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Natrona County High School awards diplomas to 404 graduates; valedictorian urges students to take risks
Summary
Natrona County High School held its 2025 commencement, recognizing 404 graduates, honoring retiring staff and student achievements. Valedictorian Khalil Brubaker urged graduates to take risks and stay involved in their communities.
Natrona County High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025, during which school leaders certified 404 students as meeting requirements for graduation and the Board of Trustees chair formally declared them prepared to receive diplomas.
Principal Erin Wilson welcomed families, recognized retiring staff and introduced district leaders before turning the ceremony to student speakers and performances. "There are 404 students in the class of 2025," Wilson said as she thanked staff, volunteers and music and cadet program leaders who participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony honored several long-serving staff members who were retiring the next day, and Wilson read their names and years of service, including Steve Grusendorf (40 years), Jarvis Bliss (34), Sharon Carlson (19), Jim Watson (30), Scott Marietta (31), Scott Underbrink (47) and Julie Erickson (31). Wilson asked the audience to join in congratulating them.
Student performances and speeches punctuated the event. Student council president Ryan Barthel and senior class president Gavin Bridal served as masters of ceremonies. Nikita Lavonne Kasher delivered a personal address titled "A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude," recounting a near-fatal car crash in 2023 and describing her recovery and return to athletics. Kasher said the experience taught her to appreciate small victories and the people who supported her.
Valedictorian Khalil Brubaker told classmates that participation in school life builds community and urged graduates not to let fear determine their choices. "Don't let fear make decisions for you," Brubaker said. He also encouraged peers to "be bold" and to pursue what fuels their passion.
Principal Wilson introduced Superintendent Angela Hensley and members of the Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees on stage, including Board Chairman Kevin Christofferson, and asked the board to confer the diplomas. Chairman Kevin Christofferson then announced the board's certification: "Having been certified by Principal Wilson as meeting all requirements for graduation by the authority vested in the Board of Trustees in Natrona County School District number 1, I declare the members of the class of 2025 prepared to receive their diplomas. Congratulations." The transcript does not record a roll-call vote or motion mover/second.
Wilson noted several student achievements and extracurricular successes this year: a successful Casper FFA chapter, state championships for the girls track and precision rifle teams, two seniors advancing in SkillsUSA culinary competitions, and a new Key Club active in community volunteering. She also said four students in the class were scheduled to report to service academies in the coming month.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional tassel change and closing music. Wilson closed by urging graduates to "chop wood, carry water," a reference to sustained effort and continual improvement.
No formal motions, budget decisions, ordinances or policy votes were recorded in the transcript; the board action recorded in the transcript was the ceremonial certification of graduates.
