Arlington valedictorians urge perseverance, risk-taking and savoring daily moments in commencement addresses

Three students named as valedictorians for Arlington High School’s Class of 2025 delivered addresses at the June 12 commencement, each focusing on different themes for the graduating class.

Hudson Younger opened the valedictorian portion by thanking peers, staff and families and mixing humor with advice. “I wanna start today by saying every person here is talented and I'm humbled to be allowed to speak today,” Younger said. He advised persistence and resilience and closed with a repeated, informal motto: “just keep swimming.”

Leighton Martin, another valedictorian, centered his remarks on gratitude and the value of taking risks. Martin relayed advice he solicited from staff members, encouraging classmates to “try something new” and to accept that “everything happens for a reason.” He highlighted specific staff influences by name and urged graduates to give back to those who supported them.

Emma Griffith, the final valedictorian to speak, urged classmates to cherish everyday moments rather than only milestone achievements. “I have this insatiable need to be great, to be the best,” Griffith said, and went on to describe learning to notice “the moments that we never thought would matter.” She closed by asking graduates to “pause, take a deep breath, and remember that the day you're in is the moment.”

The program listed four valedictorians — Emma Griffith, Leighton Martin, Connor Tolsman and Hudson Younger — and three delivered speeches during the ceremony. The evening also included musical performances and other formal remarks from school leaders and the district superintendent.

Speakers' comments were given during the scheduled commencement program; no policy decisions or formal board actions were made in conjunction with the speeches.