The Palo Alto High School Class of 2025 graduated this afternoon at Viking Stadium, tossing colorful caps into the air in celebration of their next chapter.
Principal Brent Kline shared an inspiring sentiment about the importance of maintaining connections.
“As you step forward, remember those relationships that lifted you up,” Kline said in his speech. “Remember the teachers who encouraged you, the friends who’ve made you laugh on those longest days and the family members who always believed in you. … Honor the growth you’ve achieved, the lessons you’ll carry forward and always keep learning.”
Senior Kashi Tuteja gave the Class of 2025’s speech recounting his personal experiences of a freshman and reminiscing on how much he believes the graduates have grown.
“No matter where we go, we [Paly] will remain a community to count on,” Tuteja said in his speech. “We’ll take with us those lessons about helping one another, looking out for one another and smiling with one another.”
Before the diploma distribution, the graduating class was celebrated with performances of “America the Beautiful” by the Paly band and choir, “Aladdin” renditions by the Paly band and “Circle never ends” from the BioShock Infinite game performed by the seniors of the Paly choir.
Additionally, seniors Ella Wang and Riya Kini sang “When we were young” by Adele, with senior Emma Yang playing piano accompaniment.
Shana Segal, Palo Alto Unified School District board president, addressed the graduates with encouraging remarks about staying true to yourself.
“Your presence here today is a testament to your unique journey and the impact that you’ve had on those around you,” Segal said in her speech. “In a world that can feel impersonal, remember that your story is significant. You are seen, you are valued and you are an integral part of this community. … Now go make the world a little better and a little brighter just by being yourself,”
Julian Hong, Associated Student Body class president, gave closing remarks at the end of the ceremony.
“Even when we didn’t know it, we were helping to shape each other and becoming a part of one another’s stories,” Hong said.
According to graduate Layni Powers, the celebration will be something she will never forget.
“Based on the rehearsal, I though it [graduation] was going to be really boring, but I was actually sitting there interested the entire time,” Powers said. “Going up there [to the stage] and hearing all those people clap for you is really nice.”
