New Horizons High School presents Class of 2025 at commencement ceremony

Becky Hitchman, principal of New Horizons High School, presided over a commencement ceremony for the New Horizons class of 2025 at New Horizons High School, where students, staff and family members gathered to recognize graduates and present diplomas.

The ceremony highlighted the school’s RISE values — respect, integrity, safety and excellence — and the theme “Mission Possible,” which Principal Hitchman used to frame graduates’ varied journeys. “You chose courage over quitting, effort over excuses, growth over giving in,” Hitchman said, urging graduates to view graduation as “a launching pad.”

The program included a flag salute led by Adrienne Arbaisa and remarks from staff speaker Mrs. Brewster, who recognized graduates’ continued work after setbacks and noted that every graduate in the class had a plan for after high school. Student speaker Viridiana Gallegos Najera described returning to school while caring for young children and thanked staff members who supported her; she said, “no one is going to want this more than me, and nobody can make this happen but me.” Valedictorian David Novella reflected on family sacrifices and urged classmates to pursue their goals, saying, “Nothing is impossible.”

Superintendent Michelle Whitney formally presented the class for graduation and stated the students “have met all the graduation requirements, standards, and policies as set by the Pasco School District Board of Directors and the state of Washington.” Graduates moved their tassels from right to left and processed to receive diplomas; the ceremony concluded with a presentation of the New Horizons class of 2025 to the audience.

The event acknowledged Pasco School District Board of Directors members present, including Board President Amanda Brown and Vice President Dr. Steve Norberg, and named other board members and district staff in attendance. Principal Hitchman thanked teachers, counselors and support staff for their work with students.

The ceremony emphasized individual stories of resilience: staff and students recounted examples including teen parents who returned to school, students who overcame homelessness, and students who re-enrolled after academic setbacks. Mrs. Brewster highlighted that members of the graduating class were headed to a variety of next steps — college, the workforce, trade programs, military service and other paths — and asked the audience to celebrate each graduate’s achievement.

The graduation was ceremonial; no votes or board actions were recorded during the ceremony. The program closed after graduates exited the auditorium.