Catoctin High School Celebrates 57th Commencement Ceremony

Alisha Yocum

The Class of 2025 from Catoctin High School celebrated a memorable milestone on May 29, as 194 students crossed the stage at Mount St. Mary’s University to receive their diplomas during the school’s 57^th commencement ceremony.

Class President Kylie Foster welcomed family, friends, faculty, and honored guests to the ceremony, marking the culmination of four years of perseverance, growth, and accomplishment.

The event began with a presentation of the colors by the AMVETS Post 7 Veteran Honor Guard, followed by a heartfelt rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by students Kaitlyn Bartlett and Shae Long on guitar and saxophone.

Vice President Rebeckah Zentz took the podium to recognize distinguished guests, including elected officials, members of the Board of Education, and representatives from Frederick County Public Schools, before highlighting the creativity and talent of the Class of 2025. Flutist Joanna Genemans and interpretive dancer Erin Miller delivered an emotional artistic performance, showcasing the diverse talents within the graduating class.

Treasurer Alayna Kelly introduced Board of Education member Colt Black, who read the reflective poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. The poem emphasized the importance of the “dash” between birth and death—urging graduates to appreciate the present and recognize that their legacy is built by how they choose to live every day.

Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dyson encouraged graduates to embrace life’s uncertainty, seek passion through experience, and build meaningful relationships. She offered three key pieces of advice she wished she’d received at graduation:

Embrace uncertainty – Some of the most meaningful opportunities are unexpected.

Find your passion – Passion grows through curiosity, failure, and experience.

Choose your people wisely – Relationships shape who you become.

Dyson closed with a quote by Vivian Greene: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Student speaker Lillian Holden delivered a moving and personal address, reflecting on the journey from masked freshmen navigating the end of the COVID-19 pandemic to the confident, resilient graduates they’ve become. Holden spoke candidly about overcoming her fear of public speaking, the value of failure, and the power of taking risks.

“We will be faced with a choice,” Holden said. “Are we going to play it safe, or are we going to take a risk and learn from our failures? The people who are successful are the people who have failed and tried again.”

Secretary Richelle Zheng presented the Cougar Paw Award—an honor chosen by the senior class to recognize a faculty member who embodies the Catoctin spirit. This year’s recipient, Mr. John Cochran, was praised for his unwavering dedication, kindness, and commitment to lifelong learning.

Catoctin Principal Jennifer Clements reflected on the growth of the Class of 2025, from uncertain ninth graders in 2021, still adjusting to the aftermath of COVID-19, to the confident young adults now stepping into the future.

“Graduation is a pinnacle moment, where we look back at the memories that shaped us and forward toward the possibilities ahead,” Clements said. Drawing inspiration from this year’s yearbook theme—“Looking Back, Moving Forward”—Clements encouraged graduates to carry their past experiences as fuel for future success.

The ceremony concluded in celebration, as graduates tossed their caps to cheers from a crowd of proud families and supporters—each student taking one final step as a Cougar before embarking on their next journey.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your journey continues—your dash is yours to define!