The Horace Greeley High School graduating class of 2025 entered Greeley during COVID-19, a time of chaos and uncertainty. This class began its high school journey under such abnormal circumstances, navigating hybrid learning and restrictions on social interactions with peers. In the wake of overcoming these challenges, the students were able to engage their sense of adaptability and persistence.
In an interview, Horace Greeley Principal, Dr. Sandra Sepe, said “Resilience and a strong sense of community has truly defined the Class of 2025.”
The Class of 2025 continues to shape and strengthen the school’s culture, traditions and achievements, fostering an enduring sense of unity within the community. Horace Greeley’s thriving science research program has flourished, in part, due to the exceptional accomplishments of this class. Many seniors have emerged as leaders in regional science competitions, earning prestigious awards and securing spots as finalists, further paving their legacy for excellence.
The Class of 2025 has reintroduced unity and school pride to Greeley, after being disconnected. Dr. Sepe remarked “These students have shown an unmatched commitment to being part of something bigger than themselves. Whether by filling the stands at home sports games or fostering a culture of community and passion for togetherness.”
These students added a sports broadcasting club to Greeley, further emphasizing this class’s commitment to display their teamwork and take advantage of the school’s resources to strengthen the student body. This dedication is especially notable given that they entered high school in a time of separation and restrictions, making their perseverance and resilience as leaders of Greeley even more inspiring.
During the challenges of COVID-19, both the academics and sports program faced disruptions, where anxiety for students was at a peak. Yet, the Class of 2025 rose in the wake of this, adapting and helping to rebuild a sense of community that defines Greeley’s athletic program.
In addition to athletics, the arts and theater programs have flourished tremendously under the leadership of this graduating class. The success of Greeley’s fall production of Little Women and the excitement surrounding the upcoming production of Anastasia reflect the seniors’ dedication to showcase excellence and collaboration. Their passion for the arts, much like their commitment to athletics, underscore the importance of coming together to create something meaningful. Greeley’s seniors are leaders and lay the foundation for Greeley’s future that coming together with a mix of peers is essential for a thriving school community.
Furthermore, 15 senior students from the creative arts program represented Horace Greeley at the Katonah Museum of Art’s 42nd Annual Young Artists Exhibition, showcasing the brilliance of the graduating students by creating media with a domain of concepts, and expression. Greeley recognizes the numerous accolades in every class, however, this class’s contributions stand out by the lasting difference they make.
The 2025 Horace Greeley commencement ceremony is set for June 21st and follows the tradition of being outside on the lawn underneath the giant white tent. The ceremony will include several student speakers. Tradition is significant at Greeley, especially during the lead up to graduation where each year they introduce the winners for the student speaker contest. The graduation is a great example of students using their voice to bring people together.
Dr. Sepe has characterized the Class of 2025 as “warm and friendly students who are focused on community. These students continue to go out of their way and promote the thriving community that defines Greeley.”
This generation is dealing with the constant effects of social media, facing the everyday challenge of negative content exposure and censoring. In today’s society, it is generally challenging to maneuver through the depths and domains of social media content. However, this generation’s ability to overcome and conquer these modern-day issues sets forth their leadership and adaption to take on challenges in the future.
In summary, Dr. Sepe shares that “Accolades are wonderful, but it’s the difference you make in the lives of others. They have the skills to maneuver generational challenges, paving their path for a bright future.” The countdown to graduation has begun, just 100 days to go! Dr. Sepe emphasized the importance of “making the most of this time, making good decisions, cherishing every moment and enjoying it.”
As the Class of 2025 prepares to turn the page they leave behind a legacy of resilience, leadership and unity. One which will continue to shape Greeley for years to come.
