Student speakers urge service, resilience and community at Alta Vista commencement

Student speakers at Alta Vista Combined School's Class of 2025 commencement urged graduates to serve others, to value small everyday moments and to continue learning beyond high school.

Neil Harder, identified in the program as the 2025 National Honor Society president, opened remarks to the assembled graduates and families. "We've made it. Through 12 years of homework, dumb drama, new beginnings, and some endings, we made it through," Harder said. He thanked families, teachers and staff and urged classmates to "embrace the unknown, lean into change, and trust ourselves enough to jump in even when we don't know where the current leads."

Two extended student speeches followed. One speaker reflected on the value of service and small moments, urging graduates to be "a candle that sheds light onto those who cannot shine," to "enjoy the granules of sand" of daily life and to remain lifelong students. Speakers named several teachers and classmates in expressing gratitude and recommended practical approaches to failure and growth. Another student speaker highlighted individual achievements in the class and emphasized community roots at the combined school.

Remarks were ceremonial and personal; no policy proposals or administrative actions were made during the speeches. The student addresses were followed by the presentation of honors and the formal diploma conferral by school officials.