News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Friday, Angellica Laurilla, Class of 2025 Salutatorian, is seen walking out of the Atlanta Community Schools gymnasium holding flowers given to her by family and friends. Laurilla joined her classmates to celebrate their high school achievements with family, friends, and school faculty.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Community Schools graduating class of 2025 celebrated the completion of their high school careers Friday night in the high school gymnasium.

Susan Grulke, superintendent of Atlanta Community Schools, acknowledged the achievements attained by the graduating class.

“Class of 2025, you’ve shown us what it means to work hard to support one another and to lead with purpose,” Grulke said. “In a world that often seems to move too fast, you’ve reminded us that true impact starts at home. In the classrooms, in the locker rooms, in small towns like yours, you’ve made the school and community proud.”

Additionally, Grulke advised the graduates not to ignore opportunities.

“You are leaving a legacy here,” Grulke said. “Your younger peers are already inspired by what you have accomplished. So as you move on to the next chapter in your life, I want you to be aware of the doors ahead of you. Don’t be afraid to open those doors.”

Salutatorian Angelica Laurilla took the stage after diplomas were given and after Laurilla’s mother presented her with her salutatorian medallion. Laurilla spoke about moving to the United States from the Philippines five years ago and the support her peers gave her throughout the transition.

“The first time I met my classmates, they were very welcoming and full of admirable students,” Laurilla said. “I couldn’t be any more grateful that they were my classmates. The teachers were super friendly and helped guide me through these new subjects.”

Laurilla reflected on how well she was able to acclimate to her new environment with the help of her classmates.

“It wasn’t so scary after all,” Laurilla said. “That was the first time I realized that this place could feel like home. Since then, high school has been filled with so many unforgettable memories. We’ve had high school dances, field trips, dramas, and football games in the cold weather. And now we are here at one of the most significant milestones of our lives.”

Finally, she gave her class one last congratulations and a piece of advice.

“If moving to a new county has taught me anything, it is that change can be scary,” Laurilla said. “But it also gives growth, gives you opportunities, and friendships. So let’s step forward with courage, curiosity, and gratitude. I hope everything goes well and that we exceed our expectations in life.”

Next, Valedictorian Valerie Binge was presented her Valedictorian medallion by her parents and took the stage to give her speech. She spoke about how sports have taught her valuable lessons that she will carry with her in life.

“I’d like to say that every team I’ve been a part of has had an influence on me in one way or another,” Binge said. “And all these influences are morals or skills that I think we can use, go forward either to education or the workforce.”

Further, Binge reflected on how important it is for her classmates to remain humble.

“If you know you’re better than your opponent, then you’ll do worse,” Binge said. “If you know you’re worse than your opponent … then that will be fantastic motivation or your downfall. But what you focus on is trying to break your own personal best, and know everyone else is doing it.”

She gave her class the advice to focus on improving themselves rather than comparing themselves with others.

“In other words, someone’s going to be better than you in classes or at work,” Binge said. “But what you need to focus on is making yourself the best that you can be.”

The Atlanta Class of 2025 class colors were purple and gold. Their class song was “Good Riddance” by Green Day, and their class flower was wildflowers.

In all, 23 Atlanta Community Schools seniors were listed as candidates for graduation in the commencement program. Class officers included Valerie Binge (Class President), Emma McSwain (Class Vice President), Jenna McSwain (Class Secretary), Jenna Carigon (Class Treasurer), Carissa McIllaney (Class Trustee), and Jannalyse Larsen (Class Trustee).

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.