AHS graduates for Class of 2025 walk stage together
Red caps sailed into the air of the Comerica Center on May 20 as the Aubrey High School Class of 2025 celebrated the culmination of their high school careers.
The celebration focused on the path ahead, forged by the experiences the students had together during their time in Aubrey.
'As we look back on our time as a Chaparral, I pray we remember the moments that shaped us with joy and love,' Senior Class President Dayzee Tovar said in the invocation to start the ceremony. 'Thank you for the lessons we've learned, the friendships we've built and the memories we'll carry with us.'
Tovar was followed by Class Vice President Elisa McMillian, who led the pledge.
Then, it was Principal Brett Phipps' turn at the podium.
'I want to congratulate every one of you on reaching this incredible milestone in your lives,' he said. 'Graduation is a testament to your hard work, dedication and perseverance. Throughout your years of Aubrey High, you've shown immense determination and resilience, and today we gather to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements.'
He spoke to the loved ones of the graduates as well as the educators who contributed to their education.
'You have tirelessly imparted knowledge, nurtured talents and inspired these
Photos by Abigail Allen/The Post-Signal young minds to strive for greatness,' he said.
Phipps also reminded the graduates that any uncertainty they might be feeling in the face of such a life change is a fair feeling.
'The reality is that you've been preparing for this moment your entire life,' he said. 'All the things that have happened from the moment you were brought into this world until now were given you to struggle with, to celebrate, to conquer, to overcome and ultimately to triumph over.'
He reassured them that whether they were filled with confidence or self-doubt, they are equipped for their futures.
'I will not lie to you, graduates,' he said. 'There will be peaks and valleys, there will be ups and downs, victories and defeats. All of them are placed before you to take life's next step. Each defeat will keep you humble, and each victory will give you great pride. Either way, celebrate.'
He encouraged them to be forces of good as they navigate the world.
'We hope that you take a little bit of Aubrey with you when you go, to influence [others] with the knowledge and values that shaped you thus far,' Phipps said. 'We hope that you take integrity, compassion, respect, loyalty, service and excellence, no matter where your journey takes you. These values will serve you well and will set you apart from the crowd.'
He welcomed up Salutatorian Hillary Koeman, describing her as 'not only a great student, but one of the most solid young people we have here at Aubrey High School.'
Koeman led with a touch of honest humor.
'We've been looking forward to this day for four years, and it's a bittersweet feeling knowing that it's finally here,' she said. 'I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready to say goodbye to the construction site known as Aubrey High School.'
In addition to thanking her family and educators, she spoke of the bonds the graduates forged.
She also gave a dose of reality. 'We realize that while we can be whatever we want to be, getting there takes more than just belief,' she said. 'It takes effort, sacrifice and sometimes the courage to redefine what success looks like for ourselves. … I want to remind you that no matter what university, trade school, job or endeavor you pursue, your learning doesn't end here. … We're leaving behind textbooks and tardy bells, but we're stepping into a world where the lessons are unscripted and the mistakes are real.'
She encouraged her fellow graduates to 'keep pushing forward.'
'Congratulations, Class of 2025,' she closed. 'You survived Aubrey High. The rest of the world doesn't stand a chance.'
English teacher Dawn Dooley was again selected by the graduating class as the speaker.
'I know there were moments you doubted you would make it through, but I always knew you would make it to this day,' Dooley said.
She spoke about why she offers extra supplies in her classroom for anyone who needs them.
'Because that is who I am,' she said. 'You need something and I have it? I'm going to give it to you.'
She encouraged the graduates to be mindful of others as they continue on their journey in life.
'We as a people, as a society, we work best when we work together, when we give each other a helping hand, when we split that last bite,' Dooley said. 'I don't find that I have less when I share what I have. I actually find that I have more because I have more peace within myself, I have more purpose within myself.'
She also encouraged the graduates to prioritize human connection, 'especially in this day and age when it seems like every other headline is about AI.'
'Ultimately, the internet and social media, it's not real,' she said. 'What does matter are the connections that we create as humans together when we help each other, when we eat together, when we laugh, when we cry, when we listen to music and dance, when we play games. That is what's real.'
She also recommended ways to ground themselves when her former students feel overwhelmed.
'Don't focus on what you don't like; don't focus on what annoys you, what you don't enjoy,' Dooley said. 'When you spend your energy there, you waste it.'
The final speaker was Valedictorian Emma Gillum, who Phipps said he 'can't wait to see what happens in the future with you.'
'Most likely, a good number of y'all feel like me,' she said. 'Excited for what's next, but still nostalgic for all the memories we've made.'
She spoke with pride about the impact her fellow graduates made during their time at Aubrey High.
'The Class of 2025 has made a mark on this school,' she said.
She touted the athletic, band and FFA program success the class contributed to in its high school career.
'These … experiences have brought us closer, not just for the last four years, but for the last 13,' Gillum said. 'Though a lot has changed, including ourselves, some things are meant to remain the same. The memories we have made are permanent, and the lessons learned and taught have shaped the versions of us that will go out and serve the world,' she said.
The graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas after the certification of the class by Phipps.
Some overcome with emotion and others drawing chuckles from the crowd.
One graduate seated at the front left corner, Eli Bland, rose to his feet to hug many of his friends as they passed.
Once the final graduate, Xzavier Zamora, obtained his diploma, Class Secretary Grace Michael closed out the ceremony.
'Thanks for the memories, the unexpected moments, the group projects that somehow came together and most importantly, the people that helped us get to this moment,' she said. 'Thank you to the parents, supporters and teachers. As we go our separate ways, some of us know what's next and some of us still figuring it out, I hope we all keep growing.'
With the cheer from Michael of 'Congratulations, Class of 2025, we did it!' and the applause of the crowd, the caps flew and the Class of 2025 officially became Aubrey High alumni.
Photos by Abigail Allen/The Post-Signal
