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American Fork High graduates Class of 2025; student speakers stress connection, preparation
Summary
American Fork High School held its commencement for the Class of 2025. Student speakers emphasized the “power of moments,” character-building and relying on preparation; the Alpine School District board certified that graduates met district requirements. Faculty awards and a senior video were part of the ceremony.
American Fork — American Fork High School held commencement for the Class of 2025, bringing together students, families, district leaders and city officials for speeches, musical performances and the ceremonial conferral of diplomas.
Student body president Carly Haveli told classmates, “There is power in moments,” urging graduates to value the small connections they made in high school. Haveli, who conducted parts of the program, said her focus as student body president had been to build personal connections and encouraged seniors to “create your moments” as they leave high school.
Valedictorian Catherine Leach delivered a musical tribute and a speech that urged classmates to embrace unexpected challenges. Leach closed her remarks by telling graduates, “Time to put our hands on the keys and amaze ourselves.” Salutatorian Bryson Moyes and other student officers also spoke during the ceremony.
Principal Glenn quoted 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell in a charge to students, asking them daily to consider “how can I make my teammates better?” Glenn urged graduates to take responsibility for lifting others as they move on from high school.
Sarah Beeson, a member of the Alpine School District Board of Education, stood on the stage and said, “I certify that all of the graduates have completed all their requirements as set forth by Alpine School District and the Board of Education to graduate at this commencement.” That certification was presented as part of the program; no formal vote or other board action was recorded at the ceremony.
The program included musical performances (the national anthem sung by Cambria Hassler and American the Beautiful performed by valedictorian Catherine Leach), a senior video produced by students and staff advisor Braden Boss, and recognitions. The school recognized Lisa Blacker as employee of the year and Sean Johnson as teacher of the year; both were asked to stand during the ceremony.
Students and speakers noted extracurricular achievements from the year: the school raised more than $3,000 for families in need and several teams won state championships, including multiple titles cited during speeches. After remarks and the presentation of diplomas, graduates moved their tassels from the right side of the cap to the left to mark their new status as high school graduates, and the audience was asked to remain seated until graduates exited the arena.
The ceremony featured district officials and guests on the stage, including Mayor Brad Frost of American Fork and Alpine School District representatives Shane Farnsworth (superintendent), Doug Webb, Eric Woodhouse and executive director Craig Brinkerhoff. Speakers thanked teachers, families and staff and urged graduates to support one another as they begin the next stage of their lives.
Graduates were instructed to meet family members outside the arena once all students had exited. The program closed with the AF fight song and congratulations to the Class of 2025.
