Superintendent Gill certified that the members of Southeast High School’s Class of 2025 met the graduation requirements of Springfield Public Schools District 186 and the state of Illinois, and the principal recommended they be awarded diplomas during the school’s commencement ceremony.

The announcement came as Cody Trigg, principal of Southeast High School, addressed graduates and guests and noted “The 250 members of the graduating class” as he recommended awarding diplomas. Superintendent Gill followed by stating, “I certify that these graduates have fulfilled the graduation requirements of the Springfield Public School District 186 and the state of Illinois. I hereby accept the class of 2025 and recommend that they be given their diplomas.” The ceremony did not record a board vote on the recommendation.

Senior class president Talaya Williams opened the student remarks, congratulating classmates and saying, “We finally made it to the end of our high school chapter.” Evelyn Monahan, salutatorian, reflected on community and support in her remarks: “We made it. I am honored to speak to you today, a milestone that marks not only an ending but a beginning.” Valedictorian Jada Jackson thanked family, staff and mentors and said she gives “honor to God” for helping her reach the moment.

Trigg framed graduation as both an academic milestone and a measure of character, urging graduates to lead with “kindness, empathy, and integrity.” He also recognized students who have enlisted in the military: Josh Frankie Watkins and Noah Poole (Army), Maya Ashenfelter (Air National Guard), and Dominic Porter (Navy). The principal invited veterans and those enlisting to stand for recognition during the ceremony.

Ceremonial elements included the posting of colors by Southeast JROTC, student speeches by the class officers and honor students, the customary tassel turn, and the recessional directions to collect diplomas. Trigg formally recommended awarding diplomas; the superintendent’s certification served as the district and state attestation that requirements were met. No formal board action or recorded vote on the recommendation was noted in the transcript.

Following the certification and student recognition, graduates were instructed to recess to the back of the venue to receive their diplomas.