Graduates tossed their caps high on June 17 as the class of 2025 marked the end of its high-school journey.
Eastern Regional High School graduated the class of 2025 at the Frank J. McAleer Memorial Stadium on June 17.
Families, friends, faculty, staff and community leaders gathered to honor the achievements, perseverance, and spirit of the graduating Vikings as they embarked on the next chapter in their lives.
The ceremony opened with student vice president Dakota Costello welcoming the crowd and setting a tone of respect and celebration. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Eastern’s chorale performed the national anthem.
“This ceremony has traditionally been a dignified event celebrating the accumulation of a large portion of our lives that deserve respect and decorum for all of us,” Costello stated.
Valedictorian Tadhg Beale reflected on the class’ journey, recalling how they had spent more than 16,000 hours together since 2012, through historic national events and personal milestones. His speech highlighted not only academic lessons but memorable moments with teachers and friends.
Beale reminded his classmates that it is the relationships and shared community that will remain long after graduation.
“It may be cliche to say, but it will be these relationships with both students and teachers that I will remember well down the road,” he added, “as it was these relationships that formed our community, a community that encouraged us to pursue our interests and nurtured our skill to their fullest potential.”
Salutatorian Tripat Dhanoa read an address that touched on leadership, leadership is not about titles, but about showing up for others, offering kindness and staying true to one’s self.
“We are already leaders when we choose integrity and lift each other higher,” she noted.
The ceremony also included recognition of the class of 2025’s many accomplishments. From academic excellence to artistic achievements and athletic victories, the class was said to embody Eastern’s core values, the four As: academics, arts, activities and athletics.
Graduates have earned admittance to prestigious universities like Cornell, Brown and Yale. Many also completed dual-credit courses through partnerships with Camden County College and Stockton University. The class earned more than $4 million in scholarships and grants, including awards from local businesses and benefactors.
Beyond academics, students excelled in theater, music, visual arts and woodwork, showcasing their talents at events like Eastern’s Night of the Arts. The school also honored graduates who’ve chosen to serve in the military; several seniors have committed to branches that include the Marines, Army National Guard, Air Force and Army.
The school community also applauded its dedicated staff, including educator of the year Michael Hering and educational service professional of the year Tara Zuk. Retiring staff and longtime leaders – such as former Superintendent Robert Cloutier – were also cited for their years of service.
Principal Steve Lee encouraged graduates to be consistent, present and intentional as they move forward.
“Hold yourself to high expectations,” he advised. “When to lead, when to follow and when to listen. Stay curious, stay humble and never forget where you came from.”
The board of education officially accepted the class of 2025 and authorized its commencement. In a long-standing Eastern tradition, the class officers were the first to graduate and had the honor of presenting the entire class to the community. Class secretary Nikki Lauren Weitzman, treasurer Eliza Rosenstein, vice president Dakota Costello and historian Samantha Osei-Kyei led that moment.
Class president Shawna Lee Simone delivered a speech that captured the emotional journey of her peers, reflecting the surreal feeling of graduation, challenges faced during unprecedented times, and the deep bonds forged at Eastern.
“We were the first class back after the world changed, still masked, distanced and healing,” she noted, referring to COVID. “Yet, somehow, we made it ours.”
Simone thanked school staff, teachers and her family for their unwavering support, acknowledging the collective effort behind the graduates’ success. She described the class as “resilient, funny, intelligent, creative and driven,” and emphasized the importance of cherishing memories and friendships made along the way.
She closed with a poignant call to honor the shared story of the class and led the graduates in the time-honored tradition of moving their tassels from right to left, marking their official transition from students to alumni.
