May 18th marked the graduation of CHS seniors, a milestone that signified the end of one chapter and the start of another. As they walked across the stage, each of them was honored for their hard work and dedication throughout the past four years with a diploma.
The juniors led the way into the gym holding the American Flag, the Michigan Flag, and the Flag of Colors up high. Right behind them came the staff with the graduates right behind them. It was then time to acknowledge those who could not be there with a moment of silence, commemorated by Iyla Weeks. Afterward, Mrs. Snyder asked the students receiving high academic honors to stand. Recipients of a single cord included Taylor Cole, Grace Thorrez, Zayden Sweet, and Lleyton Bauman. The recipients of a double cord were Paige Morris, Iyla Weeks, Hannah Stimer, Jordan Meddelin, Dustin Hamilton, and Andrew Uncapher.
The four-year awards were then given out. Hannah Stimer received the English and Math award; Paige Morris received the Science and Math award; Nasier Roberts received the Social Studies award; Brigham Bentley received the Spanish award; Iyla Weeks received the Art award; Jayden Carpenter-Sattler received the Band award; and Dustin Hamilton received the Health and Fitness award.
Jayden Carpenter-Sattler then came up to the podium to ask all senior band members to join him in the back to play their last song as a Concord band member. This year, they selected songs from Sing by Michael Brown to perform. The melodies won over the crowd, with many saying it was their best performance yet.
The ceremony continued with a speech from the salutatorian, Hannah Stimer, and the Valedictorian, Paige Morris. Then, each graduate walked across the stage, receiving the diploma they earned. It commenced with the seniors moving their tassels from right to left, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate, followed by each of them tossing their caps high into the air.
Paige Morris’s speech was an unforgettable one, with her basing it around something very important to her: glasses. Its main purpose was to explain that after attending Concord, all of the seniors may have the same frame, but the lens they each see through is different. The speech also included all of the graduates putting on glasses that they had made earlier in the week. Morris explains how this moment was one of her proudest, saying: “Recently, my heart filled with so much pride when I saw my class put their own glasses on.” Throughout the years leading up to this moment, she made significant efforts in her schooling to achieve the honor of valedictorian. This, however, was not always the goal for her. When she originally started her high school journey, her goal was to work as hard as she could and give life everything she had. She explains, “Valedictorian is just where I happened to end up when I worked as hard as I could.” Now that she has completed this journey, her next step is to go into the robotics industry in order to make the world smile through her knowledge of programming.
Hannah Stimer also gave a memorable speech, focusing on the importance of living in the present moment. She shares the one message she hopes her classmates will take away from it: “Be present in each moment from here forward. Don’t just live life, enjoy it!” Similar to Morris, Stimer has always held herself to high standards. Throughout high school, she worked hard to be at the top of her class, so it did not come as a surprise to her when she was awarded salutatorian. Though this did not come easily, there were many times when she ran into bumps in the road. She shares what she would do to overcome these obstacles: “I motivate myself through faith that I am strong enough to get through hard things and those hard things won’t last forever.” Overall, she wants to thank Concord Schools and everyone who was a part of her career here; she is proud to call Concord her home!
Alekzander Warner was a senior who had overcome a lot since freshman year. He explains that during his freshman and sophomore years, he was not the best student and did not do a lot of his work. Then, he realized that was not going to get him anywhere, so he changed and decided to try in school to graduate on time with his friends. Through all of this, he learned a lot. He shares what the lesson he learned that he was not expecting: “Even when you want to give up on school, there are people who believe in you no matter what and are there for you.” Warner has had many people who have helped him learn this; some of them include Mr. Buck, Mrs. O, and Mrs. Sigman. He explains. “Those three have helped me so much to become a better person, and were always there for me when I was struggling badly. They were always there telling me not to give up, and honestly, I wouldn’t be the person I am now if it weren’t for them. I could not thank them enough for everything.” The hard work he put in has led him to his goal of going into Marine Corps Basic Training. He plans to graduate from this and stay all 20 years in the Marines.
Aniya Mosley is another student who has worked hard to achieve her goals. Her long-term goal after high school is to go into the healthcare field. She says, “I want to help others, so I am working toward a career in either athletic training or phlebotomy. Long-term, I want to find a career I love, stay financially stable, and live a life where I feel like I’m making a difference.” Along with achieving her goals, Mosley is also excited for the freedom that comes with graduation. She shares that life after high school feels like a blank page, and she is eager to start writing it on her terms. In reflection of her high school years, she explains that there is one thing she would tell her younger self, saying: “I would tell her not to stress so much about being perfect. It is okay to make mistakes. I would also say to ask for help when you need it and to try new things. Time moves fast, and high school is full of moments you don’t want to miss just because you’re afraid of failing.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on beginning the next chapter of your life. We appreciate everything that you have done for Concord and want you to know that Concord will always be your home!
