Many high schools and colleges hold graduation ceremonies in May or June. Haddonfield Memorial High School chose June 18 for its 2025 commencement.
The celebration of the students’ achievements was held in heat and humidity that lasted throughout the 6 p.m. ceremony. Families, friends and loved ones of the graduates took their seats to support the seniors in their lives.
Faculty and staff members were the first to come out of the school and onto the field as the crowd cheered. They were followed by the graduates, led by class president Daniel Sparks, who took his place on the stage as the class walked in rows of four to their seats on the field next to the stage.
After the processional and singing of “Star Spangled Banner,” Principal Tammy McHale explained that students who received the honor of graduating summa cum laude were given the opportunity to anonymously submit a graduation speech.
The first of them was written and read by Ella O’Neil, who spoke on caring about the right things throughout life and not focusing on things that don’t matter.
“Many of us, myself included, can fall victim to caring about the wrong thing …” she pointed out. “Why care or potentially obsess about an awkward comment you’ve made or a stiff conversation you’ve had? The answer is that there isn’t really any productive or logical reason to care about any of those things.
“I wish that I could go back and learn that lesson sooner.”
O’Neil also shared an anecdote about how her younger sister dressed in elaborate and colorful outfits that included striped leggings, cowboy boots and pigtails before leaving the house, to illustrate what not caring about the wrong things and having confidence look like in practice.
“We need to choose to care about what’s really important to us each and every day,” she advised. “We can lead beautiful, meaningful lives filled with passion and care. I have no doubt that if we do, we can change our lives and the world for the better.”
Sparks then took to the stage to give the class of 2025 address. He discussed the class’ major accomplishments, like opening a new senior lounge and putting together spirit week in the fall.
“I want you all to remember the senior lounge,” he explained. “Remember the memories we made in it. Remember the glass board with everyone’s name on it and what it represents, because I can tell you that I’ll never forget those names in the 13 years that I’ve shared with the best people to embrace these halls.”
The high-school’s concert choir then gave a stirring performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” as graduating members left their seats to join the rest of the group.
The second of the summa cum laude addresses was then given by Ryan Buschman. He used the occasion to speak about how graduation is just one step in a life of achievements.
“We entered high school into a world that had been forced into isolation and found support in each other,” he recalled. “This strength and cooperation carried into leadership and perseverance and has left footprints all over this school, because that’s the most beautiful part of taking a step. You can help others find their way behind you and eventually allow them to pave their own paths.”
McHale then returned to the lectern to announce Dashiel Lin as the winner of the J.M.T Childrey Memorial Medal and Logan Wolschina the winner of the Susan M. Blume Award.
“They’re a fun-loving and resilient group, always finding a way to make the best of any situation,” the principal remarked. “Although this may be the last time this class gathers together for a school event, I urge you to hold on to the great memories and meaningful moments you shared.”
School Superintendent Charles Klaus was also in attendance to give the commencement speech.
“The class of 2025 has represented our district well and all we value: scholarship and character, arts and athletics. Each graduating class is unique in personality and construction.”
Diplomas were then presented by board of education president Jaime Grookett and vice president Linda Hochgertel. The ceremony wrapped with Klaus accepting the class of 2025 before a performance of the school’s alma mater and the recessional.
The stage on the high-scool’s stadium’s field before the graduation ceremony.
