Class of 2025 Salutatorian Kaidance Meixel introduced the class, speaking about the unique relationships each person has built together at Neumann.

“These friendships turn ordinary days into unforgettable memories,” Meixel said. “It’s the small things that connect us. From walking to class together to cramming for exams, to supporting one another through heartbreaks, and cheering for one another through celebrations.”

Meixel said that these everyday experiences have helped create relationships that each will carry into the future.

“We know that one day we might live in different cities with busy lives and new responsibilities,” she said. “But the bonds that we have built won’t disappear. Real friendships survive time, distance, and change. Real connections will always last. And genuine experiences will never fade … These school day moments are not part of the story we will look back on and reminisce about. These school day moments are the story. ”

Albright Studio

Valedictorian Sophia Reid individualized Denzel Washington’s “Nine Things to Tell Yourself” everyday, applying each to the graduates’ own experiences.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted my speech to be about,” Reid said. “Every speech I’ve heard before has been similar, but that’s

because they’re right when they say high school goes by fast and to treasure the moments you have, but I wanted mine to be a little different.”

Every day living with each affirmation in mind is a moment moving closer to their dreams, Reid said.

“Take control of your life and grow stronger,” Reid said. “shape your destiny. Believe in yourself. Take chances. Start each day with positivity. Show them your worth and don’t sit back and watch time go by. We have influenced one another in so many different ways and experienced so many different things together. For that, wherever we go, whatever we do, we’ll always be a part of one another’s’ dream.”

Albright Studio Kaidance Meixel and Bishop Bambera

In her opening remarks, Principal Alisia McNamee highlighted the classes’ senior projects. A requirement for graduation, each student organizes a community project based in an area of service they are interested in .

“These projects beautifully showcased your dedication to serving,” McNamee said. “From sharing your talents to the elderly and the homeless, the youth through ministry, providing for cancer patients and their nurses, working at food banks, contributing to community literacy, playing music at local hospitals, to instructing children in the love of baseball … You’ve demonstrated character, work ethic and compassion in the most remarkable ways.”