Menchville High School

"Growth does not come from comfort," said Menchville Valedictorian Isabel Dreyer, who was one of two top scholars for the Monarchs this year. "It comes from messing up, asking for help, staying up way too late and learning how to care.

"The truth is this is not the end; this is just the prologue. So going forward, keep showing up, do the work, take the risks, fail, learn and try again. Whatever your next step is, commit to hard work."

Menchville Valedictorian Grace Holland emphasized that each person and their definition of success, like each high school experience, is unique.

"The important thing is that you take your unique talents and apply them to the best of your abilities to all that you do in the future," Holland said. "So don't get caught up in the stereotypes.

"Write your own narrative with the tools that you've been given and you are guaranteed to reach the bottom of your well of potential, which you may come to find has no bottom at all."

View Menchville's graduation photo album and ceremony video.

Warwick High School

"The tiny ways we change in every second that we live, the change that adds up to be a lifetime's worth of memories and lessons alike - that is what makes each and every one of us who we are," said Warwick Valedictorian Razvan Verde.

Change isn't an interruption, but has a knack for teaching the lessons that matter the most, Verde described in his message.

"Wherever we land, keep a stripe of maroon and gold in your hearts to you remind that we, each other, is what makes all of us strong," Verde said. "And finally, remember this, the world does not need another perfect resume. It needs people willing to show up, ask better questions and widen the circle of opportunity."

View Warwick's graduation photo album and ceremony video.

Woodside High School

"As we go off into different avenues of life and star in our own spinoffs, we will face adversity and difficult changes," said Woodside Valedictorian Evan Yarborough, using a TV theme for his message. "Certainly, as we push to make something of ourselves, we might end up stepping on a few toes and we might end up having our toes stepped on in the process.

"Yet, we cannot let that fear or pain stop us from making a difference. So, Class of 2025, like any drama the directors of life will put in plot twist after plot twist, but this is a stacked cast with some really talented people and I have no doubt that we will not only survive, but thrive."

View Woodside's graduation photo album and ceremony video.

Denbigh High School

"Throughout all of our years in high school, and not to mention the handful of awkward middle school years, we've had many ups and many more downs as we've struggled through the increasing workload and further complex relationships with friends and family," said Denbigh Valedictorian Luke Gouge.

"We can celebrate and think fondly of the many good times, which we've had among our friends and frenemies, and our future years. We managed to persevere through four years of high school with rigorous testing, demanding workloads, and now we find ourselves standing before the finish line - victors. The rest of our lives stand before us; we only have one last step to take today."

Gouge cautioned against dwelling on past mistakes, but encouraged using them to learn and grow.

View Denbigh's graduation photo album and ceremony video.

Heritage High School

"It's time to become true members of society," said Heritage Valedictorian Ameerah Newby. "No matter the path, each of us has a purpose and role to play. Looking out at all of you today, I don't just see future doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs; I see limitless potential.

"I see individuals who are ready to make their mark, ready to contribute something meaningful. Some of you may even go on to change the world, shape history and inspire generations to come."

Urging her classmates to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace the world ahead of them, she reminded them that life is constant learning and that they can look back and call upon on their journeys so far for reminders of their strengths and capabilities.

View Heritage's graduation photo album and ceremony video.