[0:01] [Music] [1:13] [Music] [1:23] [Applause] [Music] [2:06] [Music] [2:11] la hey [2:22] [Music] [Applause] [2:30] [Music] [2:45] Hello [Music] [2:59] [Applause] [Music] [4:05] happy birthday [4:37] test it out [4:42] fantastic [7:33] [Applause] [7:40] [Applause] [8:14] we're starting now here we go [8:28] [Music] [8:53] [Applause] [9:06] [Music] [9:22] [Music] [9:33] [Applause] [Music] [9:38] [Applause] [9:49] [Music] [10:14] hallelujah hallelujah [10:23] [Music] [10:56] [Music] [11:04] [Music] [11:15] [Music] [11:47] [Music] [11:58] hello happy Hallelujah [12:04] [Music] [12:32] [Music] [12:45] [Music] [12:52] hallelujah hallelujah [Music] [13:10] [Music] [13:40] heat heat [13:56] [Music] [14:15] thank you [Music] [14:38] [Music] [14:44] [Music] [14:51] [Music] [14:59] [Music] [15:17] hallelujah [Music] [15:27] [Music] [15:42] heat heat [15:53] [Music] [16:17] [Music] [16:23] [Applause] [Music] [17:04] [Music] [17:17] [Music] heat heat [17:25] [Music] [17:48] [Applause] [18:01] greetings and welcome to the 50th annual Woodbury High School commencement [18:06] ceremony my name is Sarah Sasonson Wagner principal of Woodbury High School [18:11] thank you for joining us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2025 [18:27] before we begin South Washington County Schools supports indigenous land [18:33] acknowledgement as an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on and as a [18:40] way of honoring the indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time in memorial the [18:47] University of Minnesota Twin Cities also respectfully acknowledges that the land [18:52] we are on today is the traditional and ancestral homeland of Dakota people [18:58] minnesota comes from the Dakota name for this region Minnesota Makoce the land where the [19:06] water reflects the skies at this time the Woodbury High School Air Force Junior ROC cadets will [19:13] present the colors please stand as The Woodbury High School Choir sings our [19:19] national anthem [20:13] say by the dawn early [20:23] [Music] [20:31] [Music] [20:44] [Music] [20:53] brights the [21:03] [Music] [21:09] flag for the land of the [21:15] free home of the brave [21:21] [Applause] [21:34] thank you please be seated at this time I would like to [21:40] introduce several special guests with us this evening south Washington County Schools Board Chair Miss Katie Schwarz [21:48] and board members Miss Louise Hines Miss Simei Patnik Miss Sharon Van Leer also [21:55] present today is our superintendent of schools Miss Julie Nielsen and assistant superintendent Miss Kelly Jansen Miss [22:03] Christine Schaefer Dr tyrone [22:14] Brookens also on stage are our Woodbury High School administrators Miss Alicia [22:19] Buzznik Mr aaron Pazini Miss Loline Leer and Mr mark Canton [22:26] [Applause] [22:31] it is also with great pleasure that I present to you our honor staff in attendance today selected to be honored [22:38] by the class of 2025 mr wes Bolan if you could stand when I read your name [22:48] staff Mr dave [22:54] Broberg M amanda [Applause] [23:00] Cordis on stage Mr gary [Applause] [23:07] Diamond Miss Teresa Forier Mr kent [23:16] Getsoff Mr john [Applause] [23:22] Hovind Ms sam Valenta and Mr joe [23:30] [Applause] Walker and now I would like to introduce [23:36] you to the exceptional class of 2025 [23:41] [Applause] [23:47] the mission of Woodbury High School is that our students accept the challenges of the future through excellence in [23:54] academics arts and athletics this class of 2025 is composed of excellent [24:00] students who have done outstanding work at Woodbury High School we have four students who will be graduating Suma [24:06] Kumo with distinction signifying a cumulative grade point average of 4.3 or [24:13] above and 72 members of this class have a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher in [24:21] addition a total of 168 students wear an honor stole for their outstanding [24:27] scholarship we also recognize that a GPA alone does not define excellence we [24:33] challenge our students each day in the classroom to push their limits engage in difficult discussion and learn content [24:39] at a high level students this is the part of the program where you have to pay attention [24:46] remember practice if you have ever taken an honors course at Woodbury High School have challenged [24:54] yourself with taking an AP course have taken an AP exam have taken a College in [25:00] the Schools Concurrent Enrollment or Project Lead the Way course if you have enrolled in PSO or 916 or are a member [25:09] of our district's Spanish immersion program please stand to be recognized [25:14] for excellence in academics [25:27] please be [Applause] seated our students at Woodbury High School are also highly engaged in the [25:34] arts learning how to express their emotions and ideas through drama music and visual [25:40] representation students if you participated in band orchestra or choir [25:47] if you have been in one of our musicals or plays participated in one act if you [25:52] were a member of our speech team or if you have created and displayed your art [25:58] in one of our many art shows please stand to be recognized for excellence in the arts [26:13] please be seated woodbury High School also has an outstanding reputation for our athletic [26:20] performance our student athletes learned valuable life skills of teamwork and cooperation while persisting in working [26:27] toward a common goal students if you participated in one of Woodbury High [26:32] School's 30 sponsored athletic teams in one of our fall winter or spring sports [26:39] please stand to be recognized for excellence in the [26:51] athletics please be seated finally I don't want to forget what sets [26:56] Woodbury High School apart from many other high schools your opportunity to participate in approximately 60 [27:03] studentled school clubs and activities we are proud of our student leadership in developing a positive school culture [27:11] establishing a school where each student finds a place to belong and peers with similar interests to pursue we are proud [27:19] of the thousands of volunteer hours our students have shared with our community and how you have supported one another [27:26] in giving back to our school at this time please stand if you participated in [27:31] any club or activity while you were a student at Woodbury High School [27:46] please be seated students I want to say to you you [27:54] have many gifts to share with the world thank you for your contribution to Woodbury High School you have made your [28:01] mark with your kindness generosity and joy for life your next adventure awaits [28:08] and we will be here cheering you on we are so proud of you it is now my pleasure to introduce [28:16] our students representing the achievement of Suma Kumlad with distinction for the class of [28:23] 2025 amaly Beski Henry [28:30] Decker Noah Harubi and Kade Wright [28:38] [Applause] [28:52] hello all and welcome to the beginning of the rest of our lives now I know how [28:57] cliched that might sound but it is entirely true before us lies a world of [29:03] possibilities and it is to us to shape our own path make our own mark and [29:08] become who we've always wanted to be i like food well no I love food which is [29:15] something I have in common with an incredibly influential man from my childhood sorry Dad i'm not talking [29:21] about you this short king I have in mind was never afraid to break down the boundaries of where he came from using [29:29] his own unique skills to achieve his dreams that's right i'm talking about Remy the [29:36] Like Remy I've always stood out from the pack a feeling all of us have felt at one point in our lives i dress weird i [29:43] don't like chocolate and I've actually always enjoyed going to school even though some days seemed menial or boring [29:51] such as when we had to memorize the presidential order of some old white dudes or write an essay about a book we [29:58] may or may not have read sorry Mr nun school was a place of experimentation a [30:04] place where I could safely express myself and find what fulfilled my interests class of 2025 I invite you all [30:11] to hold on to what makes you you your unique traits talents and abilities are what give you an edge over the rest no [30:18] one else is like you so don't let others break you down into fragments of yourself just to fit the mold of who [30:24] they believe you should be no one else is like you and that's not a bad thing [30:29] you shouldn't feel ashamed of that it's not a man against man world or black against white gay against straight [30:36] Republican against democratic or even rat against human the world is being destroyed by this corrosive mentality we [30:44] live in a society that is exponentially stripping us of our rights stripping us of any chances to express ourselves [30:51] stripping us down to the fundamental stereotypes and gender roles we're supposed to live by but we are so much [30:58] more than that as my man Gustoau said best anyone can cook but only the [31:03] fearless can be great let us cook let us tear down these soul crushing societal [31:09] norms that want us to color inside the lines live in your weirdness class of [31:14] 2025 the only one stopping you from achieving your full potential is yourself exploit what others see as only [31:22] a weakness we only get to live once so don't live as someone other than yourself who you are is incredible and [31:30] like no other who you are is not wrong so own [31:37] [Applause] [31:45] it what was talking about was it Rakuni the singing raccoon ping the chef and [31:51] the 2022 Oscar best picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once wait am I stage in front of more than a [31:59] thousand people talking about [32:11] raid some classes that taught me about the human body and the human condition [32:16] toiled over essays stressed about tests and everything I do know it pales in [32:21] comparison to all that I don't know why do pineapples make food taste weird are [32:27] eating them why are children allowed to die from tuberculosis when it is completely treatable why do teachers [32:34] sacrifice so much to educate us it's just so easy to say "I don't know." [32:42] There's comfort in wallowing in that of course it was not lay in bed after school and doom scrolled for an hour and [32:48] thought "Well there's nothing I can do." Let's face it life might be coming at us [32:54] everything everywhere all at once giwan's character way in the film says [33:01] powerfully "I don't know the only thing I do know is that we have to be kind [33:07] please be kind especially when we don't know what's going on." We are going to [33:13] venture out into a world where we are guaranteed to not know what's going on all of the time so it's more important [33:20] than ever to take those words to heart we go out into a world where we'll be [33:25] presented with challenging situations where so much seems out of our control [33:30] but we can always choose to be kind women Wayne continues by saying "When I [33:37] choose to see the good side of things I'm not being naive it is strategic and [33:43] necessary it's how I've learned to survive through everything [33:48] being kind having optimism are not weaknesses but strengths i know I'm so [33:55] worried about the future of our planet and its biosphere but I know when I step [34:00] away from Woodbury High School I will always choose to be kind [34:07] [Applause] [34:16] whatever Henry was saying about the future of our planet don't worry i've got it covered as long as I'm not [34:22] hypnotized but before I go back to saving the world I want to talk about a feeling we've all had and are probably [34:29] feeling right now it sneaks up when you hear an old song catch a familiar scent [34:34] or even when you hop back on Fortnite again and realize you're no longer trying to win and instead chasing a [34:40] memory because the game has gone to complete trash and will never be as good as it was when it first came out that [34:47] feeling is nostalgia now nostalgia comes from the Greek words nostus meaning [34:52] homecoming and algus meaning pain so nostalgia is the ache of returning home [34:58] but what exactly is home that part used to confuse me until I watched the [35:04] cinematic masterpiece up in Up Carl yes that old guy or dare I say is bombarded [35:12] with nostalgia as he reflects on the life he used to have with his late wife Ellie he refuses to let go of his house [35:19] because it holds so many fond memories of her but after meeting Russell the world's sweetest boy scout Carl learns [35:25] that when one chapter ends another one is allowed and should begin at first he [35:31] has to physically drag his house with him on his famous adventure to Paradise Falls carried by thousands of balloons [35:38] but eventually he learns to let go by watching his house float away into the clouds surprising right saying simply [35:44] "It's just a house." Now I could try saying it's just high school but I think [35:50] we all know it's really not that easy to let go of the past but here's the thing you don't have to it's part of who who [35:57] you are so bring the past with you like Carl we learn the past doesn't live in buildings or classrooms or any other [36:05] physical entities it lives in us in our memories relationships successes [36:10] mistakes and everything in between so the next time nostalgia comes creeping in I ask for you to embrace it nostalgia [36:18] is proof that you're living a life to be proud of it's a privilege to yearn for your own memories but please don't get [36:24] stuck aching to return home to some place or time remember that home isn't behind you it's something you carry so [36:32] please carry forward and appreciate all that you've gone through at Woodbury High School because in the words of [36:38] Ellie D Carl thanks for the adventure now go have a new one [36:52] what Noah said is true you won't be able to grow by living trying to live in the past but as you look towards your future [36:58] your envisioned path may be a little different from reality looking at the news or online to celebrities athletes [37:05] or even tech company founders it's easy to hear and know about all the success that they've had in their careers but if [37:11] you only know this you won't know the full story of these people or even half of it reality is that excellence takes [37:18] time and perfection is only achieved through trial and many many errors so as [37:24] the last person speaking of us four today I want to end by saying something you all need to hear even you little [37:31] siblings dragged here by your families keep failing whether it's in your math [37:36] class or your new job keep having the guts to fail it truly is the most important lesson that you can learn take [37:43] Finding Nemo for example a Disney movie about a fish trying to find his son when [37:48] Marlin loses Nemo he tries anything and everything to get him back tumbling himself into situations like facing a [37:55] bloodthirsty shark or being surrounded by a swarm of deadly jellyfish but through his tribulations Marlin takes [38:02] the advice of his memory impaired friend Dory and just keeps swimming eventually [38:08] his relentless spirit and unbroken faith in his pathf finding skills helps him succeed to find Nemo now an animated kid [38:16] story about a clown fish might not resonate with you but the message is what you should take away just keep [38:22] swimming what does this really mean though it means when you're at your lowest broken down by life find the [38:28] drive for one more day when you failed the test when you got rejected when you're completely stuck keep trying and [38:36] keep failing that's because failure isn't the end of a story it's the start of a lesson each failure you come across [38:44] think of something that you can do to improve whether that's showing your work on a test improving your resume or [38:50] setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier whatever it may be if you have the discipline and determination to learn [38:57] from your mistakes and to keep trying even though you may fail there will be light at the end of the tunnel for some [39:03] this may be a mile away and others inches what matters is that there's [39:09] always hope if you're brave enough to fail so please class of 2025 if I can [39:14] leave you tonight with one message is that if and when you fail in life just keep swimming thank you [39:21] [Applause] [39:40] this year Woodbury High School is privileged to welcome Mr gary Diamond as our honor staff speaker selected by the [39:47] class of 2025 mr diamond [39:52] [Applause] [40:04] [Applause] [40:14] i got my own walk up song i love it all right good evening and welcome [40:20] staff family and friends together we have supported these incredible students [40:26] who sit before us i want to acknowledge this occasion as today marks the 50th [40:32] commencement for Wood Whitbury High School however I must mention that 49 [40:37] proud classes have come before you yet your class will leave a legacy [40:45] of achievement so great it is fitting for me to begin ladies and gentlemen get [40:51] your hands together class of 2025 is in the [40:56] house [41:05] before I begin to share you some advice I need to share the story how I am [41:10] nervously standing up here before you on stage tonight alex Alex Miller where are you [41:18] alex Miller okay oh there he is thank you sir [41:24] all right so Alex Miller you can thank him in at your five-year reunion or you can give him a [41:31] hard time anyways Alex came to me and asked me um comes flying into my office [41:38] he goes "Hey GD I got a great opportunity for you as part of the staff commencement [41:45] speaker we would like you to be our guest speaker." I said "Bro what?" [41:52] I said "Yes parents I do use the word bro because they understand that." Just [41:57] like "Hey KG what's up bro?" Anyways Alex continued with the [42:04] selling point which includes "Hey I know I know you're close to retiring i know [42:10] how much you love our class and so this would be a great way to send us off." [42:17] Once again I said "Bro I'm going to need 24 hours to think about that is that okay?" And Alex comes back and says "Hey [42:25] this opportunity is slipping away from you you got 24 hours to let me know." I [42:31] said "Okay." So later I went home to my wife and I shared the news and I said [42:37] "You won't believe what they want me to do to be the guest speaker at their graduation." My wife goes "Do [42:44] it." I said "What are you crazy there's all these people you're going to be standing in front i can't do that." She [42:50] goes "Do it." And I should have known because my wife has a special heart for a lot of you because you went to [42:56] Woodbury Elementary she thinks the world of you so the next day I went to a morning [43:03] workout so I can clear my mind think about what I'm going to do i come home and my wife meets me at the door she [43:10] grabs me very tightly by the cheeks and pulls me in and says "Do it [43:17] and I said "I just don't know if I can do it." So anyways so I I still unsure what [43:23] I'm going to do i got to school and I went to Bobby Nun and I'm Bobby Nun i [43:28] said "Tell me tell me about this graduation speech and um you're [43:36] it you seem like a logical choice." He then proceeded to tell me everything that Alex said and then he ends it with [43:44] you can cross it off your bucket list here's my bucket [43:52] list drive to the Florida Keys thank you Tatum for that visit New York walk the [43:59] beaches of Normandy visit every Big 10 football go on Alaskan cruise bobby [44:06] there is no commencement speech on my bucket [44:14] list however I thought about it and if I don't do [44:19] this what kind of message am I sending you seniors when life gets tough run away [44:27] when it's too hard stop when you can't make it just avoid [44:32] doing it so as much as I'm terrified about being in here I thought to myself I'm going to [44:39] do this and so here I am this [44:53] experience this experience over the last three weeks have given me three really [44:58] good lessons I've taken away and the very first lesson I have is don't back [45:03] down gets tough dig in the second lesson I have is show people you care and let [45:12] them know how important they are in your life and the third thing I took away from this is never stop learning because [45:20] you will struggle but is how you respond that builds character the first lesson don't back [45:27] down when things get tough but dig in honestly if you don't know this yet [45:32] buckle up the world does not get any easier as you get [45:38] older life beyond high school I can say with certainty gets tougher as one day you will be asked to [45:46] do hard things to go somewhere where you don't want to go to do something that [45:51] you don't want to do to meet a bed a deadline because your [45:57] boss needs it by the next day and it's really unrealistic and it can go on and [46:03] on and on in other words you're going to be busy and some of the things will be [46:08] hard and at times you may feel overwhelmed but I need you to dig in and [46:14] don't back down when you do hard things you develop necessary skills needed to [46:20] be successful in life it is through our most difficult moments in life that growth happens at [46:28] its greatest pace after all the goal in life is to become [46:33] good at digging in decision by decision choice by choice all without beating [46:40] yourself up in the process the second lesson came to me is [46:46] show people you care and how important they are in your life seniors if I had [46:52] to guess I've had about a third of you in my FIAD classes some of you I've coached in v [46:59] sports and probably all of you I've had in my health classes so while I [47:04] struggled to decide on whether to give tonight's speech I recognized the [47:10] opportunity I had before me to let you know how much you made a difference at Woodbury High School [47:17] you tolerated years four years of making and asking those me asking those silly [47:24] icebreaker questions where we go around the room say your name and then the answer to that question if you didn't [47:32] know this was my way of connecting a name with the face so I can [47:37] touch and talk with you later these activities brought me joy [47:42] and gave me energy to be my best and you made a difference to me honestly in the [47:49] real world I know you won't expect to do icebreaker questions at everything but you will [47:56] find out that intentionally getting to know people is essential part of caring [48:03] for people after all having good relationships with people are key to [48:10] being happy and thriving during tough times seniors in a small way I hope I showed [48:17] you how much how important you are to me through all these class events in addition the number of times I've sat in [48:24] the stands watched you on the pitch the ball fields the courts the track i've [48:31] listened to many of you sing playing the band your adventures of getting your [48:38] pilot's license i listened to how work is going looked at your prom [48:44] pictures finally listened to many of you share your plans after high school has been [48:50] exciting you shared a personal side of your life and I appreciate that i am so [48:57] thankful you have cared for me by letting me share my stories of my family [49:02] some of you also laughed at my attempts at jokes having said that seniors I strongly [49:09] encourage you to intentionally practice kindness and care for [49:17] people build those relationships in your personal and professional [49:23] lives demonstrating that you care is not just a character trait to live by but a [49:28] powerful tool for building a better world remember caring for people can [49:34] create positive change increase overall happiness and fosters empathy which we [49:41] need more of in this world which brings me to my final lesson [49:47] never stop learning here I am today i'm never stop learning i'm giving this speech today today this graduation is an [49:55] epic time of your life but I'm sure you've heard it before and you'll probably hear it again [50:02] but high school graduation is indeed not the end of learning but rather a new beginning of your life i strongly [50:10] encourage you to continue to embrace curiosity seek new knowledge and remain [50:16] open to new perspectives stay engaged in learning and seek out those activities that bring [50:22] you joy and yes it's okay to move out of your comfort zone growth doesn't happen [50:28] without discomfort as this is where development starts you can do whatever you want in [50:34] life as long as you are willing to keep working keep challenging yourself to do [50:41] better and be better my final thoughts on learning is [50:46] that don't compare yourself with others as you are not on their path you are on [50:52] your own path and just because their next step is already visible to them doesn't mean anything about your next [50:59] step and it certainly doesn't mean it's any better or it's not going to necessarily [51:05] be the right path for you in closing I hope you understand what I [51:11] said tonight don't back down when it gets tough i want you to dig in care for [51:19] people people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care [51:26] and then never stop learning we grow by our experiences and greater growth comes [51:31] how we respond to our struggles seniors I hope you truly understand these three lessons I shared [51:39] tonight and it will lead you to a happier and more fulfilling life [51:46] well I know I've been going on a little bit long i'm I'm almost [51:52] done amaya so I had some guidelines amaya said "You can be [52:00] funny you can be funny but I want you to be serious." And so I hope I was a little [52:07] bit funny but I was serious but she said "You need to end it with a quote." So here's a quote that's been [52:14] with me since 1997 it's something that I live by it's something that I believe in [52:20] it's by Zigg Ziggler a motivational speaker this hangs in my office on my locker [52:26] if there is hope in the future there is power in the [52:32] present so class of 2025 I wish you all the best you have [52:40] left your legacy at Woodbury High School we everybody supporting you all know [52:48] that there's hope for the future because there is power in the present of you [52:55] so thank you [Applause] [53:15] 2025 the music's still playing all right thank you Mr diamond [53:22] our final speakers today were selected by their peers to represent the class of [53:27] 2025 at this time I would like to introduce Valentina Ritzo followed by [53:34] Tenzen Dundoop come on up Valentina [Applause] [53:55] hi everyone my name is Valentina Rzo before I say anything else it's [54:00] pronounced Ritzo even though I know a lot of you like to say Rizzo at this point I'm not even sure if it's because [54:06] you don't know the proper pronunciation or if it's because you think I have RZ either way I'll take it welcome to the [54:13] graduation of 2025 i'm honored to be up here speaking to you as we say goodbye [54:18] to this major stage of our lives and step into the next chapter first off a huge thank you for [54:25] letting me present my speech today it means so much especially after I heard I got the role solely based off [54:32] looks now high school was definitely a journey i know we all learned a lot but [54:38] not necessarily what the teachers hoped we learned personally I discovered how much more a bathroom is capable of than [54:45] just the basics i'm honestly too traumatized to repeat what's happened behind those walls and I'm sure most of [54:51] you know exactly what I'm speaking about that bar stool too taught us more than [54:56] we probably like to know about people at this school but in a weird way the chaos made high school even more [55:03] memorable our class started with fun and definitely ended with it i remember spending our middle school days hanging [55:10] out behind the bleachers during football games to now having attended our last game as a student last fall that middle [55:17] school bleacher tradition has since been banned and I like to think that we shut it down because of all the fun we [55:24] had and of course the prison of a school we had to put up with for the past four years conveniently is getting renovated [55:30] right as we leave which doesn't seem to be much of a coincidence but we can save that discussion for later [55:38] also huge shout out to the senior group chat that thing was a disaster no decisions were made literally ever and [55:45] people were constantly beefing but here we are so I guess it worked out in the end today we are officially closing out [55:52] our childhood by receiving our diplomas we'll snap some pictures give hugs goodbye and then it's over done but I'm [56:00] not here to just say how proud I am that we made it more that we're here to mark the beginning of what is to come [56:06] leaving here today realize that you are in control you are the only one that can set yourself up for success and now is [56:13] the perfect time don't put too much pressure on yourself but every day do just one thing that betters you be proud [56:20] of what you've accomplished but don't get too comfortable celebrate the wins but then go chase the next one i'm aware [56:27] that this day looks different for everyone for some of us it's exciting for others it's terrifying and for some [56:33] of you you're just looking for all the grad parties now let's address what some of you really know me for the girl who [56:41] brought weird food to school from suspicious tin foil I carried with me all day to cheese containers filled with [56:47] three pounds of pasta I definitely left a scent trail through the hallways i probably need to invest in a lunch box [56:54] and maybe some boundaries like specifically not bringing an octopus tentacle to class and playing with it or [56:59] cracking open a can of sardines the first week of high school but one thing that won't change is doing things for [57:05] myself and I recommend you all to do the same stop worrying about what those around you think because in the grand [57:12] scheme of things it doesn't matter life is not that serious we're here to have fun and leave a positive impact your [57:19] future is destined to be so much brighter if you are confident even if you have to fake it at first that being [57:25] said I would advise staying a little less confident than me at the end of the day you will not regret being yourself [57:33] and the only thing is you might regret not say what you want to say but being [57:38] embarrassed is just a mindset as we leave today it really puts into perspective how little so many things [57:44] mean yes it's uncomfortable to see cringy pictures from middle school but it's honestly cool to see how much [57:49] you've grown ultimately no one's going to remember and no one cares that much in the first place mentioning [57:55] embarrassing moments you know what i made it through high school a perfect record not of attendance or straight A's [58:02] screw you AP World but screaming every single time the fire alarm went off pro [58:07] tip 9th grade Valentina it never gets any less scary but let's be real that thing is terrifying and honestly if [58:14] there was a crisis we'd all be running for our lives that protocol out of the window sorry teachers overall high [58:22] school brought tons of memories some good some bad but they all add together to leave us here with something from [58:30] anything but a backpack day where someone literally carried a microwave through the hallways to having people [58:35] pretend to be your best friend just to stab you in the back and cut in the lunch line the worst part when they have [58:42] the audacity to come cut in front of you too like no no that's where I draw the line and to those people who know me you [58:48] may have thought I had mafia ties just because I'm Italian but trust me I don't if I did I would have handled those [58:55] lunch line cutters real quick on that matter drop all the dumb grudges you have against people because it's not [59:01] worth it anymore when we're at reunions in like 30 years don't be the person still avoiding someone because of [59:07] something that happened in 10th grade let it go it's definitely not worth carrying into your next chapter as [59:13] Booker T washington once said "Holding a grudge does not hurt the person against whom the grudge is held it hurts the one [59:20] who holds it." What specifically makes this goodbye feel so different isn't the fact that we'll never see each other [59:26] again it's the fact that you won't see each other every day at high school it's the people you pass in the hall that you [59:32] won't think to reach out to or the random laughs with the teacher you never had during the past four years we've [59:38] seen people on their best and worst days and have been able to comfort and/or celebrate our peers we've grown up [59:44] together and that's something that no one can ever take away no matter where life takes us a part of me will always [59:50] be rooting for each and every single one of you as we prepare to walk across this stage that diploma might feel like a [59:56] piece of paper but it marks a new beginning a blank page so go after your [1:00:01] dreams don't wait and don't be afraid to try and if doing it for yourself seems too big right now do it for the little [1:00:08] 5-year-old version of yourself who dreamt without limits and thought anything was possible make them proud [1:00:15] you'll never regret working hard for the future you love this isn't just a farewell to high school it's a hello to [1:00:21] whatever comes next and that part you get to create it yourself thank you [1:00:26] Woodbury High School and thank you class of 2025 don't let the future hold you back i love you all [1:00:33] [Applause] [1:00:57] oopsies got to make sure y'all can hear me you [1:01:07] know why are we graduating on a Monday [1:01:15] [Applause] [1:01:25] 700 p.m we couldn't have chosen a better [1:01:32] time i've got limited time with this i know you're happy i'm happy so let's [1:01:37] just get through it grab our diplomas and we can all go back home and act like we miss high school [1:01:48] my name is Tenzen Dundup i'm a first generation Tibetan American a child of [1:01:54] immigrants who came here with almost nothing hoping to give me a future they never had [1:02:01] [Applause] [1:02:12] and yes I did show up to graduation on time even though I always show up late [1:02:18] to my AP Bio class well all my classes [1:02:25] actually it's an honor to be up here mostly because it means I didn't [1:02:31] fail Mr steel's chemistry class i know some of y'all can [1:02:40] relate i want to welcome ladies and gentlemen faculty and staff honored [1:02:46] teachers honored guests regular [1:02:53] guests and the strangers who are listening to me speak today and [1:03:04] And most importantly let's give a round of applause to the class of 2025 graduate let's [1:03:12] [Applause] [1:03:20] go got to make sure I look good on camera you know [1:03:25] okay before I start the [1:03:36] speech I want to start off with a quote okay [1:03:43] the only limits in life are the ones you set [1:03:53] yourself as a large language model chat GBT can help with your graduation speech quest [1:04:05] okay but seriously I want to give a shout out to my parents and my family my best friend [1:04:13] Miles Odilia my six-hour crew my close friends [1:04:18] in BSU and my AP BioFam [1:04:25] see I remember when I was watching Batman for the first time and the way he was fighting and [1:04:31] using all his cool gadgets i turned to my mom and said "I want to be just like that when I grow [1:04:38] up." Man you should have seen the way she was looking at me she said "Wake up Tenzen you graduate in three days." [1:04:54] So maybe I won't be Batman but I will be something we all [1:05:01] will we don't need capes we've got caps and [1:05:09] gowns this class the class of 2025 has been one of the most historic moments in [1:05:15] high school history because the class of 2025 has the largest ever group of [1:05:20] students graduating make some [1:05:25] [Applause] [1:05:31] noise and then every class after that is just going to slowly [1:05:39] decline the class of 2025 is built [1:05:45] different let me repeat that the class of 2025 is built different [1:05:58] we'll have achieved big things but my biggest achievement was learning how to drive because I swear some of y'all [1:06:06] cannot drive in the senior parking lot i mean who's parked in the senior [1:06:12] parking lot and then after class they come out and their car has been hit i [1:06:19] have sorry Mom [1:06:24] i mean we have stop signs that are optional [1:06:35] apparently but let me tell you this graduation isn't just about the end [1:06:41] of something it's about stepping into the [1:06:46] unknown some of us are going to the military some of us are going to take a gap year or go straight to [1:06:53] work the point is we're all stepping into something we're not used [1:06:59] to it's in moments like these I aspire to be successful someone who has persevered through failure someone who [1:07:06] has worked for their success someone like my mom and my [1:07:12] dad a famous actor Denzel Washington i'm sure you heard of him he gave a commencement speech at the [1:07:19] University of Pennsylvania he said "If you don't fail [1:07:24] you're not even trying." I'll say it again "if you don't fail you're not even trying." And [1:07:31] there's a great expression to go along with it he said "To get something you never had you have to do something you [1:07:38] never did." Les Brown's a motivational speaker he made a great analogy with this [1:07:45] he said "Imagine you're on your deathbed and standing around your bed are the ghosts representing your unfulfilled [1:07:52] potential the ghosts of the ideas you never acted on the talents you never used and they're standing there looking [1:07:58] at you angry disappointed and upset they say "We came to you because we thought [1:08:04] you could have brought us to life and now we have to go to the grave with you." [1:08:11] So I ask you today not just students but parents as well how many ghosts are going to be [1:08:18] around your bed when your time [1:08:23] comes so fall forward fail big try things even if you're scared because [1:08:30] progress doesn't happen without mistakes let me say that again progress [1:08:36] does not happen without mistakes [1:08:43] to a quote that sums it up as a great philosopher and street poet Drake once [1:08:55] said as the great philosopher and street poet Drake once [1:09:00] said started from the bottom now we're here [1:09:11] from not knowing where any of our classes were to sitting here [1:09:16] graduating i'm grateful to be standing up here but I want you to know [1:09:22] something i'm not up here because I'm the smartest or the most athletic or the [1:09:27] most popular i don't have a perfect GPA i damn sure ain't no valid Victorian [1:09:38] the truth is I'm just like you because behind every cap in this [1:09:44] room there's a story a quiet battle a moment where someone could have given up but [1:09:50] didn't some of us lost people we love some of us struggled with things no [1:09:55] one saw some of us had problems inside our own home and some of us had to grow up [1:10:02] way too damn fast but despite all of it we made [1:10:08] it not because it was easy cuz it was not but because we didn't give [1:10:15] up we chose to believe in something better even on the hard [1:10:22] days we are not just the future we're living proof that strength [1:10:29] isn't always loud sometimes sometimes strength is [1:10:38] silence it's just getting through the day it's choosing to try again [1:10:46] tomorrow you want proof of our strength let me say this again we're not [1:10:52] just any class we're the largest graduating class in history with 3.9 [1:10:57] million students walking across stages like this all over the country [1:11:03] so when we rise up it's not just one of us it's [1:11:12] [Applause] [1:11:18] millions so to the class of 2025 go chase those dreams that scare [1:11:24] you go become who you were always meant to be because you've already proven to this [1:11:30] world you are more than enough and rise up and show the world [1:11:36] who we are so from the bottom of my heart thank you for letting me share this moment [1:11:41] with you to the class of 2025 I appreciate you all tens out [1:11:50] [Applause] [1:12:03] and the most important thing if you're a parent or a family [1:12:09] member of the class of 2025 graduate can you please stand up let's make some noise come on now can [1:12:16] you please stand up [Applause] [1:12:38] it's because of them we are here today quite [1:12:43] literally okay [Applause] [1:12:58] thank you T for not pontificating on your speech [1:13:06] of how quite literally our parents were responsible for getting us here [1:13:13] today and now Neielson has to follow that it is my [1:13:19] pleasure to present the class of 2025 to Miss Julie Nielsen superintendent of [1:13:26] schools miss Nielsen these seniors have met the requirements of the state of Minnesota and South Washington County [1:13:33] School District by the authority vested in me as the principal of Woodbury High School I certify that the members of [1:13:40] this class of 2025 have completed the necessary requirements and are eligible [1:13:47] to receive a diploma miss [1:13:55] Nielson thank you Principal Sorenson Wagner what an exciting Monday at 7 [1:14:02] o'clock to be here celebrating with all of you on behalf of the school board [1:14:08] district leaders and school staff I could not be more honored to accept the [1:14:14] graduating class of 2025 students you are here today because [1:14:20] you have successfully met the requirements from the state of Minnesota and South Washington County schools [1:14:27] woodbury High School students the diploma you are about to receive today serves as that official notice parents [1:14:35] and family members we have appreciated your partnership and support thank you [1:14:41] for being an essential part of these graduates lives to school staff and [1:14:47] leaders thank you for your dedication and commitment to making a difference for our students we appreciate the great [1:14:54] work by our entire team graduates the future is yours congratulations and best [1:15:02] of luck to each of [1:15:12] you thank you Miss Nielsen at this time our assistant [1:15:18] principles honor staff and school board members will proceed to grant the class [1:15:23] of 2025 their diplomas everyone please move into [1:15:41] place will the first row of Seniors please stand and come forward to receive [1:15:48] your diplomas [1:16:58] test amaly Bethkkey [1:17:04] [Applause] Kayen McCloud [1:17:11] Henry Decker Oscar Mansera Coronado [1:17:17] [Applause] Noah Harubi [1:17:23] Peter Malik Kate [1:17:29] Bright Shelby Merrick Valentina Ritzo [1:17:38] Carlos Martinez Tanzen Dundoop [1:17:44] [Applause] Lzette Martinez [1:17:52] Eva Abbas Liam Mast [1:18:00] Ahmed Abdalah Sasha Malinowski [1:18:10] Muez Abdulkar [Applause] Inaki Matera [1:18:19] Souad Abdulhadi [1:18:24] Adrien Morenia Perth Ammani Abokar [1:18:34] Devin Maxfield [1:18:39] Stephanie Abroqua [Applause] [1:18:44] Steven Ba Idil Adam [1:18:50] [Music] Sarah Masterman [1:18:57] Gifty Adulo [1:19:02] Elise McCabe Gabrielle Eini [1:19:11] Shaunan [1:19:17] Maguire Lara Alakawi [1:19:23] Jacob McGregor Brock Alberts [1:19:30] Will Maguire Christopher Po [1:19:40] Natalie Mater [Applause] [Music] [1:19:45] Kobe Carlin [Applause] [1:19:50] Noel Mueller [Music] Abdulahi Ali [1:20:00] Leila Mandi [Applause] [1:20:05] Mammoon Ali Elizabeth [1:20:13] Mendoza Rian Ali Miles Michaelelsson [1:20:22] Zarah Ali [1:20:28] Alex Miller Farah Almadani [1:20:36] Cecilia Mitchell Justin Alvarez [1:20:44] Felipe Moreno Fala [1:20:50] Jada Amachi [Applause] Natalie [1:20:55] Mua IATI [1:21:02] Ana Motus Daniel Afar [1:21:10] Iana Mosisa Kaylee Anderson [1:21:17] Dylan Moya Zachary [1:21:23] Anderson Nazrain Mohamad [1:21:28] Emily Anderson Alicia Matune [1:21:35] Ryan Andrada Jakob Mumman [1:21:42] Emily Appalorne Hayden Knoxshine [1:21:50] Sophie Erenss Kian Ian Nagel [1:21:57] Armando Aila Tovalin Vikram Nara [1:22:06] Uduru Au [Applause] [1:22:11] Malina Nazby Emmanuel Awi [1:22:20] Patrick Diamana Mason Balthazor [1:22:29] Carter Nelson Caitlyn Banker [1:22:36] Jonathan Nelson Leah Barry [1:22:45] Alexander Nemo Markevian Beasley [1:22:53] Michael Nicolasen Lucy Benetti [1:23:02] Finian Norman Noel Bile [1:23:10] Michael Wyn Madison Blau [1:23:17] Ruby Win Autumn Boseners [1:23:26] Zara No Will Botwe [1:23:31] [Applause] Caroline Novak [1:23:38] Tashan Boyin Aaron O'Brien [1:23:46] Isabelle Bravo Grace O'Brien [1:23:54] Tatum Brigle William O'Brien [1:24:00] [Music] [Applause] Cameron Brown [1:24:06] Ammani Oena Mite Bolto [1:24:13] William Olivesson Nicholas Burroughs [1:24:20] [Applause] Mariah Olasande [1:24:25] Ivan Berley Gabriella Olives [1:24:32] Eva Cabiierro Adam Olsen [1:24:39] Calvin Calderon Mesa Mio Olsen [1:24:48] Lucas Callies Cameron Okendo [1:24:55] Joseph Capistrant Quinton Olsen [1:25:01] Nina Carrero George O'Reilly [1:25:08] Landon Castiero Elizabeth Over Street [1:25:14] Nora Cavalo Riker Pace [1:25:21] Avery Chandler Anukica Pedleford [1:25:28] Ayana Chan Conan Justin Paige [1:25:35] Philip Chase Adriana Park [1:25:42] Sophie Chen Ethan Parzik [1:25:48] Ariel Chenult Taylor Pascal [1:25:55] Finn Chilson Marcus Pereira [1:26:02] Abigail Chin Liam Peters [1:26:08] Ping Trey Kayen Peterson [1:26:15] Alisa Chow Santana Peterson [1:26:21] Matthew Christopherson Jackie Pipes [1:26:28] Ryland Chung [1:26:34] Sean Pilasi Satie Clemens [1:26:43] Posen Puniwala [Applause] Jonah Coffee [1:26:51] Maya Potvin Henry Collins [1:26:57] Elizabeth Powell Payton Collins [1:27:04] Renia Prescott Isaiah Collins [1:27:09] [Applause] Belle Presto Holt [1:27:17] Adriel Kame Adam Pra [1:27:24] Aiden Natalie Radcliffe [1:27:31] Kelly Jean Corbin Theo Radkkey [1:27:38] William Craig Adnan Ray [1:27:46] EvanRandle Hawan Rasmmanson [1:27:54] Vincent Chris Max Rascoff [1:28:01] Jack Crowley Lauren Reed [1:28:07] Genevie Curtis Matthew Reed [1:28:14] Gavin Dah Mason Ree [1:28:21] Lucas Daly Haley Reese Garcia [1:28:26] [Music] Nazardine Dow [1:28:35] Zoho Rahan Maya Davenport [1:28:44] Cammy Rel Diego Dator Del Toro [1:28:52] Angelo Richardson [1:28:57] Danica Dar Rose Isabella [1:29:05] Riviera Dylan Luis Delaz Joanne Rodriguez Rodriguez [1:29:14] Sophia Delgado Soagal Molly Roar [1:29:24] Thomas Dietrich Taylor Rooney [1:29:31] Michael Doe Lauren Rosenthal [1:29:37] Lily Doring Bile Gabrielle Rosinski [1:29:45] Cameron Drestler Adam Rosanski [1:29:53] Alexander Dale Katie Row [1:30:00] Jaden Dwarte Abigail Runquist [1:30:07] Maxwell Duffy Brandy Joe Russell [1:30:14] Dominic Evansteiner Moses Sacker [1:30:21] Lucy Edund Carmen [1:30:27] [Music] Scandlin Mera Iikenberry [1:30:33] Victoria Shaber Paul Ericson [1:30:41] Aaliyah Schaefer Ethan [1:30:47] Esperson Kaden Schlottman [1:30:53] Kate Kate Angelica Espinosa [1:30:59] John Schmidz Sophia Fehee [1:31:06] Gabrielle Shonrock Nex Falcon [1:31:13] Ashley Schumacher Eli Falner [1:31:20] Lilith Schultz Elijah Fearing [1:31:28] Kaden Schultz Kurtie Audrey Feduk [1:31:36] Eric Schweers Owen Ferguson [1:31:43] Arjun Rajvel Sentel Payton Fel [1:31:51] Estella Sarahimov Carolina Balagan [1:31:59] Olivia Cesman Edward Flomo [1:32:04] [Applause] Margaret Severson Logan Flood [1:32:13] Shan Vir Singh Clifton Floyd [1:32:20] Jeffrey Skinner Ethan Francois [1:32:28] Athena Sun [Applause] Francois [1:32:36] Emmanuela Sosu Delina Fitui [1:32:44] Josie Spaith Sophia Franconei [1:32:52] Maya Spikers Greta Frasier [1:32:59] Owen Spores Miriam Quentes Rivera [1:33:07] Neranjana Shirram Evan [1:33:14] Fuller Derek Stadheim Adriana Garcia [1:33:23] Haley Stagner Emily Garcia [1:33:31] Isabella Stiger Shelby Gaskkins [1:33:39] Amelia Steel Dolak Javagi Javagi [1:33:48] Sydney Stelton Bipu Gamachu [1:33:56] Addison Stevens Ella Gamnes [1:34:05] Mia Stockton Maya Gerber [1:34:12] Emma Stafle Gian Germano [1:34:18] Connor Stratton Jack Gestner [1:34:25] Sophia Strefling Nadia Gforor [1:34:32] Jet Stro Anukica Gaylord [1:34:39] Cameron Sullivan Audrey Goyne [1:34:46] Kaden Summers Garen Gribble [1:34:53] Wayia Sunn Joshua Ra Griffin [1:35:01] Eastston Talbot Gustaf Groper [1:35:08] Adrien Tanberg Aiden Gclaus [1:35:15] Matthew Tarlton Isabella Gowaldoni [1:35:22] Stephanie Tarios Sosa Leean Guled [1:35:30] Samroit Tekka Salah Ghan [1:35:38] Charlotte Tao Nicholas Gustiffson [1:35:46] Alina Tao Alyssa Haggnes [1:35:54] Malachi Tao Nathaniel Haley [1:36:02] Mike Tao Aaliyah Hail [1:36:08] Ellie Thompson Ava Hamburgren [1:36:16] Nathaniel Teste [1:36:22] Will Hansen Dino Token [1:36:29] Matteo Hargus Melissa Token [1:36:36] Fiona Harris Jocelyn Towel [1:36:44] Tol Rael Hashel [1:36:50] Darren Tran Aisha Hassan [1:36:58] Aiden Sa Ryan Hastings [1:37:06] Elizabeth Dwight William Hogan [1:37:13] Nathan Van Burkham Alina Havuk [1:37:21] Idea Vang Audrey Healey [1:37:29] Mila Vang Kyle Hedges [1:37:36] Owen Vang Haley Hedrington [1:37:43] Paxton Vang Peter Hennon [1:37:51] Shaina Ina Vang Samuel Henning [1:37:58] Sarah Vasi Max Henry [1:38:05] Jack Vasterling Gona Herr [1:38:13] Noah Velasquez Grace her [1:38:21] Santiago Vgara Evan Herman [1:38:29] Julia Verhast Matthew Hernandez [1:38:37] Nathan Vic Phillip Hugh [1:38:44] Eva Vill Daniel Hinton [1:38:51] Robert Vocac Sophia Hoa [1:38:58] Stella Vulp Hannah Holt [1:39:05] Charlotte Vassan Avery Horichek [1:39:12] Kenneth Vu Megan Howland [1:39:19] Joanna Vu Owen Huffer [1:39:26] Charles Weslink Delaney Hmel [1:39:34] Christopher Washen Matthew Hun [1:39:41] Hannah Walls Aaron Hunt [1:39:48] Clara Watson Autumn Hustings [1:39:55] Briana Waters Stephanie Ekumola [1:40:03] Raymond Webb David Esau [1:40:11] Tavon White Macy Iverson [1:40:18] Sophia Whitney Yazid Jabber [1:40:28] [Applause] Grace Winter [1:40:34] Tyler Jackson Brooke Winters [1:40:42] Jean Jung Lydia Ia Wilson [1:40:48] Kora Johnson Parker Williamson [1:40:55] Min Ca Catherine Wise [1:41:02] Mina Kilka [Applause] [1:41:07] Ella Woodward Bitser [1:41:13] Connor Carris Sack John Worth [1:41:21] Sahil Khan Breen Warwa [1:41:29] Zad Kid Noah Wright [1:41:37] Muhamad Khan Michelle Woo [1:41:43] Herbert King [Applause] [1:41:49] Vivy Sha Alexander Kirkoff [1:41:56] Unadi Shang Elliot Keel [1:42:04] Stella Shang Dominic Cop [1:42:12] Andrew Yang Lane Kleinheind [1:42:19] Brian Yang Brooklyn Ky [1:42:28] George Yang Olivia Craft [1:42:35] Evan Yang Natalia Keenan [1:42:43] Penelope Yang [1:42:48] Lee Kadier [1:42:53] Phaye Yang Grace Qua [1:43:01] Betana Yared [1:43:09] Nathaniel Pringle Kevin Yedli [1:43:16] Ian Crayons Amaya Euan [1:43:25] Jack Lambert Sarah Yousef [1:43:31] [Music] Tyler Lamont [1:43:36] Kayla Zacharias [1:43:42] Nathan Larson Lily Zamarano [1:43:49] Noah Larson Isabella Zebro [1:43:58] Catherine Lavel Paul Z8 [1:44:05] Jocelyn Lee Olivia Zean [1:44:12] Sia Ming Lee Ryan Zimmerman [1:44:19] Jack Lee Myra Zuper [1:44:26] Justice Limrich Angie [1:44:34] Lou Bennett [1:44:40] Leander Haley [1:44:45] Lynn Lillian [1:44:51] Link Bradley [Applause] [1:44:57] Little Danielle [1:45:02] Lightner Adriana Lawler [Applause] [1:45:10] Aiden [Applause] Lowry Thomas Loopertz [1:45:19] [Applause] [1:46:00] [Music] graduates at this time please move your tassels from the right side of your hat [1:46:08] to the left side signifying your status as a [1:46:23] graduate the royal rouser will be played as the final activity of this [1:46:28] commencement ceremony students please listen to it this time as a graduate at [1:46:35] its conclusion that special moment will come when students toss their caps to the wind and begin their new adventure [1:46:43] parents you may want to get your cameras ready students please [1:46:50] stand mr farweather the Royal Rouser [1:47:03] [Music] [1:47:08] [Music] [1:47:26] w O R [1:47:35] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [1:47:44] This concludes today's ceremony congratulations class of 2025 [1:47:51] [Applause] [1:48:09] [Applause] [1:48:14] [Music] [1:48:19] heat heat [1:48:26] [Music] [1:48:58] [Applause] [1:49:05] [Music] [1:49:16] good job [Music]