberg and Kirstie Lockwood, co-vice presidents.

Nilla H. Ecklof and Braelyn R. Peterson, co-presidents, delivered the Presidents’ Address, offering a heartfelt reflection on the growth, accomplishments, and shared experiences of the Class of 2025. As they stood before their peers, they acknowledged just how far the class has come since entering Jamestown High School as freshmen in 2021.

“We’ve grown so much,” Ecklof said. “The people we are today are nothing like the freshmen who walked through these doors in 2021.”

“Together, our class has accomplished so much,” Peterson said. “We won Penny Wars and Battle of the Classes by extraordinary numbers. We’ve had multiple athletes compete at the state level. And our musical this year was even nominated for the Shea’s Wonder Awards.”

The combined musical organizations of Jamestown High School then performed The Battle Hymn of the Republic by Peter Wilhousky. McKenzie R. Pickett, class secretary, delivered a tribute to the parents and caregivers of the Class of 2025.

“To our mothers, fathers, grandparents, guardians, whatever name you go by, you have been our first teachers, our biggest supporters, and our constant source of love and strength,” Pickett said. “You’ve sacrificed sleep, time, and sometimes your own dreams to help us achieve ours. You cheered us on during our triumphs, comforted us through our setbacks, and never stopped believing in our potential, even when we doubted ourselves.”

Emma Olson, historian for the class, delivered further reflections on the Class of 2025’s time at JHS, noting that the class has raised over $50,000 for various local organizations.

“We also proved ourselves where it counted in spirit and teamwork,” Olson said. “As seniors, we won both Penny Wars and Battle of the Classes–not just because we wanted the bragging rights (although those are nice), but because we came together with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose. We supported and cheered each other on, and gave everything we had to show what the Class of 2025 is made of.”

Brighton M. Lumia, class treasurer, then introduced JHS Principal Allyson Smith, who made reference to a quote familiar to all JHS students that is etched into the ceiling of the school’s Merton P. Corwin Auditorium: “Character is the first aim of education.”

“Those words, historic and bold, remind us that while grades and accolades matter, the true goal of education goes much deeper,” Smith said. “It shapes who we are–especially when no one else is looking… As you walk across this stage tonight, you’re not just receiving a diploma. You’re carrying forward the ideals that JHS stands for. Your character will speak louder than any resume ever could. It will show in the way you treat others, in the choices you make, and in the kind of life you choose to lead. No moment is too small to reflect great character.”

Belle L. Johnson, the valedictorian, spoke of the class’s diversity, recognizing the “different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences” that make up the high school’s graduating class.

“Yet we stand united by our shared commitment to our futures,” she continued. “Our diversity has challenged us to think bigger, listen harder, and to acknowledge the value in perspective. In a time where we so often feel divided, we have a responsibility to seek out unity. We must not lose sight of the significance in solidarity as we take with us the lessons of kindness, compassion, and collaboration that have been instilled in us throughout the years. A better world cannot be built on ambition alone. Only our character will determine where we will end.”

Ecklof then introduced Aaron Leeper, a 2001 JHS graduate and assistant federal security director for law enforcement for the Federal Air Marshal Service, to deliver the keynote address. Leeper, a standout athlete at JHS prior to his graduation, noted that amid a period of rapid, often unsettling change, certain values must remain constant: compassion, decency, and respect for one another.

“Lead with kindness, even when it is not returned,” Leeper said. “Lead with effort, even when no one’s watching. And most of all – be decent. In a world that keeps score with titles and money, compassion is still undefeated.”

Class of 2025 advisor Ashley Merchant delivered a fond farewell to a class with which she has much history: several of these students were in her second grade class at Fletcher Elementary School, where she completed her final student teaching placement.

“I feel truly honored to have gotten to work with them, grow with them and learn from them over their years at JHS,” Merchant said. “Parents – thank you for sharing your children with me. They are some of the most outstanding young adults I’ve ever met. Class of 2025 – I thank you for the overwhelming sense of belongingness for my students, and strong sense of determination in making sure all your events at JHS were a success.”

Mary J. Bailey, co-sergeant at arms, presented the class gift — a window wrap for the JHS School Store — before the presentation of the graduates by Smith and the presentation of diplomas by JPS Board of Education President Paul Abbott and Vice President Joseph Pawelski, who were assisted by Peterson and Ashlyn Galeazzo, co-vice president of the class.

The full ceremony is available for viewing at jpsny.org/graduation.