Soaring and flying: Calera High School celebrates class of 2025
Published 11:00 am Thursday, May 22, 2025
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
Calera High School celebrated the perseverance and achievements of the class of 2025 at its annual commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 20. (Reporter photos/Dave Domescik)
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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
CALERA – Calera High School held its commencement exercises at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena on Tuesday, May 20, celebrating the class of 2025 and the beginning of a new chapter for the Eagles’ graduating seniors.
“We have walked many steps together and now you’re ready to take on the next,” CHS Principal Jennifer McCaleb said in her opening remarks. “As you prepare to move forward, remember to let everything you do be rooted in love… Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
McCaleb also recognized Calera’s 36 honor graduates who maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA during their four years in high school. It is the largest number of honor graduates Calera has ever had. McCaleb added that Calera’s graduating class has received more than $4 million in scholarships to college.
Dalton Ash and Rylan Pickett, Calera’s two salutatorians, then addressed their classmates. Ash will attend Huntingdon College in the fall, while Pickett will attend Troy University.
“Having worked for over 12 years for this moment, it’s hard to ignore the determination, perseverance, patience, hard work and sacrifice that embodies itself in the attitudes of every graduate,” Ash said.
“School has been more than just a place to grow academically,” Pickett said. “It’s where we gained the skills, values and friendships that will shape our futures. It taught us how to think critically, work together and grow into who we are today.”
Lily Townsend, Calera’s valedictorian who will play softball at Bevill State Community College in the fall, imparted wisdom on her fellow graduates in her address.
“Whether you’re headed to college, starting a job, joining the military or still figuring it out, remember that success isn’t a straight line,” Townsend said. “It’s a series of steps, missteps and moments where you choose to keep going.”
Each year at Calera’s graduation, a past alumnus gives a commencement address. This year’s commencement speaker was Ronnie Clark, who graduated from Calera in 2014. Clark currently serves as the running backs coach for West Alabama, and won two national championships while playing for Nick Saban and Alabama.
“It is an honor to see you make it to this milestone,” Clark said. “Graduating high school is no small feat. It is a testament to your hard work, your perseverance and dedication.”
Clark shared core tenets of his belief system to the graduates as they enter a new phase of life, including embracing challenges, pursuing passions, building relationships and giving back to others.
“The world is full of possibilities, and you have the power to shape the future,” Clark said. “Be bold, be courageous and never stop striving for excellence.”
Following the presentation and awarding of diplomas, Anna McEntire, a teacher at CHS, was chosen by the seniors to formally introduce the class of 2025 as graduates.
“Doing this right now is and will be the greatest honor of my career,” McEntire said. “I love you guys… It has truly been wonderful learning and growing with all of you, and I am inspired by your strength and tenacity.”
After McEntire’s address, caps and jubilant screams filled the air of the arena, with hugs abound and tears shed.
Along with honoring the graduating class, the ceremony was dedicated to the lives of Gibson Flynt Bradley and Johnson David Noble, who passed away in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Bradley and Noble were members of the class of 2025 before their deaths.
For more information on Calera High School, visit Shelbyed.k12.al.us/o/cahs.
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