The tempestuous skies that hovered over the Norwich High School graduation ceremony Friday evening, June 30th, reflected the zest, the pepper, and the accomplishments and skills of the 134th graduating class from NCSD. This group of 124 students achieved in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in our community.
Superintendent Scott Ryan welcomed the students, families, and Board of Education members to the ceremony, reflecting on all that the students had contributed to the District and community. Mr. Ryan urged the students to take all that they had learned out into the world with confidence and hope, with the understanding that their home is always Norwich. "You carry with you curiosity, integrity, and a sense of purpose. That is our greatest pride".
Salutatorian Jack Barnes detailed how the face of the community had changed during his childhood, and yet the roots, the people, and the support have never wavered. He challenged his classmates to go out and be bold and yet always remember the people who had cheered the loudest at student events, and showed that, above all else, Norwich is a tight-knit community that will always support its people. "This is Norwich, through thick and thin, we still find a way to support the next generation of graduates".
Valedictorian Caroline Richardson analogized Bob Marley’s ability to bring opposing sides together, as featured in a recent biopic released about the singer. Caroline furthered her analogy by recalling all that classmates were taught at Stanford Gibson about being a “bucket filler” and how it’s not just about your bucket, but how your ripple of kindness and support extends to others. She challenged her classmates that we are not above compromise, we are not above truth, and that coming to the table and hearing opposing sides should always be the goal. "What we have to do to make this world a more accepting place for all, no matter who we are or what we want to be, is to pay it forward. Let's bring the rainbow buckets we had as children, and pay it forward".
Mr. Christopher Olds, Vice President of the Board of Education, conferred diplomas to the 124 graduates. The sentiment on the newly renovated Urlich Field was one of festivity and congratulations.
Upon conferment of the diplomas, High School Principal Jacob Roe recalled the achievements of the class. Some were qualitative, such as the onset of our annual Tractor Day, or asking permission or perspective for class pranks; others were quantitative, such as 42% of this class finished with a GPA over 90%. Thirty-seven percent of students completed career and technical programs, while 87% completed at least one dual-credit course. Collectively, this class completed more than 465 college courses, earning a total of 1,395 college credits. Twenty-seven percent of students challenged Advanced Placement courses, 85% passed at least one Regents exam with distinction, achieving a score of 85 or higher. Twenty of the students earned the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, indicating that these students will be actively engaged in their community and prepared to participate in a democratic society. One in four 2025 graduates studied a second language at the college level; two of these students earned the Seal of Biliteracy - Kyra Brunick-Davis and Jett Terry.
We wish our 2025 graduating class all the best. You have made us better, stronger, and renewed our commitment to creating a model organization with a world-class student experience. Congratulations!