As Orcutt Academy High School bid goodbye to the class of 2025, Principal Rhett Carter reminded members that graduation marked a transition, not an ending.
“The truth is no matter what stage of life you’re in — high school, college, career or family life — learning is never over, and it shouldn’t be,” Carter said Friday.
The school’s 14th annual graduation took place Friday afternoon on the campus in Old Town Orcutt with approximately 140 blue-gowned members making up the class of 2025.
“Learning isn’t just about textbooks and tests,” Carter said. “It’s about curiosity. It’s about staying humble enough to know you don’t have it all figured out and brave enough to keep seeking new knowledge, new experiences and new ways to grow.”
He noted the graduates dealt with various types of loss throughout the past four years.
“The path has not been easy, but you are here and that matters because growth is all about having the courage to do the right thing in the face of adversity and never giving up,” Carter added.
Before Carter spoke, Chrislaina Anderson, senior class president, and Owen Pierce, senior class vice president, provided opening remarks and recognized dignitaries.
In her later address as the class of 2025 valedictorian, Anderson noted the future might be uncertain with struggles and doubts but reminded her classmates of their passion, ambition and fearlessness.
“I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I do know we will make it,” said Anderson, who plans to attend the University of California, Berkeley. “And if there’s one lesson I ask you to take from me, it is to stay ambitious.
“Throughout high school we have tackled challenges bigger than ourselves, and I ask you to continue that. I ask you to dream bigger even if dreaming bigger means failing. Just know that when you fall and hit the ground there are always people to run back to.”
Roman Peralta, salutatorian and one of a handful of Spartans headed to UCLA in the fall, reflected on his fellow graduates’ time at Orcutt Academy, noting they embody “resilience, drive and a dash of stubbornness.”
“Class of 2025, let us embrace the challenges ahead with the same fervor and determination that have defined us thus far. Let us remember that success is not a singular destination, but a continuing journey,” he said.
In keeping with tradition, the ceremony included the sharing of flags by exchange students Allesandro Cacciagrano from Italy, Benedikt Roehrich from Germany and Constance Navalho from Portugal with American flags provided by Sebastian CruzBarrera, Logan Gentry and Stephanie Garcia-Silva as the song “Lean On Me” played.
A recording of the graduation ceremony can be found by clicking here.
Want to celebrate a graduate in your life? Submit your own graduation announcement to Noozhawk’s Class of 2025 showcase!
