By Chris Barber
Contributing Writer

Kennett High School graduating seniors marched down the school’s front steps, just as their predecessors had done before them and those who follow will presumably do as well.

In a tradition shared by generations of graduates from the Kennett Consolidated School District, the members of the class, following the administration and faculty, entered their outdoor commencement ceremony by way of this historic and revered entrance stairway on June 13.

Kennett stands alone among southern Chester County schools with that remarkable facade, and many who have graduated from the school report it as their favorite memory.

On Friday, June 13, the 280 or so members of the 2025 graduating class said farewell to their school with music, speeches and the receipt of their diplomas on the stage that looks out over the building’s front lawn, the railroad tracks and the southern edge of the borough. An audience of more than 1,100 friends and family members celebrated with the graduates.

After the traditional openings, four speakers presented their views. They were graduating seniors Marissa Herring, Jasmine Esparza, Luca Castellano and Graham Bragaw. Their speeches were themed as an entertainment production that was defined by sights, camera, action and cut.

Herring said the vision of the adventure was one of excitement – a straight line that suddenly reaches an upturn at graduation.

Esparza said the adventures of their education could be remembered by the moments when they held still to “click for the camera.”

Castellano said the action was ever changing from kindergarten to their senior year.

Bragaw compared the choices to accept or reject actions in people’s lives to the cuts that are made in the final editing of a movie.

The commencement ceremony was accompanied by live music from the high school concert band – no pre-recorded “Pomp and Circumstance.”

As a prelude to the processional, they played a salute to George Frederic Handel.

Assistant Principal Jeffrey Thomas announced that the members of the class had received more than $2 million is scholarships, with almost half of the scholarships provided by local individuals and organizations.

As is the usual tradition at Kennett graduations, the Senior Advisor’s Cup was presented to Class President Grecia Bedolia Almanza.

The highest Kennett High School Honor, the Rupert Cup, was presented to Marissa Herring.

Principal Lorenzo DeAngelis, who had previously been the class’s middle school principal until he moved to the high school, offered them a cheerful “good bye” and told them they had matured nicely during the middle school and high school years.

He urged them to “cling to the vine” – meaning not to lose contact with their alma mater. He also told them, “You are my favorite class. … I love you.”