PHOTOGRAPHS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Fifty new alumni of Ada High School were created on Sunday, May 25 in ceremonies at the Ada High School gymnasium. Traditions were honored by the wearing of periwinkle caps and gowns, music including Fanfare and Processional by Edward Elgar and the presentation of diplomas to each student.

Jillian Allison, President of the Class of 2025, welcomed visitors and Brody Erickson led graduates, dignitaries and guests in a moment of reflection. Allison also gave “one piece of advice” to her fellow graduates: “Stop staring at the blank page before you and release your inhibitions for the rest is still unwritten. Can’t wait to see you all at the reunion.”

High School Principal Dan Lee spoke on behalf of the entire school, congratulating the Class of 2024 and recognizing students who are National Honor Society members, received Honors Diplomas or earned a 3.5 GPA. (Listed in the attached program.)

Lee also noted that commencement was being celebrated on Memorial Day weekend and recognized students who have enlisted for military service.

Lee also had a message for the students: “There are so many forces in today’s world that glorify frivolous, dramatic, negative contemporary things. Amidst all of that, I hope you know this: your community and school love you. And are proud that you have become men and women. You will be missed.” He concluded, “You will always have a home here in Ada and will always be a Bulldog.”

Apollo Superintendent Keith Horner recognized students who attended the career center and thanked the district for its support.

Ada Schools Superintendent Julie Simmons introduced the following students who received the school’s highest honors for 2025: Victoria Rausch, Salutatorian; Adam Wall Conner, Valedictorian; Ethan d’Souza, Valedictorian; Nathan Williams, Valedictorian.

These four students provided reflections on their school experiences. Rausch’s remarks described how important teachers, fellow students and family had been to her school experience. Conner discussed having spent years in “can’t wait” mode and encouraged his classmates to enjoy right now. D’Souza talked about 13 years of school memories, little and big, and shared the viewpoint that “we are the authors of our stories.” Williams told the audience about coming to Ada eight years ago and being shaped by the community in ways he could have never imagined: “A part of us will always be in Ada,” he said.

The Commencement address was made by Ada High School Science Teacher Christina Bowden, who has taught in Ada for 25 years. She talked about how she found her way to teaching after beginning her college career as a Psychology major. She advised, “Try different things. Keep trying different things.” Bowden also talked about specific students in the graduating class and special experiences they shared. She also gave this advice: “tell people that you care about, that you love them. Tell your parents, tell your siblings, tell your friends. We’re not promised tomorrow. We only have today.”

The names of graduates were read by Kristin Salyer, Senior Class Advisor, as they processed across the stage to receive their diplomas from Troy Erickson, the president of the Board of Education.

The ceremonies concluded with the swish of tassels from right to left, indicating that these individuals were now graduates of Ada High School, and with the boom of confetti canons, which filled the gym with a flutter of metallic Bulldog gold.