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East Saint Louis Senior High confers diplomas to Class of 2025; students awarded $36 million in scholarships
Summary
East Saint Louis Senior High School’s Class of 2025 was presented diplomas after meeting Illinois State Board of Education requirements; district and school leaders highlighted more than $36 million in scholarship offers and honored top scholars and a valedictorian.
East Saint Louis Senior High School on May 2025 presented diplomas to its Class of 2025 after school officials said graduates met the requirements set by the Illinois State Board of Education.
The conferral came when Principal Dr. Britney Green presented the class and asked Superintendent Arthur Culver to join her; School Board President Timothy Lockett accepted certification that the students had met state requirements and declared them graduates. "I would like to present to you the class of 2025 who have met all graduation requirements according to the Illinois State Board of Education, class of 2025," Dr. Green said. President Lockett responded, "Yes. I do."
The certification was followed by remarks from Superintendent Arthur Culver, who said the graduating students had earned more than $36,000,000 in scholarship offers, including $21,000,000 in academic scholarships. "These young men and women have earned over $36,000,000 in scholarships. Phenomenal," Culver said.
School leaders recognized the district’s top 10 scholars by GPA, led by Kenneth Jordan Taylor, the valedictorian, with a reported 4.618 GPA. Patience Prude, the salutatorian, introduced Taylor before he delivered the valedictory address. In his speech Taylor thanked family and staff, urged classmates to "stay confident," and closed, "Where will your legacy be? Congratulations again to this awesome class of 2025. We did it."
The ceremony also included a recognition and posthumous diploma presentation for deceased graduates. School leaders asked the dais to stand for the new graduates and directed the traditional tassel turn.
Background: Principal Dr. Green explicitly linked the conferral to compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education graduation requirements, and School Board President Lockett’s acceptance served as the formal acknowledgment that the listed students met those standards.
