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Hawthorne High presents diplomas, awards at Class of 2025 commencement
Summary
Hawthorne High School held a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025 featuring student speakers, awards from the American Legion and a formal certification by the superintendent that graduates met state and district requirements.
Hawthorne High School held a commencement ceremony for its Class of 2025, during which student leaders delivered speeches, awards were presented by the American Legion and Superintendent Dr. Richard A. Sperito certified that the students met graduation requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Hawthorne Board of Education.
The ceremony featured remarks from student leaders and prize presentations. Salutatorian Yoel Eschhaus addressed classmates about handling uncertainty, telling graduates, "It's okay not to be ready," and urging them to step into new challenges. Valedictorian Grace Desario urged graduates to embrace unexpected moments and quoted Maya Angelou on the lasting power of how people feel about one another.
Principal Kevin Pfister presented the George L. Polmgren Award; the American Legion Post 199, represented by John Bertolo on behalf of Commander Doug Tennis, presented its School Awards to Alexis Palmer and Thomas Angelo Quintalis. The ceremony also recognized two graduates who will enter military service: John Carlos Emmanuel Sanchez Rubio (U.S. Marines) and Shamil K. Hina (U.S. Air Force).
Superintendent Dr. Richard A. Sperito formally certified that the students assembled had met the requirements for a high school diploma as set by the New Jersey Department of Education and the Hawthorne Board of Education. An announcer noted that diplomas would be distributed in Room 122 following the ceremony.
The program included musical performances by members of the school vocal ensemble and a full roll call of graduating students. The event recorded multiple presentations from faculty, board members and community partners, and concluded with the school alma mater from the Hawthorne High School band.
