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Pleasant Grove High holds 113th commencement; retirees honored and diplomas conferred
Summary
Pleasant Grove High School held its 113th commencement ceremony where school leaders, students and community members marked graduates’ achievements, recognized two retiring teachers and heard speeches from students and school officials before diplomas were presented.
Pleasant Grove High School conferred diplomas on its Class of 2025 in a commencement ceremony that brought students, families, staff and community leaders together at the Merrick Center. Speakers included Principal John Hanks, Alpine School District board member Dr. Mark Clement, student leaders and several senior class officers; two longtime teachers were honored for their retirements.
The ceremony blended formal recognition and student speeches. Principal John Hanks read the list of guests and staff on the stage and later certified that students named had “completed all of the requirements as set forth by the Alpine School District and the Board of Education to earn a diploma and graduate from Pleasant Grove High School,” a formal statement he delivered during the event. Dr. Mark Clement, a member of the Alpine School District board, addressed the graduates and accepted the class on behalf of the district.
Student leaders and honor graduates contributed several prepared remarks and musical performances punctuated the program. Senior class officers Ashley Day, Brielle Larson and Eliza Sedevy helped conduct proceedings; Gavin Jensen sang the national anthem and honor graduate Katie Siemens led the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior speakers, including Ember Oakleberry, Aurora Alba and Lucy Porter, and student body president Dane Jolly delivered addresses reflecting on teamwork, gratitude and next steps after high school.
The ceremony included formal recognition of staff. Two teachers who announced retirements, Susie Bird and Sid Hackford, were introduced and acknowledged for long service: Bird for two decades at Pleasant Grove and work teaching Spanish and serving Latinos in Action, and Hackford for 35 years in education with roles across Pleasant Grove and the district office. Principal Hanks and others described retirement tributes to each educator and noted their contributions to students and the school community.
Administrators also used the ceremony to note staffing changes: choir director Jim Wilcock was recognized for 27 years leading the program and for taking a new role supporting teachers. The program closed with the customary tassel turn and the principal’s presentation of the graduating class; Hanks and Dr. Clement presented diplomas and the graduates were formally released.
After the formal program, organizers reminded seniors about a school-sponsored senior event and logistical details for buses returning to the high school. The school asked audience members to remain seated while graduates exited in row order and thanked the families, staff and community members who attended.
The ceremony emphasized both celebration and community continuity: student addresses urged graduates to “pay it forward,” to remember teachers and parents who supported them, and to carry the school’s spirit into their next chapters. The program combined musical performances, student reflections and official district certification to close the high school chapter for the Class of 2025.
Community members who want records of the ceremony (full list of graduates, retiree tributes, and speeches) can contact Pleasant Grove High School or the Alpine School District for official files and transcripts.
