By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer

With the unifying theme of kindness serving as its through line, the Unionville High School Class of 2025 Commencement graduated 328 students – and 55 National Merit Scholars, a school high - at a celebration held June 4 at the Bob Carpenter Center.

Acknowledging the Unionville-Chadds Ford District’s Kindness Matters campaign this past academic year, Principal Amy Jenkins began the ceremony by praising the students for their empathy and kindness and additionally recognized their philanthropic efforts. The Class of 2025 completed several service projects that included raising a record $87,931.33 for the school’s 10th UTHON anniversary, which supports Four Diamonds and the fight against childhood cancer, as well as separate effort that donated blood to the American Red Cross.

“When the school year started with good vibes and kind energy, the district announced the theme of kindness,” Jenkins said. “Kindness is not always flashy, it’s not always about grand gestures and more often it’s found in the small, everyday interactions. We have seen the kindness of this class all year.”

This kindness of the class of 2025 was further exemplified by its student speakers. 

“I wish I’d gotten to know all of you for longer, because the Class of 2025 is made up of the most remarkable people, and all of you are so incredibly hard working, talented and just all around amazing,” said speaker Lilah Brennan. “You’ve overcome countless obstacles and adapted to frequent change from global pandemics to escaped convicts and even slow technology. You have faced it and came out stronger.”

Student speakers additionally praised their support system who helped them along the way, including friends and family who filled the stands and celebrated with them after their tassels were turned. 

Graduating Senior and Student Board Member Aliz Eujima encouraged her classmates to continue the signature brand of strength in mind and heart that has come to define the Class of 2025. 

“Today, as we wear our graduation outfit, we put on our caps, our gowns, our tassels, but we also put on opportunity,” she reflected. “We put on our achievements and pride in our accomplishments. We put on our empathy, our kindness and our unique, individual, identities.” 

“Relationships require maintenance, not perfection, as you head off to your next adventures, remember that the technology in your pockets gives you something my generation never had the ability to check in with almost no effort,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sanville. “People and relationships are worth connecting with and tending to, even when life gets busy and life will get busy for you.

 “Twenty years from now, I hope none of you have to accidentally bump into an old friend and wonder where the time went. Instead, I hope you're celebrating how your friendships evolved and grew because you understood something powerful at 18 years old—that people and relationships are worth tending to, even when life gets busy.”

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email [email protected].