Emmett High School celebrates Class of 2025 at Tony Villanueva Field

Emmett High School held its Class of 2025 commencement June 6 at Tony Villanueva Football Field, where student leaders, a guest teacher-speaker and school administrators led remarks and the presentation of diplomas and academic awards.

ASB president Hallie Walker opened the student speeches: "Good afternoon, graduates, teachers who pretended to under understand our excuses, family who always asked about our grades, amazing faculty, and friends who somehow tolerated us for 4 years," Walker said, reflecting on the "small town feel of Emmett High" and urging classmates to remember their shared bonds.

ASB vice president Amina Smajic told classmates to carry the school's sense of community forward. "Be that person that makes a difference. Be the atrium in someone's life," Smajic said, using the school's "atrium" as a metaphor for the relationships that support students.

Guest speaker and former teacher Molly Yates connected the graduation date to a wider historical moment. Noting that the ceremony fell on June 6 — the anniversary of D-Day — Yates said, "You can't change sacrifices of our soldiers that they have made to protect your rights and your freedoms," and urged graduates to be "contributing, productive members of society."

Valedictorian Jenny Hammond reflected on the school's 12-year arc for the class and encouraged classmates to "savor this moment" as they become alumni. Principal Larry Parks, joined by Stu Peterson and Gonzalo Valdez Blanco, presented the diplomas and read the names of graduates, recognizing students who earned honors including National Honor Society membership and summa/magna laude distinctions. Several students were identified as grand marshals for maintaining near-perfect GPAs.

Senior class president Shelby Hemphill closed the student addresses and led the traditional tassel turn. Hemphill said, "Give yourself some grace as we begin this next chapter of our lives," before the seniors moved their tassels and tossed caps.

The ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by the school band under the direction of Brandy Kaye, an invocation of the school community by master of ceremonies Alex Barrett, and logistical remarks from school staff directing graduates and families after the presentation.

The event focused on student reflections, community recognition and the formal award of diplomas and honors; no school board actions or policy decisions were part of the ceremony.