A warm and sunny evening provided the perfect backdrop as Sanford High School held its 132nd Commencement Ceremony at Alumni Stadium on Wednesday, June 4th, celebrating over 200 graduates from the Class of 2025. Families, faculty, and friends gathered to honor these young adults who have dedicated years to their education and personal growth.
Principal Tracy Gibson welcomed the crowd, expressing gratitude to the dedicated staff members who worked behind the scenes, the facilities team, and the technical crews who live-streamed the event to connect distant loved ones to this special celebration. The ceremony featured heartfelt addresses that reflected on the journey these students have taken together.
Guest speaker Geoffrey Korper, selected by the graduating class, shared three pearls of wisdom in his charge to the graduates. He encouraged them to "accept yourself and expect more from yourself," emphasizing the importance of embracing both strengths and imperfections while setting ambitious goals.
The seniors also did their annual Walk Through the day before graduation. The graduates visited Sanford Middle School, Sanford Pride Elementary, Carl J. Lamb Elementary, and Margaret Chase Smith Elementary before finishing their journey at Sanford High School. Seniors got to reconnect with former teachers who helped shape their journey, while current students lined the hallways cheering and celebrating.
His second piece of advice was to "pause before you respond," teaching graduates that while they cannot control every situation, they can control their reactions. Finally, he urged students to "be kind to your future self" through small daily acts of care that build toward a better tomorrow.
Salutatorian Samone Gallagher delivered an address about growth and resilience, comparing the graduating class to a "vast red and white sea" formed by different rivers and streams. She reminded her classmates that growth can be "painfully antagonizing" because progress often feels invisible to those experiencing it. Gallagher encouraged her peers to "admire the fruits of your own growth" and remember how far they've come during challenging times ahead.
Valedictorian Rishi Patel delivered a speech about dreams, authenticity, and faith. Drawing from his cultural background, he shared that "good things come to those who live authentically, not to those who try to force fate." Patel emphasized the importance of aligning thoughts with actions and maintaining faith as a moral compass. He concluded with powerful advice: "Think about today and tomorrow, but don't get so caught up in the day after tomorrow that you miss what's happening right now."
Prior to the graduates receiving their diplomas and walking across the stage, Principal Gibson presented four prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in community service, character, leadership, and athletics. Recipients included Zachary Welch (Alumni Cup), Addie Fiandanca (Tribune Cup), Brady Adams (Campbell Cup), and Benjamin Terril (Achievement Cup).
If you missed the ceremony, you can watch it below!