MUSKEGON — Reeths-Puffer High School sent out its Class of 2025 with one last request for flexibility, moving the graduation ceremony up two hours to avoid a rain forecast.
Superintendent Steve Edwards praised the Rocket community for adjusting in his address, then joked he'd written an 18-20 minute speech about the virtues of flexibility before senior parents reminded him, "No one is here to hear you speak."
Edwards implored R-P's graduates to "guard your attention and spend it wisely," saying where a person's attention is focused shapes who they become. He also cited Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes' recent commencement speech at his own alma mater, North Carolina A&T, where he said life is hard regardless of what path is chosen, but graduates have the opportunity to "choose their hard."
Three students addressed their classmates - valedictorian Anahi Ramirez-Murillo, salutatorian Gavin Wright and Noah Sapone, who was elected by classmates to give a speech.
Each delivered optimistic speeches; Ramirez-Murillo encouraged her classmates to focus on their own achievements and not compare themselves to others. She also quoted the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in her speech. Wright shared that over the next 15-20 years in particular, he and his classmates would be part of a generation that will shape the way the world works.
"The world becomes our canvas to paint on" from today forward, Wright said.
Sapone said for anyone in the crowd who doesn't yet know what they want to do with their lives, "we're in the same boat." He also paid tribute to his mom Michelle, who passed away last year, saying she was and still is the person he wants to be when he grows up. He closed his remarks by telling his classmates, "For goodness' sake, be kind."
Principal Jennifer Anderson was the final speaker. She said the highs and lows of the Rockets' educational careers have made them grow in ways they may not yet realize, and added that the new alumni should be honest about what they see in the mirror while always seeking opportunities for growth. Anderson emphasized that while Plan A can be great, there are 25 other letters in the alphabet.
"Often it's plans B-Z that build the best, most honest versions of who you are," Anderson said. "Let your backup plans be as bold as your very first plan."
