Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy celebrates graduating class of 2025

Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy held its commencement for the class of 2025, featuring student speeches, award presentations and the formal conferral of diplomas.

Principal Samantha Working opened the ceremony, welcomed families and introduced board members and district leaders. She reviewed logistical details for the event, thanked the district technology team for streaming the ceremony, and recognized graduates wearing cords and tassels marking honors, top 10% placement, CSF life membership, CTE completion and other distinctions.

ASB President Richard Aman reflected on the class’s experience returning to in-person school after the pandemic and encouraged classmates as they begin "the next chapter." Vice President Sierra Meredith urged graduates to "lead with kindness" and to take risks and be true to themselves.

Staff members presented a series of special awards. Melanie Miller Rodriguez received the Judith Cook Community Service Award for extensive volunteer work and leadership; two students, Ryan and Faith Posadas, were named recipients of the academic achievement award after completing multiple college-level courses and posting the highest GPAs in the class; Anthony Hernandez received the Eric P. Kepford CTE award for completing design and engineering pathways and earning Adobe certification; Brooke Maurice was presented the Elise P. Buckingham Award for exemplary character and service.

Superintendent Ed Santa Padre addressed the audience, praised graduates’ academic accomplishments and community service, and, as superintendent, verified that the students had completed the state and Vakavville Unified School District requirements needed to participate in commencement and receive diplomas.

Graduates were then called to the stage to receive diplomas as family members watched from the stands. The ceremony included musical performances and concluded with celebratory remarks and applause.