Chester Union Free School Districts celebrates Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony

It was an evening of celebration at Chester Union Free School District, as the 74 members of the Class of 2025 received their diplomas on Thursday, June 26. It was Chester Academy’s 140th commencement ceremony. Additionally, students were recognized for having received more than 60 individual awards for their achievements throughout the 2024-2025 school year. 

The ceremony was held in the Chester Academy gymnasium due to inclement weather, but that did not dampen the spirit of celebration, as the bleachers and floor seating was filled to capacity with family and friends. The ceremony began with administration, faculty and the Class of 2025 processing into the gym to the traditional graduation tune, Pomp & Circumstance. 

Class of 2025 members Dakota Basso and Joseph McAteer-Purdy – both of whom are off to the Navy next year – led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem performed by the Chester Academy Band, under the direction of Deb Hyseni. Then, it was Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan’s turn to welcome guests and address the Class of 2025.

Mr. Flanagan shared that his younger self was as enamored of superheroes as any kid is, and wanted to be Superman when he grew up. Along the way, however, he realized that not all superheroes wear capes, and that it is the support we receive from those around us that truly matters.

“Look around you. The people who helped you reach this point – your parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and friends – they are all superheroes in their own way,” said Mr. Flanagan. “They believed in you, lifted you up, guided you, and sometimes carried you when things got hard. You made it here tonight because of their strength, and your own.”

He continued, giving guidance on how each graduate could be their own superhero, and even a hero to others. 

“Tonight you graduate, not into a world of comic book fantasy, but into real life; a life that will challenge you, stretch you, and, yes, sometimes knock you down. But you don’t need to be faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive to succeed. What you need is heart. Effort. Integrity. And the courage to do the right thing when it matters most. If you work hard, if you choose to be kind, if you show up when it matters, you will be someone’s superhero. Whether it's a child you teach, a friend you support, a cause you fight for, or a family you raise one day, your actions, your choices, your values… they will define your legacy. So go out into the world with the confidence to leap, the courage to fall, and the determination to rise again. You may not wear a cape, but I promise, if you live with purpose and compassion, you’ll be a superhero in ways that matter most.”

Mr. Flanagan then invited Class of 2025 salutatorian David Trinh to the podium. In his address, David shared his thoughts on the culture of excellence that he has experienced as a Chester student. 

“During my time here, I feel like I have been surrounded by people who are excellent – in and out of class,” David said. “I truly believe Chester Academy fosters students that always strive for excellence in one way or another, and I want to take a moment to recognize that. Graduates… congratulations, good luck, and never stop being excellent.”

Next, the Chester Academy voice ensemble, under the direction of Rachel Scali and accompanied by Brandon Sparkman, performed the song For Good, and then it was Superintendent of Schools Catherine O’Hara’s turn to address the graduating seniors.

“Whether you've been here at Chester from the start or you joined us along the way, you've grown into thinkers, leaders, teammates, artists, musicians, actors, athletes and innovators,” said Ms. O’Hara “I encourage you to recognize the qualities you’ve built within yourselves. The courage you showed when life didn't go as planned. The resilience you brought to any setback. And the quiet strength you carried, even when no one was watching.”

Ms. O’Hara delivered a message about facing challenges with confidence, drawing inspiration from the phrase “Lock In,” used by Tay Fisher, former Division I basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter, during his presentation at the OCIAA Scholar-Athlete event.

“The most defining moments in life don’t come from avoiding fear, challenge, or doubt,” Ms. O’Hara said. “They come from pushing through and emerging stronger on the other side.”

She added, “So when you find yourself as the newest person in the room… lock in. When self-doubt starts to creep in… lock in. Lock in to your strength, your accomplishments. Lock in to your story, your journey, your resilience....everything that has shaped you into who you are today. You are capable, grounded, and ready for what comes next.”

Class of 2025 valedictorian Calista Cambria was next to the podium. She encouraged her fellow graduates to grasp the opportunities that are all around, even at times when things feel overwhelming. She shared valued wisdom from her mom, to always find fulfillment in what you do. 

“We can change, we can evolve, we can choose to build lives that make us happy,” Calista said. “Fulfillment looks different for everyone. For some, it's making a difference. For others, it's financial stability, creativity, or helping people over personal growth. Whatever it may be for you, chase it. Find success on your own terms. Congratulations, Class of 2025. I hope you create a future that makes you proud.” 

The final speaker of the evening was Chester UFSD Board of Education President Kim DiCurcio, whose speech focused on the students’ sense of innovation, their adaptability and the “upgrades” that those traits have helped them achieve. She did this by comparing the graduating class to something else born in 2007, the iPhone.

“Suddenly everything was changed. It was a device that fit in your pocket but had the power of a computer,” she said. “Totally unbelievable. That little device wasn't just a phone, it was a symbol that meant the world was about to get faster, smaller, and more connected.”

She continued, “As you graduate, you are holding the future in your hands… Today isn't about closing a chapter, it's about stepping into your own version of a launch, a new model, an upgraded self. The road ahead will ask you to be more than just skilled, it will ask you to be kind, to be curious, to be creative, and most importantly, to stay true to your values and the lessons you have learned here.” 

Finally, it was time for the presentation of diplomas, which were distributed by Mr. Flanagan, school counselors Jenny McKenzie and Yvonne Sternemann, Ms. O'Hara and Ms. DiCurcio. Once all of the students had received their diplomas, Principal Flanagan officially certified the Chester Academy graduating class of 2025, and mortar boards soared into the air.