At a commencement ceremony at the John M. Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus, West High School recognized its Class of 2025 with student speeches, district remarks and the traditional tassel turn to mark completion of diploma requirements.

Principal Coley, speaking for West High School, framed the ceremony as both a celebration of traditions and student achievement, noting the school's history and this year's academic and extracurricular highlights. “West High School is the oldest high school in the state of Utah,” Principal Coley said, and she listed accomplishments including a Red Rocks robotics team that finished in the top 5% globally, students who won national STEM competitions and seniors earning IB and AP diplomas and industry certificates.

Student speakers described personal journeys to graduation and thanked family and school staff. Asher Lucas, student body president, urged classmates to stay present: “I encourage you to be in the moment, not to be thinking about the past, not to be worrying about the future,” he said. An unnamed refugee student said she was the first in her family to graduate and will attend the University of Utah on a scholarship. Lizette Hernandez Cortez, another student speaker, credited her mother’s work at the school and said she is leaving with a full-ride scholarship for college.

A member of the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education formally accepted the graduating class on behalf of the board, saying, “because they have met all of the requirements necessary to receive a high school diploma in the state of Utah, I am honored to accept the West High School class of 2025 on behalf of the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education.” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Grant and other district leaders were recognized during the ceremony.

The program also included recognition of faculty and staff and announcements of individual honors; speakers repeatedly thanked custodial staff, teachers and coaches for their support. The ceremony closed with the traditional instruction for graduates to move their tassels from right to left to signify graduation and the announcement of post-commencement plans and reunions.

About the speakers: remarks came from school leaders and multiple student speakers sharing personal stories, awarding academic and extracurricular honors and celebrating scholarships and college plans. Several speakers emphasized West High’s diversity and long history while urging graduates to pursue higher education, service or other postsecondary paths.