Families and friends packed the Dolores High School gymnasium to celebrate 26 graduates walking across the stage on a bright Friday afternoon.
“Close, energetic, dedicated, and resilient” are a few of the words that the Dolores Class of 2025 would describe themselves.
Co-salutatorian Kiera LaRose said she is proud and excited for her fellow graduates to explore different life paths beyond high school.
“I’ve known these people since elementary school and the path everyone’s chosen – whether that’s college, trade school, the workforce or cosmetology – it’s all been things that fit that each person well,” LaRose said. “They’re working toward their goal and it’s super cool to see.”
The graduating class highlighted students’ extracurricular activities and school milestones. One graduate, Michael Nielson, participated in football, basketball, track, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, and student government. He was also part of Dolores High School’s first baseball team in years.
“Having baseball back here feels like an achievement,” Nielson said. “To leave something for the underclassmen, it’s like a legacy thing.”
Valedictorian Elia Lowe said she was proud of the perseverance of her classmates.
“I’m proud of all that we accomplished as a group. We’ve been able to handle difficulties together.”
The Dolores Board of Education entered the gymnasium first, followed by the graduates, who walked one by one to loud cheers from the attendees. Justice Eubanks then took the stage to perform the national anthem before Superintendent, Alesa Reed, shared a few words of encouragement.
“As you move forward, embrace challenges and opportunities for growth, be kind, build humanity rather than fracture it and find commonalities with people and stay curious.”
In her speech, she reminded students that graduation is just one chapter in their lives, encouraging them to keep growing, approach the future with an open mind, and use the skills they gained in school to continue learning. She also expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, and mentors for their support in helping students reach this milestone.
Class President Siena Parr, then addressed her fellow graduates, speaking about the individual growth that brought them to graduation.
“I’m proud of you for waking up this morning and looking at the sky, and saying ‘I’m going to do this today,’” Parr said. “I’m proud of you for taking in the pain, discomfort, the noise, acknowledging it, letting it shape you, and then moving on.”
Student Body President, Isla Vaughn, reflected on shared memories with the small but close graduating class, recalling their first overnight field trip to Crow Canyon, PJ movie day, their third grade classroom restaurant, a sixth grade trip to Moab, and challenges during COVID. She said because of those moments, the class is closer than ever and knows they embody qualities that will help them prosper.
“After spending the last 14 years or so with this class, I know the traits that will help us succeed wherever we go,” Vaughn said. “Determination, compassion, empathy, intelligence, respect, maturity, and the list goes on.”
Science teacher, David Hopcia, delivered the keynote address, making a memorable and unexpected entrance to the sound of U2’s “Beautiful Day.” While he said the song choice added a touch of humor, it was also intentional, chosen to reflect the significance and optimism of the occasion.
“It’s a declaration that joy is still possible when the world feels broken…,” Hopcia said. “Each of us has the power to choose what kind of day to make of it. I absolutely love that song because to me, every day is a beautiful day.”
In his speech, Trayton Traweek spoke about his best friend and late classmate Jesse “J.D.” Minor. Traweek said to defy the limitations set by the world and told his graduating class to carry forward the hope and passion that Jesse exuded.
“I want us to carry that same unreasonable hope that Jesse had,” he said. “That passion, that fire, that spark that never allowed the world to tell J.D. who to be,” Traweek said. “There will be days that feel too heavy, days where everything inside of you wants to give up, but remember you already made it through things others couldn’t even imagine.”
The ceremony also featured a slideshow highlighting each student with baby photos, superlatives, extracurricular involvement, and moments captured throughout the school year, celebrating their journey and achievements.
In his first year as principal, Matthew Walker expressed his admiration for the leadership demonstrated by the senior class and shared his hope that they will continue to embrace learning beyond high school.
“I hope they never stop learning, and they continue their quest for knowledge and shedding light on the truth of the world.”
To view or purchase photos of all the graduates, visit photographer Matthew Tangeman’s website at https://matthewtangemanphoto.pixieset.com
