North Pocono School District held its 2025 commencement ceremony for North Pocono High School’s Class of 2025, where student speakers, school leaders and a clergy member addressed graduates and their families.

The ceremony opened with senior chorus members Grace Beckish, Seree Bowen and Anastasia Kanjar, conducted by Evan Elefantis and Juliana Gragilla, and an invocation from Reverend Thomas Muldowney of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish. A school official led introductions of student officers before the presentation of medals to the salutatorian and valedictorian and the awarding of diplomas.

The salutatorian, Lisonbee Rocco, told classmates that their achievements reflect “the foundation that all of these women have built before me,” and asked graduates to “keep going” and “speak up for what you believe in.” Rocco also acknowledged the year’s losses: “This year, we lost one of our own, Noah Rinker,” she said, noting his place in the class’s shared memory.

Valedictorian Christian Siegel urged graduates to embrace change and responsibility, saying, “If God doesn’t play dice, neither should you,” and encouraged students to shape their own futures rather than leave them to chance.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Powell praised the class’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments and framed the diploma as a stepping stone to further opportunities. “A North Pocono education and the diploma you will receive tonight can take you anywhere,” Powell said, listing regional and national academic competitions in which students participated. He also recognized four students who had earned Eagle Scout rank and invited graduates who will enter U.S. military service to stand for recognition.

School leaders presented diplomas to the assembled graduates; the ceremony included the traditional turning of tassels led by class president Ella Jardine and the alma mater sung by student musicians.

The program emphasized both individual achievement and community ties: speakers highlighted academic honors, arts and athletics participation, vocational and extracurricular accomplishments, and students’ plans to attend a range of colleges and universities. Speakers repeatedly asked the graduating class to carry forward the district’s values of service and perseverance.

The ceremony concluded with the senior class’s formal recognition and the official presentation of graduates.