HUNTSVILLE, Texas — The Huntsville High School class of 2025 earned $5,200,000 in scholarships and were formally certified as candidates for graduation during commencement at Johnson Coliseum, Superintendent Dr. Scott Shepherd said.

Shepherd said the scholarship total, recognized students who will join the U.S. military and announced a leadership change at the high school: Principal Paul Trevino has been promoted to an assistant superintendent role within Huntsville Independent School District.

"This year's seniors earned an astounding $5,200,000 in scholarships," Dr. Scott Shepherd said during his remarks, praising students' recruitment by colleges and the armed services.

Shepherd asked students planning to enter any branch of the armed forces to stand so the ceremony could recognize them. He also acknowledged board and district leaders on the stage, including Board of Trustees President Ken Holland and other trustees and administrators introduced before commencement.

The district recorded a formal certification before diplomas were distributed. By the authority vested in me by the state of Texas and the Huntsville Independent School District Board of Trustees, I hereby certify all individuals seated before us today have met or exceeded the requirements to participate in this graduation ceremony, and it is my pleasure to officially declare you candidates for graduation from Huntsville High School," Shepherd said, declaring the class candidates for graduation under the authority cited.

In his remarks, Shepherd singled out Principal Paul Trevino, noting that while this was Trevino's last graduation as principal, he will continue working in the district in the new assistant superintendent post.

Graduates were directed to move their tassels from the right to the left in preparation to receive diplomas and later exit to the appointed destination outside the coliseum. The ceremony also included salutatorian and valedictorian addresses and a full reading of graduates' names, many identified as Walker County Scholars.

The announcements at commencement were ceremonial and administrative: the scholarship total and personnel change were stated by district leaders at the ceremony, and the superintendent formally certified that students met the graduation requirements established by the Texas Education Agency and Huntsville Independent School District.

Guests were asked to remain seated while graduates exited; the district encouraged families to meet graduates at the designated outdoor location following the ceremony.