Huntington High School’s Class of 2025 Graduates

Huntington High School’s Class of 2025 received the sendoff that it so richly deserved as a standing room only crowd of about 2,000 turned out at Blue Devil Stadium for the high school’s 164th commencement exercises last Friday night.

The seniors marched into Blue Devil Stadium in parallel lines wearing blue caps and gowns. As the procession approached the packed grandstand cheers rang out. As the teenagers made their way to the center of the field where a stage had been erected and chairs were arranged in neat rows there weren’t many dry eyes in the crowd. Strains of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance, No. 1” echoed across the complex.

The early evening ceremony saw 307 seniors awarded diplomas. The commencement featured a series of heartfelt addresses by class members and school and district officials. The Class of 2025 claimed millions of dollars in awards and scholarships.

As the ceremony got underway, eleven senior members of the high school’s chamber choir performed a beautiful rendition of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner.”

The huge crowd completely filled every square inch of the massive grandstand and spilled out along the north and south sides of the structure, stretching around the fencing, with people sometimes standing three or four deep. The visiting side bleachers were also occupied.

It was a day for every Huntington graduate to feel the pride that comes with being an alum of what is believed to be the oldest free public high school in the state.

Seniors Samuel Soric (Boston University) and Iverson Menjivar Quintanilla (University of Tampa) served as masters of ceremony. The duo led the huge crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before eleven senior chamber choir vocalists sang the national anthem.

Class of 2025 president and vice president Nina Fascilla (American University) and Elizabeth James (Hofstra University), respectively, both addressed the crowd with heartfelt remarks before announcing the class gift to the school. A scholarship was endowed for a Class of 2026 member who participates in the student government.

“No matter what your beliefs are, everyone can agree that the world is becoming more polarizing, more hostile, more angry,” said salutatorian Nicholas Plachta, who is headed to Georgetown University to study public policy. “Now more than ever, this country and the world is in dire need for thinkers, educators, and leaders. We are the future; we are the next up to plate. If not us, then who? Let’s not end here. Let’s not let 13 years go to waste. Whether you're heading to college, starting work, or just figuring yourself out, let’s continue to learn, grow, and improve ourselves. Let’s take what we learned and continue to make the world a better place. Because if we don't, then what’s been the point of all of this?”

Valedictorian Isabella Careccia-Johnson, who plans to attend Northwestern University to study journalism with an emphasis on news, spoke from the heart and gave a flawless address with shoutouts to faculty members who have especially impacted her life.

“It is kindness that is the trait that is central to humanity,” Ms. Careccia-Johnson said. “Most of us have experienced the power of kindness firsthand, such as when a trusted individual supported us during a difficult moment. Through those times when we experienced this human connection, we were gifted with someone’s valuable time, wise advice, or simply the support of being heard. Those moments have been the most important lessons we leave Huntington High School with and carry into our next chapter. We each have people connected to these last four years whom we will remember for the rest of our lives - and stay connected to because of these interactions!

“During each phase of high school, there were people who demonstrated incredible kindness towards me. They are part of the reason I am standing before you here today. It is these individuals, and the lessons they have instilled in me, that I will keep in mind as I enter adulthood.”

The new graduates are destined for dozens of top-tier colleges and universities as well as vocational and technical schools, the US armed forces and immediate employment. They have excelled in every academic discipline as well as the fine and performing arts, mock trial, Virtual Enterprise business and robotics competitions and athletics while winning a variety of awards and honors.

“As you step into the next chapter of your lives, I want to leave you with something simple but powerful: be kind,” Huntington School Board Vice President Michele Kustera said. “In a world that often feels rushed, divided, and demanding, kindness is a quiet strength that can open doors, build bridges, and change lives—including your own. It costs nothing, but its value is immeasurable. Whether you’re heading to college, the workforce, or somewhere in between, remember that how you treat others, especially when no one’s watching, will speak louder than your résumé ever could. Choose kindness, not because it’s easy, but because it makes everything else more meaningful.”

The dais was filled with members of the Huntington School Board, district and high school officials and the top students in the Class of 2025.

Many of the seniors studied in the district for 13 years; since their first day of kindergarten. Others transferred into the district at some point and quickly became Blue Devils united in blue and white.

“Along the way, you discovered passions, through music in our award-winning programs, on our athletic fields, in our art studios, robotics spaces, theater stages, and countless other spaces where Huntington students shine” Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “You've made your mark, and you’ve done it with purpose and heart. And now, Class of 2025, you stand on the threshold of a brand-new chapter. As the world continues to evolve, and it will, hold tight to the relationships that ground you. The technology will change. The news cycle will change. Your job titles, locations, and even dreams may change. But the people who matter, and the values you carry from your Huntington experience, will always be your foundation.

“You are entering a future filled with opportunity. You have the tools, the education, and the emotional strength that only a journey like yours can offer. But above all, you have each other, and the love and support of an entire community that believes in you.”

Huntington Principal Rochelle C. Brown took delight in her first commencement, smiling and giving an uplifting address.

“Stay determined when life throws you curveballs; and it will,” said Ms. Brown in her commencement address. “But if I’ve learned anything watching you this year, it’s that you don’t give up. You press on and that grit will carry you far. Don’t be afraid to grow. Your dreams today may look different five years from now and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to evolve and redefine what success means to you. Continue to celebrate all of the victories both big and small. There were many victories this past year. Some were visible and some were quiet wins that no one else saw, but they all matter. Be the light in someone else’s story. You never know who’s watching, drawing strength from your resilience, your courage or your joy. You are more inspiring than you realize. Love your journey, love your careers, love your neighbors, and above all don’t forget to love yourselves. Because when love leads, everything else will fall into place.”

The 307 seniors sat attentively in their neatly arranged chairs throughout the ceremony. Many personalized the top of their caps with messages touching on the future and offering up thanks to special people in their lives.

Chairs were arranged on the track along the facade of the bleachers for those who were unable to climb into the grandstand.

Upon completion of the ceremony, parents, siblings and friends rushed the field, presenting flowers to the graduates and posing for an endless array of photos. Huntington’s newest alums didn’t seem to want to leave, realizing it was the last time the Class of 2025 will ever be together in one place.