On May 20, 2025, Academy had 119 seniors graduate at the Straz Performing Arts Center. This ceremony consisted of moving speeches, meaningful traditions, and priceless memories for the students to take with them past Bayshore Boulevard.
Recently, the seniors have had a plethora of events to embark on this journey transitioning from high school seniors to the real world. The students experienced their last day of school, complete with painted uniforms and pool party excellence. In addition there was Prom, Silver Coffee and HNAA induction ceremony, and Baccalaureate and Honors Convocation. However, all these events were leading up to the momentous night of graduation.
The graduation ceremony kicked off with speeches given by salutatorians, Gabby Marquez (‘25) and Cameron Powell (‘25). Marquez centered her speech around appreciating the little moments of Academy and how those moments would provide the graduates with the richest memories.
In her own words, Marquez includes, “As you appreciate the beauty of our red roses, remember to thank God for the tiny flowers too.”
Powell made many references throughout her remarks, including her dad, her team, and her love for Harry Styles.
Powell quotes, “Because, as Harry Styles says, ‘You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know’ And tonight? This is our party, and we are so blessed that we get to celebrate with everyone we know. We did it.”
After diplomas were received by the students, Haynes Melchior (‘25) was announced as the valedictorian. Not only did Melchior reflect on her time at Academy, but she gave her sisters three life lessons to take with them.
Haynes Melchior (‘25) says, “Class of 2025, I hope that you always give 100%, save a few crabs along the way, and never forget what a gift it is to be here right now, to live, and love, and say goodbye, and have a thousand radiant moments that remind you just how wonderful it is to love, again, this world.”
President Whitney was the last to speak at graduation, where he emphasized the many sacrifices and life lessons the students have learned throughout their time at Academy. He used Simone Biles and her strength as a reference to his previous conversation at the beginning of the year and the accomplishments the girls have made as Academy students.
Graduation not only consisted of impactful speeches, but several traditions. Graduates with family members serving as important academy faculty got to receive their diploma with their family members in addition to President Whitney.
However, the most meaningful tradition is arguably the first-grade flower girls handing over roses to the senior graduates after they received their diploma. This tradition represents the sisterhood and community of Academy, as the school bonds women from the time they enter Academy til way past their graduation.
Maddie Kant (’25) includes, “It was a really full circle moment for me to receive my roses from one of the flower girls, as I was one of the flower girls when I was in first grade.”
Rowan Alexander (‘25), Student Council President, led the girls in the turning of their tassels. This tradition demonstrates the transition from high school students to alumni status, and shows Alexander’s dedication to her sisters and school spirit.
The students closed the ceremony just as Academy closes all assemblies, with the alma mater. As the girls ended their journey, they could be heard joyfully singing about the school they love best.
Through these speeches, the red-rose presentation, and the alma mater, the graduates got to have a meaningful night beside their sisters – biological and metaphorical – and with their closest loved ones in the audience. The students also got to have their biggest supporters – their teachers – in the front row decked out in their regalia right by their side to show endless love and support across the Academy community.
Although every teacher and underclassman will undoubtedly miss the class of 2025 beyond compare, the Academy community is beyond proud of their impressive accomplishments and can’t wait to see what is in store for their future as remarkable young women who will embody “Esse Quam Videri” for the rest of their lives outside these yellow brick walls.
