CENTER - Seniors from the graduating class of Center High School walked confidently to their seats in front of a grand stage, to sit with their classmates one last time, before graduating high school on May 24. 

Nicole Neufeld gave the introduction, and then Salutatorian Jose Valadez-Gonzalez took to the stage to speak. “Thank you all for being here, and to the class of 2025 we somehow did it. To the teachers, thank you for not giving up on us. To the families, thank you for putting up with our stress, with our attitudes, and the chisme (gossip) we share with everybody but you.  To our friends, thank you for the jokes, and the reminder that the only thing you really need to get through high school is someone you can tolerate. We have been through a lot.” 

Valadez-Gonzalez remembered going through so many things with his classmates throughout the years, their class trip, and another class trip in fifth grade, to taking state for wrestling, to staying in cabins, to being at home during the pandemic.  

Valadez-Gonzalez said that as they toss their caps, he would like to offer a little advice and not because he had it all figured out, but because everyone is still figuring everything out. “First, don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to fall flat on your face, just make sure you look good doing it. Second, stay curious about people, ideas, and the world, and mostly yourself. Stop pretending that you already know everything. Finally, be kind, the world already has enough smart people, what the world needs is kind people who will hold the door open, and who lift others. Class of 2025, we are not just graduating, we are growing. Whether we get into college or we find something we are so passionate about, own it, make it yours. Have fun while doing it, keep going. Congratulations everyone, let's do things that we will be proud of.”  

Class Valedictorian Dulce Gonzales Rodriguez was next to speak. “This moment holds special significance to me as I am graduating from the very school that my father walked across the stage 26 years ago. The bond I share with Center High School is not just personal, but generational, and it’s a reminder of how our roots shape our futures. Today is a day to celebrate. A day to reflect on how far we have come, and a day to look forward with determination. Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the one who made this all possible, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without him none of this would be possible, and it is through him that we stand here today, and we have reached this milestone.” 

Rodriguez thanked her parents for all they had done for her, stating they were her best friends and biggest supporters. She then addressed the class of 2025 and said that today was a day they had dreamed about for years. From the first day of kindergarten to where they are today, they have grown, learned, and been there for each other. “It’s difficult to capture 13 years in one speech. If there is one piece of advice, I hope you take with you this, cherish each day as if it were a gift. We often take for granted the simple blessing of waking up each morning, but life is precious. Be patient and trust God and embrace every moment with gratitude and purpose. Look around to your left and to your right, take in this moment because in just one hour, this will only be memory. We will all go our separate ways, that will take us far from the halls of Center High School. No matter where you go or what you do, the bond we share as the class of 2025 will remain. I am grateful for all these years we spent together. Whatever path you choose, know that you are capable of achieving greatness. Saying goodbye is never easy. Every goodbye is also a new beginning. Congratulations class of 2025. May God bless each of you as you embark into the next chapter of your lives.”  

A commencement address was given by Judge Crista Newmyer-Olsen, who reminded students that no matter how hard life gets, to never give up and keep going and stay strong.  

After the address, students delivered beautiful carnations to their family members, embracing and thanking them for their special part in each of their journeys to graduation.  

The presentation of diplomas followed, with each student walking to the stage and hugging and shaking hands with board members and Superintendent Carrie Zimmerman, as they accepted their diplomas.  

A slide show presentation was also given and then the turning of the tassel ceremony took place with Noah Swanson leading it, stating that as each graduate turned their tassel from one side to the other, they were showing that they were no longer senior students, but senior graduates. The graduates then took off their caps, threw them in the air, and everyone cheered as the ceremony ended.