Graduation is approaching and it is very important for the senior class, because it represents personal growth and social development. This accomplishment signifies a shift from tests and textbooks to real world experiences. The graduation ceremony is a celebration of a transition from kids to young adults and will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 11 am at Gavinski Stadium.
Principal Steve Lodes always addresses the class and has seen yet another year of students graduate and take their next steps forward. His words given at the ceremony will be ones he hopes they won’t forget.
“Although there are similar components of the graduation ceremony each year, I enjoy that it is designed and delivered solely by the senior student leaders. They make it their own, and it always ends up being both a fun and a celebratory event — as it should be,” Lodes said.
Some of the graduating students being honored are the Valedictorians. This year there are four, Carly Anztack, Bradley Forrest, Nick Galusha, and Kieren Ortloff. The valedictorians, as well as the class officers, will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences to friends and family of GHS.
“I am speaking as one of our class officers and valedictorians. My speech is about advice for the future and how to make the most of the one life we have,” Galusha said. “I’ve been working on the speech for the last few months, especially in the last month. I am excited to speak, I’ve been spending a lot of time editing and trying to perfect my speech.”
Many staff and students will be speaking at the ceremony. One of those speakers is speech teacher Jeff Schaetzke, who was voted by the students as the 2025 teacher speaker.
“Being an alum and growing up in Greendale and then speaking at this event is quite an honor. Knowing this remarkable class wants me to share some thoughts is very meaningful to me,” Schaetzke said. “I’ve reflected on the accomplishments of this class, the students that I know and have asked other teachers about their senior memorable achievements or moments.”
The senior orchestra and choir members will play and sing the class song, “I Am Still Your Dreamer.” Senior Dillion Griffin is a part of the choir singing the song.
“I really like it because it is reminding our parents that we will forever cherish the childhood that they gave us and we will always remember it,” she said.
At the end, Superintendent Kim Amidzich will share a few words and the students will cross the stage and receive their diplomas.
As the class of 2025 takes their next steps forward, the memories and lessons learned at GHS will help them to be successful in the future.
