As she stepped to the podium for the first time Thursday evening, Woodland Hills High School co-principal Dr. Shelly Manns shared an email she had received from a member of the Class of 2025 while the district was weighing a difficult decision on whether to move its annual commencement ceremony indoors due to the threat of rain.
“I would encourage you to allow us to get a little wet,” the email from senior Miah Kodman read, “in order to allow our whole families to witness our graduation. I feel it will bring better memories in the rain than being cooped up in a hot gymnasium.”
The rain came, but the Class of 2025 danced through those raindrops with joy and smiles on their faces as they accepted their diplomas and became the latest graduates of Woodland Hills High School.
“Four years ago, you walked into Woodland Hills High School, unsure what your journey would bring. None of us could have predicted the exact path you would take,” Dr. Manns told them. “Some of you carried quiet confidence. Others carried questions. And some carried the weight of the world. You all carry hope.”
Co-principal Mr. Berchman Grinage shared some of the data behind the Class of 2025. The class earned $11,672,112 in scholarships as 158 members will pursue additional education, including 84 at four-year schools. Mr. Grinage added that these seniors are not only attending the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, Temple University, PennWest University, Slippery Rock University, and Lincoln University in the Commonwealth, but they’re headed to Syracuse University, the prestigious Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and more.
Lena Laubscher, President of the National Honor Society, shared that she wondered what she would tell her college roommate when asked what it’s like at Woodland Hills.
“I’ve highlighted the diversity of talent and skills you have and the way in which Woodland Hills has equipped you to be successful. But there is something else, something more intangible, that happens here,” Laubscher said. “We know more about empathy, about putting ourselves in other people's shoes and about caring for one another, than anyone I've met from different schools and school districts.”
SaNaya Lee, President of the Black Student Union, echoed the depth and breadth of talent and potential in the district.
“As BSU president, I had the chance to see how much brilliance we have in this class and around our school, how much talent, creativity and drive and drive exists right here,” Lee said. “We came together to celebrate our culture, address tough issues and uplift one another.”
Tailynn Kemp-Denson, Senior Class President, shared that no matter how driven a student is, they need an extra layer of support. Woodland Hills, she said, will lift you up when you need it.
“I hope every single one of us has someone in the crowd today who cares about us, whether it's family, friends or educators. Because no one gets here alone,” she said. “Today is also about the people who stood beside us even when the road got tough. Their love and support helped carry us here.”
Celebrating his first commencement as Woodland Hills superintendent, Dr. Joe Maluchnik told the Class of 2025 that they offer hope of a bright future.
“In my short time here, I have watched you shine and excel in classrooms, on the courts, on stages, building robots, flying drones and in service to your community. You have shown us that our future is in good hands, and I believe deeply that among you are future electricians, welders, engineers, doctors, lawyers, CEOs and yes, even some educators,” Dr. Maluchnik said. “But more than that, I believe the future will be more just, more inclusive and more compassionate, because you will be shaping it.”
Zacharias Barron, Student School Board Representative, reminded his classmates to take time to smile and laugh.
“Take that kindness with you into the future. There was a moment in my life where I felt like I wasn't enough, unmotivated by all the drastic changes happening around me,” Barron said. “People were passing away. My grades slipped, and I had to figure out who I was, just like many of you guys. But eventually, I learned to keep pushing and strive for excellence.”
Barron introduced Ms. Terri Lawson, the President of the Woodland Hills School District Board of Directors, who encouraged the students to embrace their own growth and authenticity, especially when it comes to being themselves. Pointing to her colorful ensemble, Ms. Lawson shared it was chosen specifically for this occasion.
“As you can see, I'm wearing this very bright, custom fit, authentic floral suit that includes 240 flowers, none of which are the exact same on purpose,” Ms. Lawson said. “Because to me, each one of these flowers represents each one of you and all of the qualities that you possess.”
Giavonna Zinn, Student Council President, praised her classmates’ ability to overcome obstacles.
“Many of us faced challenges throughout high school, whether that be academically, physically or even emotional challenges at home,” Zinn said. “We have all struggled, but in the end, we have all made it to this monumental moment together. In this moment, you should feel proud of what you've done.”
Zinn introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Tracey Conti. Part of the first graduating class at Woodland Hills High School in 1988, Dr. Conti serves as the UPMC Andrew W. Mathieson Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC. She is a founding member of the Black Equity Coalition, serves as a member of the UPMC Health Plan Board of Directors, and serves on the UPMC Health Equity Committee. She noted that several speakers had praised the class for their resiliency, adaptability, compassion, and drive. Hearing it multiple times from different people, she said, reinforces how prevalent those traits are in the Class of 2025.
“So, I do want to recognize your resiliency and adaptability you have shown throughout your school years, especially during these challenges times. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Adaptability refers to the ability to adjust to new conditions. That is what we are doing tonight,” Dr. Conti said. “You guys have been tested in ways that we have never imagined, but you emerge stronger, and in today's world, those traits are going to be more critical than ever.”