Student speakers at Olathe East High School’s commencement emphasized presence, community and perseverance in remarks to the Class of 2025.

Hannah Lavender told classmates that life is “a compilation of moments” and urged graduates not only to remember big events but to value “the moments in between.” She closed with a call to presence: “Don’t see the moment, be the moment.”

Adam Hagan told graduates to embrace difficulty and to shape culture rather than be shaped by it. “We are called to be influencers, not influenced,” he said, and urged classmates to “do hard things” and “find community” after graduation.

Senior class president Dylan Gilbo offered a pragmatic reminder about choices and disappointment in the college process, quoting a friend: “A school doesn’t define how smart you are. You are allowed to be upset, but everything happens for a reason.” He mixed humor with gratitude — thanking counselors, administrators and, jokingly, “ChatGPT” for help with explanations — and urged peers to focus on opportunities ahead.

The speakers reflected a mix of nostalgia and forward-looking advice: savor present moments, accept discomfort as part of growth, and prioritize relationships as graduates move into college, the workforce or military service.