Hendrick Hudson Celebrates the Class of 2025 at Annual Commencement Ceremony
As members of the Class of 2025 peered down from the bleachers and saw family, friends and others seated on the turf returning their gaze, they listened to speeches that shared similar themes. They were told to recognize everything they have accomplished, and appreciate everyone and every thing that led them to this moment.
They were also reminded that they now hold a special place in the Hendrick Hudson community.
“You’ve heard it said before — Once a Sailor, Always a Sailor,” Hendrick Hudson High School Principal Lauren Scollins said. “It’s more than a slogan. It’s a promise. It means that no matter where you go from here — to college, to careers, to faraway cities or right back home — you will always carry with you the values, the friendships, and the spirit of this place.”
That bond between the students and their forever home was at the heart of the district’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, which celebrated the Class of 2025 on Friday, June 20 on the high school turf. Castalia Litos served as the Master of Ceremonies, greeting her classmates by telling them, in part, “When we leave here tonight, we’re no longer high schoolers, but something else.”
Classmates Simon Eichenholtz, the Salutatorian, and Catherine Wright, the Valedictorian, struck similarly aspirational tones, acknowledging the family, friends and teachers who inspired them to learn, to lead, to think and to thrive.
“Through the years, I have been surrounded and supported by the Class of 2025,” Wright said to her classmates. “I want to thank you all for making me who I am today. I truly enjoyed learning from you and living life with you. I hope you dream big and take the small, steady steps to get there.”
They were joined at the forefront of the ceremony by student performers, including Alec Elkin and Nava Minichino, who sang the national anthem. They were among the Senior Singers, who were later led by Choir Director Erica Denler in a poignant performance of Billy Joel’s “Vienna.”
Board of Education President Erica Mills and Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee also addressed the graduates. Mrs. Mills looked back at her role in watching the seniors grow, from school fairs to concerts and sporting events, and urged them to continue to find their joy.
“Be lifelong learners, not just in classrooms, but in your friendships, your work, your travels and in the questions you ask about the world around you,” Mrs. Mills said. “Keep growing. Keep becoming. Keep discovering who you are, and who you want to be.”
Mr. Tromblee urged students to focus on the importance of details, no matter how small, pointing to his own experience during basic training for the United States Air Force, when he learned that precision, discipline and attention to detail are the foundations for success.
“The world you are entering will test you,” Mr. Tromblee said. “You’ll be asked to complete tasks that seem tedious. You’ll be given responsibilities that might feel beneath you. You’ll be tempted to skip steps or cut corners. But I promise you: How you do the small things will eventually determine how well you handle the big things.”
Following this advice, students lined up to receive their graduation certificates. The students were presented by Assistant Principals Maria Pearson and Nick Katsaris, and received by Superintendent Tromblee, Principal Scollins and Board of Education trustees.
After the students had returned to the bleachers, Ms. Pearson and Mr. Katsaris instructed them to move the tassels on their caps from right to left, marking their new status as graduates. As they tossed their caps, Hendrick Hudson student Addison Valentino and the high school band and orchestra, directed by Benjamin Acrish, performed the school’s alma mater.
“Mr. Tromblee, members of the Board of Education, administration, staff and honored guests, we proudly present to you the Class of 2025,” Principal Scollins concluded. “Congratulations!”
