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Windsor Forest High School certifies 132 graduates; Educate Chatham names inspirational teacher
Summary
Windsor Forest High School held its 2025 commencement where school leaders certified 132 graduates, named a salutatorian and valedictorian, and the Educate Chatham Foundation presented a $1,000 inspirational educator award to Brooklyn Howard.
Windsor Forest High School held its commencement for the Class of 2025 onstage at the school on Thursday, where school leaders certified 132 seniors as graduates and the Educate Chatham Foundation presented a $1,000 inspirational educator award to Brooklyn Howard.
The ceremony included the presentation of colors, the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Janiyah Oliver, the cadet battalion commander for Windsor Forest High School JROTC, and student remarks from Jamelle Rodriguez, student council president. Principal Brooks certified the graduating class, saying, “Having met the requirements of the Savannah Chatham County Board of Education and the Board of Education of the State of Georgia, I hereby declare by the power vested in me that you, the Class of 2025, are graduates of the Savannah Chatham County Public School System.”
Why it matters: the Savannah–Chatham County Board of Education’s certification legally recognizes the students’ completion of state and district graduation requirements and allows graduates to receive diplomas and related benefits. The ceremony also highlights postgraduation plans: school leaders reported that 132 seniors will attend 29 different four‑year colleges, technical schools or trade schools; 34 graduates have plans to enter the U.S. armed forces; and 44 graduates intend to enter the workforce directly.
Most of the ceremony followed traditional commencement format: student speakers, faculty recognition and roll call of graduates. Jamelle Rodriguez, student council president, opened remarks to the audience including Superintendent Dr. Watts and Board of Education President Mr. Moss, thanking teachers and families “for your love and constant support.” The class named Tristan Doan as salutatorian; Doan will enroll at the Georgia Institute of Technology to study aerospace engineering. The class named Selena Bridal as valedictorian; she plans to study animal sciences at the University of Georgia and was noted in the program for work with the Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center.
The Educate Chatham Foundation, a district fundraising partner that provides classroom grants, presented its annual inspirational educator award during the ceremony. Ashley Dubois, a member of the Educate Chatham Foundation board, said the foundation provides a $1,000 grant for the winning teacher’s classroom. Dubois announced Brooklyn Howard as this year’s recipient.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from district leaders and the Windsor Forest alma mater. No policy actions or votes were taken; the event was ceremonial and the certification of graduates was presented as an administrative act by school leadership.
Details: the program included a roll call style reading of graduate names and several student speeches reflecting on the class’s shared experience returning to in‑person learning after virtual instruction. Principal Brooks noted the class included students who will pursue higher education, military service and immediate employment, and urged graduates to carry forward qualities such as resilience and kindness as they enter their next steps.
