Arcadia High School celebrates class of 2025 with diploma awards and heartfelt advice

The Greece Arcadia Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place on June 27, 2025, in New York, celebrating the achievements of the graduating seniors. The event commenced with an inspiring address that emphasized the importance of embracing vulnerability, cultivating courage, and seizing opportunities.

The speaker shared four key pieces of advice aimed at guiding the graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. The first piece of advice encouraged students to embrace vulnerability and expression, highlighting the courage it takes to share one's inner world. The speaker referenced the wisdom of Agnes DeMille, noting that true beauty and power come from being open and authentic.

Next, the speaker urged the graduates to cultivate courage and persistence, drawing on personal anecdotes about their children. They quoted Winston Churchill, reinforcing the idea that success is not final and that the courage to continue is what truly matters. This message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and resilience.

The third piece of advice focused on seizing every opportunity, illustrated through a reference to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky's famous quote about missing shots. The speaker encouraged graduates to take risks and embrace the journey, reminding them that opportunities extend beyond immediate goals.

The ceremony also celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, noting their achievements in athletics, academics, and community service. The speaker expressed pride in the graduates' resilience and dedication, urging them to carry the spirit of a Titan into the world.

As the ceremony progressed, the awarding of diplomas began, with each graduate's name read aloud to ensure their moment was celebrated. The audience was reminded to maintain decorum during this significant moment, allowing each graduate to savor their achievement.

The event concluded with a symbolic moving of the tassel, marking the official graduation of the Class of 2025. The speaker congratulated the graduates once more, reinforcing the message that once a Titan, always a Titan. The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of the students' hard work and a hopeful send-off into their future endeavors.