On Saturday evening, June 7, College Place High School held its eighth annual commencement ceremony, honoring the 101 graduating seniors of the Class of 2025. What unfolded on the field wasn’t just a celebration of academic achievement, it was a testament to resilience, heart, and a student body determined to leave a lasting mark.
Principal Dr. Robert Aguilar welcomed the crowd with gratitude and admiration for the students and their journey. “You’ve navigated challenges, embraced change, and lifted each other along the way,” said Aguilar. “What you’ve built together is more than a memory, it’s a legacy”.
That legacy was deeply felt in a moment of remembrance for Bryson Castillo, a member of the graduating class who passed away during the previous school year. His brother, Malachi, accepted his diploma on his behalf as the entire stadium rose to its feet.
“Bryson’s laughter, his spirit, and the impact he made remain with us always,” Aguilar said.
The ceremony featured three student speakers, each capturing the character of the class in their own way. Connor Mebes opened with “Leaving a Legacy,” calling attention to the small, everyday choices that helped build school culture and unity. “Those small moments, every game, every club meeting, every time we showed up are the legacy,” Mebes said.
Maria Villagomez Herrera followed with “Querida Familia,” sharing her journey from Michoacán, México and the support of her parents, whose sacrifices made her success possible. “This diploma isn’t just mine—it’s for my family and for every little girl who dreams of more. If I can, you can,” she said.
ASB President Hannah Hutchison delivered the final student message with “How Lucky We Are,” a heartfelt reflection on the people and experiences that made CPHS more than just a school. “How lucky are we to have experienced something so wonderful that makes saying goodbye so hard,” Hutchison said.
In recognition of her leadership, service, and character, Hutchison received the 2025 Hawk Award, the highest student honor awarded by the CPHS faculty.
Academic distinction was also a highlight of the night. Jett Corbett and Aiden Potts were named valedictorians for maintaining perfect 4.0 GPAs, and eight students earned salutatorian honors. In athletics, Mia Ferraro and Trey Arlington were recognized with the Soaring Hawk Senior Athlete Awards for exemplifying teamwork, humility, and excellence on and off the field.
English teacher Madison Elmenhurst, selected by the senior class to give the faculty address, offered an empowering message about responsibility and voice. “You have immense power in this world,” Elmenhurst said. “It is up to you, for better or worse, to decide how to use it”.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the class, the turning of the tassels, and a cap toss that signaled not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a journey.
The Class of 2025 leaves behind more than yearbooks and memories. They leave behind a spirit of unity, gratitude, and courage, qualities that will guide them well as they rise to meet whatever comes next.