Students await the start of the Deptford High School graduation on June 18.
Deptford High School graduated 305 students in the class of 2025 on June 18, despite moving the outdoor event into the school’s gymnasium because of hot weather.
The mood was celebratory, with the families of students applauding loudly as their kids were presented with diplomas. Members of the class who spoke reflected on their time as students and the work they did to reach the next stage of their lives.
“We stand here today as our high-school days come to a close, and a moment that we dreamed about for so long,” said class president McKyla Crowley. “A moment we worked so hard to reach and we’re here together, closing a chapter of our lives.
“However, many know the saying, ‘Every end of one chapter is the start of another,’ to be true,” she added. “Our futures are open and unpredictable. However, before we look ahead, let’s thank who got us here first.”
Valedictorian Kenneth Johnston Jr. recalled the appendicitis several months ago that nearly took his life. He gave credit to his teachers for inspiring him to work hard and his parents for inspiring him to be the best.
“In those moments,” he recounted of his illness, “my mind went to a place where I reflected on my life. I remembered all those joys and what life had brought, and I imagined a future I was going to miss out on. But then I survived, and it reminded me to be grateful for the life I have.”
Several officials were in attendance, including members of township council and the school board. Superintendent Kevin Kanauss offered life lessons he learned from the movies.
“Those stories and movies shaped who I am and today.” he noted. “I want to pass on some of that wisdom to you from the classics that inspired me. Truth be told, I drew the inspiration for this speech from the salutatorian at last year’s graduation who quoted Ferris Bueller – from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ – when she said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”’
Class representatives and the top-ranking academic students received their diplomas first, followed by the rest of the graduates. The senior vocal chorus performed the song, “Alma Mater,” to close out the ceremony.
