Bridgewater-Raynham crowns Class of 2025; top graduates, speeches emphasize kindness, perseverance

Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School held its 2025 graduation ceremony, honoring the Class of 2025, recognizing academic standouts and several seniors who will enter military service.

Principal Watson opened the ceremony and introduced student and staff speakers. Ryan Powers, superintendent of schools, presented academic recognitions and named the top three graduates: Patrick J. Chisholm (ranked third), Cole Patrick Bridges (ranked second and class president), and Gianna Toomey (valedictorian). Powers said, “Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way.”

Gianna Toomey, the class valedictorian, told classmates that small, persistent acts can change the world and urged them to carry kindness forward. Quoting Amelia Earhart, Toomey said, “a single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” She framed hope and steady effort as the drivers of long-term change.

Cole Patrick Bridges, class president and salutatorian, reflected on memories from school life — traditions, extracurriculars and close friendships — and urged classmates to pause and appreciate the present. In a moment referencing a lyric he said many graduates will recognize, Bridges told peers, “You may not know it now, but you're gonna miss this.”

Patrick J. Chisholm, the student who delivered the welcome address, offered three short maxims drawn from his experience in the Rainwater Players’ musical theater program: “Do it again. Keep it classy, and trust the process,” advice he said is meant to guide graduates through future challenges and uncertainties.

The ceremony also recognized seniors who will enter military service after graduation. Superintendent Powers called names for students enlisting in branches including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Naval ROTC; the school thanked those students and their families for choosing service.

Speakers and staff repeatedly thanked teachers, support staff, coaches and families for their roles in students’ education. The list of graduates was then presented, and the ceremony concluded with the official conferral of diplomas and final remarks from Principal Watson.

The ceremony emphasized remembrance of shared school traditions, the importance of resilience, and sustained kindness as graduates move to college, careers or military service. Several speakers noted specific college plans for top graduates: Chisholm plans to attend Williams College; Bridges will attend Wake Forest University; Toomey will attend Boston University.

A full printed list of graduates and individual recognitions was read during the ceremony.