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AUSTIN — The first notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” echoed through Shoreline Church in Austin and tears swiftly followed, rolling down the cheeks of proud parents as the Elgin and Phoenix High School classes of 2025 took their final walk as students May 23.
In a sea of purple gowns and personalized caps, hundreds of graduates beamed beneath stage lights under the school’s towering emblem—soon to be a memory.
“This is more than just a goodbye,” said valedictorian Sheyla Aguirre-Benitez, who began her speech in Spanish before reflecting on the sacrifices of her immigrant parents. “It’s the last time we’ll all be together in one place.”
Principal Armetrius Staples opened the evening with a moment of silence for a beloved staff member, Daniella Ignal, who passed away just days before the ceremony. Even though she had seen many such ceremonies in her career, Staples stood with a genuine smile as if it were her first.
“It is my prayer that we have prepared you well,” Staples said. “Whatever comes next, know that your community stands with you.”
Student speaker Callie Molineux welcomed guests and classmates with a warm reminder of growth—one of the night’s many voices to offer sincere congratulations.
“It’s like we were seeds planted in a small patch of soil,” she said. “Now we’ve grown tall enough to outgrow that soil. It’s time to be replanted somewhere new.”
Others, like Alejandro Arroyo Palma, looked toward the future, speaking of turning points, aspirations and, above all else, community.
“Being part of this community is something I can never take for granted,” he said. “I found my place, and the people I’ve met here—I’ll never forget them.”
Salutatorian Isadora Estrada delivered a powerful message on mental health and the pressure of labels. Known as both the class’s top scholar and star soccer player—earning the school record for most goals scored across both girls and boys teams—Estrada admitted the pressure weighed heavy at times.
“Behind every A I’ve gotten, every goal I’ve scored, there were countless hours of work,” she said. “I was so focused on getting the grades and maintaining the titles that I forgot to enjoy the process—but I’ve learned that labels don’t define us. At the end of the day, we are not our labels. We are our stories.”
Commander Ronny Armstrong recognized students who had enlisted for armed service, asking them to stand to thunderous applause.
“This community has a long history of supporting those who serve,” he said. “We thank you for what you are about to do.”
Several early college students also stood. Having completed internships and dual credit programs, many had already secured jobs starting as early as the following Tuesday.
“Like the phoenix, these students rose from adversity, stronger than ever,” Phoenix High School Principal Michelle Ruthven said. “They exemplify what it means to keep going.”
The crowd erupted as names were called—an iconic moment for each graduate as they crossed the stage to shake hands with district leaders. Every name brought cheers, tears and whistles. Some students walked slowly, savoring the moment, while others scanned the crowd and made sure to give family members a wave.
The excitement in the audience built with each passing row of graduates, and by the time the last names had reached the Zs, an eager hush had fallen.
After the last graduate crossed the stage, the Class of 2025 rose together, hands moving in unison to shift their tassels to the left—formally sealing their accomplishment.
