UMATILLA, Ore.-The largest graduating class in the history of Umatilla High School received their diplomas on June 7.
“The Class of 2025 faced change, challenges and growth, and came out stronger every time,” senior Alejandro Espinoza said in his welcome address. “To our families and mentors thank you for your sacrifice, guidance and your love that has brought us to this moment.”
Umatilla High School Class of 2025 by the numbers
- 107 graduates (the largest class in UHS history)
- 16 students participated in the career and technical education (CTE) program
- 18 seniors graduated with the Seal of Biliteracy
- 3 seniors enlisted in the military
- $1,867,834 in scholarships were awarded to 31 graduates
UHS Principal Jared Tesch
Principal Tesch opened his remarks by remembering Pedro Figueroa Mendoza, a member of the class of 2025, who died in an accident last summer.
“He was a hardworking student, dedicated athlete and kind human being who will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.”
Principal Tesch then advised the graduates to remember their high school experiences, memories and lessons, and implored the class of 2025 to dare greatly.
“The future can be scary, but it’s all yours for the taking,” said Principal Tesch. “Go out there and make mistakes, fail spectacularly, then pick yourselves up, dust yourselves off and try again because that’s where the real learning happens.”
Salutatorian Liam Early
Early, who graduated with a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.13, recalled how far the class of 2025 came in four years.
“The class of 2025 has been one of the most involved classes in sports and clubs at Umatilla High School,” said Early. “We were the class that showed up and helped out where we were needed.”
Early then thanked UHS staff and teachers for their guidance and support.
“Thank you for believing in us and helping us grow, without the support you gave us we would not be where we are today,” Early said. “We’re better because of you.”
Valedictorian Alyssa Bow
“By going our separate ways, we get to apply everything we’ve learned,” said Bow, who graduated with a cumulative weighted GPA of 4.2.
Bow then reminded her fellow graduates that they were now equipped with the skills to do great things and become successful in whatever they choose.
“I hope you remember this, laziness will crush your ambition, fear will impact your dreams, and doubt will destroy your confidence,” said Bow. “But if we apply what our teachers have tried to instill in us, we can flip this around. Our ambition will crush laziness, our dreams will conquer fear, and our confidence will silence all doubt.”
Marisa Gonzalez
“As you go into the world remember to stand up for what you believe in, even if it doesn’t go your way,” said Gonzalez, a UHS teacher.
In an emotional address, Gonzalez implored the class of 2025 to persevere.
“Life won’t always hand you easy wins, you’ll face challenges no one could fully prepare you for, but don’t quit,” said Gonzalez. “Don’t give in, persevere and pitch forward toward your goal because real success isn’t always in trophies, grades or expensive papers, it’s your ability to keep going, especially when it’s hard.”
Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe
Superintendent Sipe asked the class of 2025 to look around the audience for their parents and families, and to think of the ways they have always shown up for the graduates.
“These are the same faces that are going to be here for you throughout your future,” said Superintendent Sipe, who then implored the graduates to call, not just text their loved ones, in proud moments and tough times.
“When you’re having a really tough day and you’re not sure what to do, call them. They’re here for you today, and they’re here for you always.”
