Class of 2025: Team Players and Difference-Makers

Education was making a shift from the moment this year’s eighth grade class began their middle school experience. With an increased focus on innovative technology, individualized lessons, and social-emotional wellbeing in past years, students who began some of the stereotypically “tough” years of school during this time have grown to show resilience and unparalleled community spirit.

The Class of 2025 has risen above challenges to make their mark on an increasingly interconnected world. They are problem solvers and openly communicate their feelings in productive, positive ways, shining an optimistic light on their paths.

Michelle Yee Jinayon, science teacher at Roy Cloud School, said this upbeat attitude has a great impact in the school community. 

“The grade eight students will surely be ready to face the hurdles of high school and they can be a positive influence to their peers,” she said. “They can surely set a good example of how a student can succeed academically.” 

She added that students unite one another through campus activities such as Spirit Week, Associated Student Body, and peer tutoring.

David Novo, 8th Grade PE teacher at McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT), echoed sentiments about students’ community spirit. 

“The group I have likes being leaders and mentoring younger students that are in 6th and 7th grade,” he said, adding that they have a drive to succeed. “They want to become better learners.  They are very clever with technology.  Kind, smart, and creative defines this group.”  

This year’s graduates support one another and show empathy, said Susan Novikoff, English language arts (ELA) and social studies teacher at Hoover Community School.

Among the students’ many attributes, Novikoff said some of their defining qualities are their positive influence on those around them, and their dedication to each other, to education and to their community. 

“This is along with the strong bonds made here at Hoover that will help with new, and what could be challenging relationships, and how to handle difficult situations out in the big world,” she said. “The social skills most of these 8th graders have are a  strength that will see them through many situations, easy and challenging.”

The North Star Academy eighth grade teaching team also commended this year’s graduating class for their adaptability, stating that their flexibility allows them to adjust to dynamic situations, said Principal Erin Kekos. 

The Gryphons of the Class of 2025 also exemplify kindness and community spirit. As part of their graduation gift, these students engaged in a meaningful act of service by writing heartfelt postcards to the incoming 3rd-grade class. Each postcard carried words of encouragement and support, reflecting the Gryphons’ commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for future students. The school proudly mailed these messages to the rising 3rd graders.

With a sharp focus on academics and perseverance, the Clifford Dolphins students are independent thinkers with broad horizons in the future. 

Katrina Zak, sixth to eighth grade advanced mathematics teacher at Clifford School, said her graduating students describe themselves as diverse, unique, energetic and inclusive–all attributes they use to provide a positive social and learning environment.

“The eighth grade students create a positive community and desire connectivity to the world they live in, and the people in it,” she said. “They will be bold in their endeavors while also being creative and humorous as they venture into their next chapter of life.  As an adult in their community, they give me hope for the future and inspire me to be a better person.” 

MIT teacher Enrique Coon also added a message of hope, stating that the graduating Class of 2025 is one of leaders and thinkers. 

“I am so excited for this class of kids to get to high school so they can explore even more deeply who they are and what brings them joy,” Coon said. “The more they can do that, the greater leaders they will be in college, career, and beyond. I hope their growth and work will lead to greater justice and problem-solving for their communities, passion for their careers, and hope for us all!”  

The Class of 2025 has many unique and inspiring qualities—all of which add up to students that will assuredly make a difference and a mark in this world. Congratulations to this year’s graduating class!