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JUNE 19, 2025
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
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Congratulations Class of 2025!
‘Try everything’ BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer
The Class of 2025, top, take their seats at the Champlain Valley Union High School Graduation ceremony Friday at UVM’s Patrick Gym. Top right, Sofiia Hordenko, a student from Ukraine, gives the welcome address. Jacob Tischler, below, actor and former CVU student, speaks to the class. Left, Lauren Knudsen (R) and Chase Leonard give the farewell address. See more pictures on Page 4. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
On Friday the 13th — a day of great superstition, and this year, unseasonably cold and windy weather — great warmth and comfort could still be found at the University of Vermont’s Patrick Gymnasium with the graduation ceremony of Champlain Valley Union High School’s Class of 2025. The ceremony was kicked off by a procession of the graduates in their red caps and gowns, led by three bagpipers and a drummer. As they made their way to their seats, family members waved down from their seats in the bleachers, and the graduates waved back. Principal Katherine Riley was the first to speak, reflecting on how graduations, among many other things, also represent “one final chance to be together.” CVSD Superintendent Adam Bunting spoke next, asking the graduates to stand and point to someone in the crowd who had helped them get here today. Looking out over the sea of fingers pointing to loved ones all across the room, Bunting urged the seniors to “carry this moment with you,” as they move on to whatever comes next. Then came Sofiia Hordenko’s speech. Hordenko, was one of just a handful of students chosen to study abroad from Ukraine after her school was destroyed by a missile. She had intended to only stay for a year, but as the war in Ukraine continued, she decided to stay longer, and was unable to go back to visit her home or
see her family. Hordenko reminded the crowd that “everything you want is on the other side of fear,” and that, if you work hard enough, “you can transform all your fear and doubts into courage.” Hordenko’s mom, who she had only recently been reunited with after three years, was present at the graduation ceremony. As the ceremony continued, senior speakers Wade Nichols and Mira Novak reflected on the moments of laughter and care that had stuck with them from their high school experience. The Class of 2025 gift was presented by Thomas Mathon and Hannah Stein. The gift includes a $2,000 donation to CVU’s alternative education program, as well as a $9,000 donation to a CVU travel program scholarship fund, making school travel opportunities more accessible to those who cannot afford them. More donations to this fund can be added by the community by reaching out to CVSD administration. This year’s commencement speaker was acclaimed actor and writer Jacob Tischler. With his juggling pins in hand, Tischler encouraged the Class of 2025 to “try everything” as they go out and face the unknown. Mistakes are okay, and perfection is impossible; all they have to do is try. Finally, the graduates were presented and their diplomas were awarded, the crowd cheering as each senior crossed the stage. There were smiles of pride, joy and perhaps a little relief all across the gymnasium; this chapter was over, and a new one was starting.
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