South Colonie celebrates Class of 2025, highlights resilience and new 'Wolfpack' identity

Dr. David Perry, superintendent of the South Colonie Central School District, addressed graduates at Colonie Central High School during the district's 2025 commencement, praising the Class of 2025 for perseverance through recent disruptions and formally urging graduates to carry their community's values forward.

The ceremony brought together district leaders, student speakers and families to mark the end of students' K–12 education and to celebrate the first senior class to “officially represent the Wolfpack,” a new district identity referenced by Perry and other speakers. Perry told graduates, "you did it," and closed his remarks with a rallying "Go Wolfpack."

Speakers used the ceremony to place this year's graduating class in local context: the superintendent and board leaders noted disruptions and adaptations in recent years and framed the class's achievements as both personal and communal. The messages delivered by district leaders and student speakers focused on resilience, growth and practical advice for life after high school.

Dr. Perry, superintendent, opened by congratulating graduates and saying the class "faced many challenges, you've adapted to change, and you've moved forward." He framed the Wolfpack identity as continuity with the district's stated values—"academic achievement, personal wellness, character, and community."

Stephanie Cogan, president of the Board of Education, urged graduates to "be the coffee bean," invoking a parable assigned to students and board members this year. Cogan offered practical guidance about personal finance and planning, telling graduates to "live below your means," "pay off the total balance" on credit cards and to participate in employer retirement plans early. Those suggestions were framed as practical steps for long-term security rather than district policy.

Student speakers echoed themes of risk-taking and adaptation. Veil Yang, senior class president, recounted initial hesitation about taking leadership roles and urged classmates to "be brave, and even if you fall, be brave enough to take the leap again." Vian Li, another student speaker, said the district taught "fault tolerance," defining the term as "a system's ability to continue functioning properly even when one or more of its components is compromised," and urged peers to lean on each other and continue taking risks. Tyshawn Cody reflected on returning to full in-person schooling after the pandemic and said the class should "embrace" an uncertain future.

District and building leaders also used the ceremony to thank staff and volunteers who supported the event. Colleen Bullock, identified as the graduation coordinator, and other staff were singled out by multiple speakers for organizing and supporting the ceremony. Melissa Judge, senior class principal, addressed families and students, emphasizing community support and the ongoing relationship between graduates and the district.

The program included the presentation of honor graduates in multiple categories (noted in the ceremony as 98% or higher and 95% or higher) and a long roll call of graduates by name. Speakers and the program noted that detailed Hall of Fame biographies and other materials were available in the printed program and on the district website.

Looking ahead, speakers asked graduates to carry the district's sense of belonging into their next steps—college, work, military service or other paths—and to remain connected to the South Colonie community. The ceremony concluded with the traditional tassel turn and collective congratulations for the Class of 2025.

The district did not present formal votes or policy actions at the ceremony; remarks were ceremonial and celebratory in nature.