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Shelby County High School said goodbye to the class of 2025 during a special graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 20 at the Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center at the University of Montevallo. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

MONTEVALLO ­– Graduation caps rained from the sky at the McChesney Student Activity Center as students rushed to each other and embraced in celebration during a night they’ll never forget at Shelby County High School’s commencement ceremony for the class of 2025.

SCHS said goodbye to its senior Wildcats during a special graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 20 at the Robert M. McChesney Student Activity Center at the University of Montevallo. Parents, friends and family members looked on in excitement as approximately 128 graduates strode across the stage to accept their diplomas marking the end of their high school era.

“Standing here today, it’s hard to find the perfect words,” said Emma Hague, executive president of the student government association and member of the class of 2025. “How do you summarize four years of laughter, struggle, growth and friendship in just a few minutes. For years we walked through halls together, stressed over exams, celebrated wins—big and small—and built memories that will stay with us long after we toss our caps.”

Hague told the class that it was a privilege to see how strong, creative and determined the class of 2025 was. For Hague, commencement was more than just a night of celebration.

“This moment isn’t just a celebration of finishing high school, it’s a celebration of remembering who we are, noticing the growth we’ve had, celebrating all the times we almost gave up and didn’t and the fact that we made it and we made it together,” she said. “To our teachers, thank you for believing in us and pushing us. To our families, thank you for holding us up when we committed ourselves. To my fellow graduates, thank you for making this journey unforgettable.”

During commencement, class valedictorian Spencer Decker addressed his fellow seniors on the momentous occasion and encouraged them to acknowledge their surroundings and to live in this moment while it lasts.

“We truly have made it,” Decker said. “Often times, I hear people say these are the best moments of our lives, that we need to celebrate every moment while we can—actively. I find this to be interesting and very broad. I know many people who have not enjoyed high school yet.

“I know others who cherish these fleeting moments and that’s okay. There is no right way to feel. My message to the class of 2025 is to acknowledge your surroundings and truly think about where you are right at this moment. You are surrounded by peers, mentors, friends and family ready to support and cheer.”

Decker reminded his classmates to seize the future and to examine the many options laid out in front of them that they can take on their path to the future. Despite the changing future, Decker shared that he has faith in the accomplishments of the class of 2025.

“We will succeed, and I truly look forward to seeing you in the future,” Decker said.

Before concluding, Decker expressed his sincere appreciation the teachers that have imparted knowledge and life lessons along the way and offered his gratitude to Principal Kyle Dudley who guided the class of 2025 all four years and will be moving on to a new position in the fall.

“Take these moments and see where you are now, surrounded by ever character that’s been in your life for many years,” Decker said. “Understanding that we are all going to meet new faces, new opportunities and know that even in hard times we can prevail as the class of 2025 because life is a journey, not a destination. We must enjoy the ride with the ups and downs.”

After the valedictory address, the members of the class of 2025 were called forward, one row at a time to receive their diplomas. After turning their tassels—signifying the start of a new era in their lives, the seniors sang the school’s alma mater one final time before tossing their caps in the air in celebration.

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