Sky Ridge graduates class of 2025; district superintendent honored

Sky Ridge High School held its commencement for the class of 2025 at the Marriott Center, where students delivered speeches, the Sky Ridge band performed, and Alpine School District Superintendent Shane Farnsworth was publicly thanked as he moves toward retirement.

The ceremony’s themes included community, resilience and “lifting others.” Avery Alger, senior class president, opened the program and introduced three student speakers named on the program: Matthew Smith, Adrian Frederick and Natalie Daley. Alger told classmates to “lift others as you rise,” urging graduates to value relationships over titles.

Matthew Smith, identified in the program as a senior speaker, reflected on leadership and inclusion, saying that “true impact isn't measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the relationships we build.” Another senior described long-term medical challenges and recovery, and a third senior reflected on finding belonging in school; the program listed those three students as speakers but did not provide additional biographical details beyond their remarks.

Principal John Wallwork recognized several individual students by name, noting Lily Clark, Blake Erickson, Julieta Jimenez and Calvin Smith for academic or personal achievements. Wallwork thanked Farnsworth for nearly 30 years in education and for supporting him personally, saying, “Doctor Farnsworth, enjoy your retirement. You've certainly earned it, and you definitely deserve it.” School board vice president Stacy Bateman formally accepted the class on behalf of the Alpine School District Board of Education.

The ceremony included musical performances: the senior class sang the national anthem and the Sky Ridge band performed a rendition of the Star Wars theme. Organizers showed a senior video produced by students and concluded with the school song; graduates exited the stadium through the tunnel three rows at a time. Attendees were told they could meet family and friends outside the Marriott Center after the ceremony.

The program also recognized 16 Falcon Scholars — students who earned a cumulative 4‑year GPA of 3.9 or higher and completed rigorous coursework including AP and concurrent-enrollment classes — and noted individual student achievements such as one graduate with 55 college credits. Several teachers and staff were named from the stage and thanked for their roles in students’ success.

No formal votes or policy actions were part of the program. The ceremony proceeded as a school commencement with student presentations, staff recognitions and musical performances.