The Chanute High School gymnasium was full of faculty, students, family and friends to celebrate the Class of 2025 on Saturday, May 10.
After the graduates entered the gymnasium and took their seats, CHS Principal Zack Murray addressed the class.
“This group has been awesome since they came into the building,” Murray said.
He said that this class was friendly, welcoming and accepting. While he struggled to write his speech, he was inspired after a group of 30-40 seniors camped in his driveway.
One quote Murray often says to his students is “Don’t talk about it, be about it,” which he said describes this class well.
“Bottom line: slay,” Murray said, “We love you, we are so proud of you. Now, go out and show the world who you are.”
Following his address, attendees heard performances by the Chanute High School Select Ensemble and the Chanute High School Wind Ensemble. Choir Director Rebecca Davis directed the students through “Stomp On The Fire,” an acapella piece featuring rhythmic clapping and stomping. Band Director Dr. A.J. Beu conducted “A Life Worth Living.”
After these performances, graduates were addressed by the Salutatorian Isabella Barney and Valedictorian, Ethan Burnett.
“This moment feels so surreal,” Barney said. “I am so grateful to be standing here today,” Barney said.
She encouraged her classmates to recognize and cherish this monumental moment.
“Today is not only about the cap, the gown, or the diploma you are about to receive, but it is also about coming together,” Barney said. “Not just as students, but as people who have lived through 13 years of friendships, 13 years of connections, and 13 years of small, forgotten moments that culminate in this big, breathtaking moment.”
Barney said there is beauty in the small moments, such as pep talks from coaches, teachers asking about their student’s day, and silence between friends.
“We don’t remember exactly what they said, but rather the deep, meaningful impact that they have made on our lives,” Barney said.
She also said many moments both good and bad have shaped them into the people they are today.
“With every victory we celebrate and every setback we’ve endured together, we’ve felt resilience, community and growth,” Barney said. “I hope you all will live a life so rich and fulfilling that we don’t count the years, the accomplishments and titles. Instead, we will count the moments that take our breath away.”
Burnett’s Valedictorian speech featured nods to the “Star Wars” series.
“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away we started our education in Kindergarten and here we are; seniors who are graduating,” Burnett said.
After Burnett ended his brief speech with “May the force be with you,” graduates crossed the stage, accepting their diplomas with many cheers and clapping from family and friends present. At the end of the ceremony, Murray congratulated the graduates a final time and many students threw their caps high in the air to commemorate this achievement.
Video of the graduation ceremony was live-streamed to YouTube from the Chanute High School channel.
