‘The author of your own future’

Lenape High School held its 65th annual commencement on June 17 at Driscoll Stadium, a ceremony that invoked student pride and a remembrance of two students.

Principal Tony Cattani welcomed families and friends who came to celebrate the graduates.

“Good evening to everyone here tonight, on behalf of our entire Lenape school community, I want to welcome all of you,” he said. “Tonight is a time of pride and celebration. It marks the end of one meaningful chapter, and the beginning of many more to come.

“This year, our students, staff, and Lenape families have shown extraordinary compassion and strength,” Cattani added. “You have lifted one another up, leaned on each other in times of grief and continued to push forward with grace and resilience.”

Cattani then requested a moment of silence for students London DeShields (a sophomore) and Jacob Swann (a senior), who died during the school year.

“Lenape loves you, class of 2025, Lenape pride,” he noted.

Student speaker Justin Hermack encouraged his fellow graduates to take on new challenges and explore.

“Take a look around,” he advised. “Not a single senior you see is the same person when they entered Lenape four years ago. My counselor once said that high-school years are like dog years: The rate of change students undergo from their first step into the building to their last step out is unprecedented.

“My advice is to seize opportunities,” Hermack added. “Try new things, meet new people and challenge yourself, but ultimately it’s up to you. Your choices will define your future, starting with this one today. Will you stop here or will you forge your own path and continue to climb on your terms?

“Congratulations class of 2025.”

Emily Huynh closed out the ceremony with her speech.

“It feels surreal to see so many familiar faces gathered here one last time to celebrate such a special milestone,” she remarked. “Today marks a moment of reflection on our accomplishments, personal developments and obstacles we have overcome together.

“To the friends and families in the stands, thank you for being our backbone,” Huynh added. “Your love and the sacrifices you have made for us have shaped us into who we are today. We appreciate you all and we promise to use what we learned to tackle what’s ahead.”

Huynh advised younger Lenape students anxious for graduation to take in their moments of high school.

“To any underclassmen out there who says, ‘I can’t wait to graduate,’ or ‘I just want to leave,’ my advice is to slow down,” she observed. “Enjoy every moment and inside jokes with your classmates, go to every football game and school dance with your friends, and ask your teachers questions, not only about schoolwork, but also about life.

“To my adored classmate, teammate and best friend, fly high Jacob,” Huynh said, referring to Swann. “We’ll miss you forever.”

She then addressed the graduates’ futures.

“Whether you’re heading to college, the military, a job or taking time to find your path, remember, you are the author of your own future.

“Congratulations class of 2025.”