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Newfield High presents Class of 2025; valedictorian Dea John and salutatorian Josh Singh deliver addresses
Summary
The Middle Country Central School District Board of Education accepted Newfield High School's Class of 2025 during the commencement ceremony, where valedictorian Dea John and salutatorian Josh Singh delivered speeches and six graduates announced enlistments in the U.S. armed forces.
The Middle Country Central School District Board of Education accepted Newfield High School’s Class of 2025 during the school’s commencement ceremony, which included the presentation of colors by the Selden Fire Department, the pledge of allegiance led by student body president Dea John, and the national anthem sung by Thomas Lasher.
The acceptance of the graduating class came after opening remarks and introductions by the ceremony host, who also announced district and school leaders on the dais, including Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerald and Board President Dawn Chirac. The ceremony featured addresses by salutatorian Josh Singh and valedictorian Dea John, readings of the graduates’ names, and a moment recognizing six students who signed contracts to serve in branches of the U.S. military.
The salutatory address by Josh Singh, identified as Newfield High School’s 2025 salutatorian, focused on supporting peers and staying present for others. Singh urged classmates to “Be that person. Be the person who stays, the 1 who listens, the 1 who doesn't need a reason to care,” and described how a friend’s refusal to walk away helped him through a difficult period.
Dea John, introduced as Newfield High School’s 2025 valedictorian, told classmates that the diploma marks a doorway rather than a finish line. John thanked family, friends and teachers, and urged graduates to “be the voice that is kind” and to show up for others as they move into their next chapters.
During the ceremony the Selden Fire Department presented the colors and the pledge of allegiance was led by Dea John. Thomas Lasher performed the national anthem before the presentation of diplomas. The ceremony host read the names of graduates in a roll call; the transcript records many names called during the diploma distribution (full class list not repeated here). The ceremony also recognized six students who have signed enlistment contracts: Daniela Almond Martinez (U.S. Navy), Lewis Fernandez (U.S. Marine Corps), Miracle Marcus (U.S. Navy), Tara Rigby (U.S. Navy), Logan Squillis (U.S. Army) and Janiyah Williams (U.S. Navy).
A representative of the Board of Education formally stated, "The board of education accepts the graduating class of 2025." The diploma distribution then proceeded and the ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of tassels and a closing declaration.
The event served as a community milestone for Newfield High School and the MIDDLE COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, featuring student speeches that emphasized empathy, presence and mutual support as graduates move to college, careers, vocational training, or military service.
