Jacob Cole Hasson delivered a speech on resilience as Seneca High’s senior class president, while Principal Bradley Bauer (right) reminded graduates of activities they shared in high school.
As Seneca High School’s class of 2025 embarks on the “brink of a new chapter” they have the full support of their Seneca family.
“Our Seneca family didn’t just happen by accident,” said Principal Bradley Bauer. “It was built day by day, moment by moment, through the way you treated one another. It was built when you first entered the hallways in 2021, built in the bird’s nest when packing the stands cheering on teams, when rallying behind unified basketball games, when pouring your heart out during spirit carnivals and homecoming events.
“And of course, the senior trip to Disney.”
The graduation ceremony at Bird’s Nest Stadium on June 17 elicited emotions of “gratitude, pride, nostalgia and, above all, an overwhelming sense of love,” added Bauer, parent of student council president Travis.
The commencement began with a presentation of colors by the Seneca Air Force JROTC and performances of the national anthem and Alma Mater by the Seneca Singers. Travis welcomed family and friends. Jacob Cole Hasson delivered a speech on resilience as senior class president.
“On a brink of a new chapter, our lives at Seneca ends today,” he noted. “We enter into a new world that will challenge us with adversity, sorrow and loss. Most of us have already experienced these aspects of life, but I encourage you to use your skill of resilience in your next chapter.
“When faced with adversity, resilience can be the tools to find joy.”
Resilience is what keeps showing up on good days, bad days and whatever is in between, Hasson added.
“Resilience is not about never breaking, it is about breaking and healing stronger,” he advised. “When faced with a challenge, it’s OK to be angry, it’s OK to overthink, it’s OK to grieve … But we rely on others as support to help us stay resilient as we navigate life’s challenges …
Building relationships is one of the most important things in all stages of our life, Hasson suggested.
“Ones that are truly important are the ones that bring out the best in you and ones that bring out the joy in you … Surround yourself with people that support you. These (people) will have your back. Take a chance or make a mistake. Embrace each opportunity
“Stay resilient and continue to grow with support of family and friends.”
Assistant Superintendent Matthew Web presented the class of 2025 before they turned their tassels from right to left.
“Seneca High School has been your launching pad, a place to explore and discover your strengths and nurture your talents and you embraced it all,” Bauer offered. “You left your mark on this place. You became part of what makes our Seneca family so special.”
And as the class enters a world of “uncertainty, challenges and endless opportunities,” the principal pointed out, “the true essence of learning lies in experiences that you have, the relationships you built, and the character that you’ve shown.
“You’ve grown up together and now you’re soaring forward together, carrying with you the values of humility, kindness and empathy.”
