After four years of anticipation – and an extra two hours due to a rainy delay – the Warrenton High School Class of 2025 finally walked across the stage on June 7 to receive their diplomas.

The brief delay did not dampen spirits. Instead, it simply gave the seniors more time to cherish their last moments together. 

The ceremony opened with senior Rebecca Spencer performing the National Anthem. Then, Assistant Principal Shelly Struckhoff welcomed and congratulated the graduating class of 228 students. 

“The Class of 2025 has truly led the high school and Warren County community,” Struckhoff said, highlighting the seniors’ fundraising efforts, community projects and their collective sum of more than $1.7 million in scholarships. 

“The journey ahead may be different for each of you, but the foundation you have built will carry you forward. You have the tools, resilience and heart to meet the future with confidence,” Struckhoff said. “One journey ends, but a greater one is about to begin.” 

Struckhoff then introduced keynote speaker and 2007 alumna Jessica Catron Pugh. 

In the 18 years since she sat in the same seats as this year’s graduates, Pugh has gone on to serve as a community assistance recovery support function coordinator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), helping communities recover from natural disasters.

“Today is a day that you made the choices to get to. The decisions and the commitments that brought you to sitting right here today. Every choice that you made has become a symbol of what today is,” Pugh said. 

Pugh shared two quotes to inspire the graduates. She first referenced lyrics by Kacey Musgraves: “I had to get away so I could grow, but it don’t matter where I’m going, I still call my hometown home.” 

Pugh reminded the class that no matter where life takes them and whatever choices they make, Warrenton will always be a part of who they are. 

She then spoke about embracing failure as they head into a new chapter of their lives, quoting Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

“Like your successes, the choices and decisions you make after those failures are what set you apart,” Pugh said. “Sometimes failure forces you to dream even bigger and go even farther than you could have ever imagined…so Class of 2025, when you fail, I can’t wait to see how you continue.”  

Before diplomas were awarded, one student received special recognition for academic excellence. Alice Briggs was honored as a National Merit Scholar, one of just 6,870 students nationwide to earn the distinction. 

Then, the anticipation felt for four years – and a two-hour bonus – had finally arrived. As graduates crossed the stage, some hugged school board members, others waved to loved ones in the audience, but all walked with a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

Closing the ceremony was senior Kadin Stroer, who delivered a humorous, but thoughtful final speech. Stroer started off by poking fun at some of his classmates and friends before offering a metaphor about sea turtles. 

Stroer described the life of a sea turtle, acknowledging that from birth they are alone without “the guidance of teachers, parents or mentors.” 

“A sea turtle is independent from birth, with no one to guide them. In our journey from this point forward, it may be very similar to theirs and it can be very terrifying,” Stroer said. 

Stroer emphasized the importance of connection and mentorship. 

“By yourself, you lift a rock. With others, you lift a boulder. Class of 2025, you have the choice, choose those who will guide you. Find an honorable mentor and be an honorable teacher, or you could end up like a sea turtle,” Stroer said. 

The evening wrapped up with cheers, hugs and a sea of red caps tossed into the air – marking the end of one chapter and the hopeful beginning of another.