[5:06] I am Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, the proud principal of Round Rock Early College High School, and

[5:11] it is my honor to welcome each of you to today's class of 2025 commencement ceremony. Please

[5:19] remain standing, if you would please join me in standing first.

[5:27] Please remain standing

[5:29] for the Pledge of Allegiance, led by ECHS Seniors, Sammy Meary and Naomi Nathan, and

[5:34] the National Anthem performed by ECHS Seniors, Evan Pena and Samira Wiggins.

[5:40] I

[5:45] pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for

[5:50] which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[5:57] Now remain standing for the Texas Pledge.

[6:01] Honor the Texas flag.

[6:03] I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state under God, indivisible.

[8:09] You may be seated.

[8:10] it.

[8:12] Thank you, Sammy, Naomi, Evan, and Samira.

[8:17] Realm Rock Early College High School began in 2016.

[8:23] And today, we are pleased to celebrate our sixth graduating

[8:27] class.

[8:37] Given their dedication, determination,

[8:40] along with the support from parents, families, teachers,

[8:44] professors, friends, and school community,

[8:46] the class of 2025 has reached this exceptional milestone

[8:51] of high school graduation today.

[8:55] 87% of the seniors sitting before us are now college graduates

[9:01] with their Associate of Arts degree in General Studies,

[9:05] or are the first in our ECHS cohort to graduate

[9:09] with their Associate of Science degree in General Studies.

[9:13] and

[9:22] all of our seniors are well on their way with at least 30 hours of college

[9:27] credits they have earned over the past four years.

[9:37] The seniors within this

[9:39] graduating class of 2025 have been accepted into universities throughout the

[9:45] country and have been fortunate to receive numerous scholarships. In total

[9:51] To date, the ECHS graduating class of 2025 has been awarded $2,672,514 in scholarships.

[10:10] Congratulations for a job well done.

[10:14] It is now my pleasure to introduce our esteemed guests.

[10:19] Please stand as I call your name and audience please hold your applause until all names

[10:24] have been called.

[10:25] President of the School of

[10:25] Education.

[10:26] Brown Rock I S. D. Superintendent

[10:28] of Schools Doctor Haffed Aziz,

[10:31] Brown Rock I S. D. Board of

[10:33] Trustees, Tiffany Harrison

[10:35] President, Alicia Markham Vice

[10:38] President, Amber Landrum

[10:40] Secretary, Choe Zerate,

[10:43] Trustee, Melissa Ross,

[10:45] Trustee, Amy Weir, Trustee,

[10:48] and Dr. Michael Way,

[10:50] executive leadership team, Dr Natalie Nichols,

[10:54] senior chief of schools and innovation, Dennis Covington,

[10:58] chief finance officer, chief operations officer, Anastasia Drabicki,

[11:04] chief of public affairs and communications, Cindy Heal,

[11:09] general counsel, Eddie Curran, chief human resource officer,

[11:13] Donald Bruton, chief technology officer, Karen Gray,

[11:17] of Access and Opportunity, Ryan

[11:21] Urutia, Chief of Police,

[11:25] Central Administrative Staff,

[11:28] Dr. Patricia Eflin, Area

[11:29] Superintendent of the Stony Point

[11:31] Learning Community, Dr.

[11:32] Mya Mercer, Area Superintendent

[11:34] of the McNeil Learning

[11:35] Community, Dr.

[11:36] Zach Odom, Area Superintendent

[11:38] of the Westwood Learning

[11:39] Community, Dr. Nancy Guerrero,

[11:41] Area Superintendent of the Cedar

[11:43] Ridge Learning Community, Dr.

[11:45] Dr. Logan Farris, Area Superintendent of the Round Rock Learning Community, Dr. Byron

[11:50] Gerard, Area Superintendent of Student Support Services, Rodrigo Pertilio, Assistant Superintendent

[11:58] of Academics, Diane Folletto, is Associate Director of Marketing and Engagement, and

[12:04] Blanca Valencia is our principal for Success High School.

[12:07] Can you please give them a round of applause?

[12:17] There's a team that supports all of our graduations and we would like to just

[12:21] thank our district staff, definitely Stephanie Cheatham, Betty Joe Byrne and her team as

[12:27] well. Thank you for your support to all of those who are on the dais as well as those

[12:33] in the audience. Thank you for your support of our students and families at Early College

[12:37] High School and within Round Rock ISD. We also have Austin Community College team

[12:43] members who are here with us. Representing today are Jason Sanchez, Director of High

[12:49] school programs, enrollment and partnership, if he would please stand. And we also have

[12:55] Devin Miller, who is our Interim Director of Academic Success, College and High School

[13:00] Relations. We can give them a round of applause.

[13:09] Without doubt, we must acknowledge our early

[13:11] college high school staff for all of their hard work and their dedication to our students.

[13:16] Would all of our ECHS teachers and staff please stand to be recognized?

[13:35] Thank you.

[13:37] We would also like to acknowledge our previous ECHS staff who are with us on this morning.

[13:44] If you are a previous ECHS staff member, can you also please stand to be recognized?

[13:58] We would like to acknowledge our ECHS PTSA board president, Mrs. Lynch, as well as

[14:05] our treasurer, Mrs. Reese, for their unending support of ECHS students and staff.

[14:11] Can you please stand to be recognized?

[14:13] In

[14:22] addition, on our PTSA side, the team that supports, we would like to do a special acknowledgement

[14:29] to Mr. and Mrs. Illich and the WD Kelly Foundation for all of their support of the ECHS school

[14:37] community.

[14:38] Can you please stand?

[14:47] I'm always thankful for my entire supportive village, and that includes my parents,

[14:51] my siblings, my best-goodest friend, my nieces and nephews, and today, of course,

[14:57] I have to acknowledge my sweet mom.

[15:00] Who is here? So Dr. Velma Wilson, would you please stand?

[15:11] Finally, we must thank our senior class parents for their love, their support, all of that

[15:18] which you have provided for your students as well as the partnership with Early College

[15:23] High School. Would the parents of our seniors please stand to be recognized?

[15:41] Thank you

[15:42] all for being here and making a difference in the lives of our students in the class

[15:47] of 2025. Now with opening remarks, please join me in welcoming our student council

[15:53] president Truman Hamade.

[16:10] Howdy everyone, and good morning. I'd like to give a warm

[16:17] welcome to our guests, faculty and staff, proud parents, and most importantly, the

[16:24] graduating class of 2025.

[16:32] Thank you for being here to celebrate this

[16:34] significant milestone of ours.

[16:36] My name is Truman Hamadeh, and I'd like to start off by saying

[16:39] what an incredible honor it's been to share this journey

[16:42] with all of you over the past four years.

[16:46] During our time in high school, you may have known me as a friend,

[16:50] entrusted me to be class president,

[16:52] or even voted to make me your prom king.

[16:55] For every laugh, every conversation,

[16:58] every unforgivable experience we shared,

[17:00] I'm deeply grateful.

[17:03] I truly believe there couldn't have been a more talented, more interesting, and more extraordinary group to be alongside during those moments than y'all.

[17:16] Soon we'll all be heading down our own paths, each one far too unique and exciting for me to try and sum up here.

[17:23] Believe me, I tried.

[17:27] Yet, despite the diverging roads that face us, there's an underlying principle that they all hold the same.

[17:33] To illustrate this shared inevitability, I'd like to bring up some wise words from another

[17:40] handsome president named Truman.

[17:46] Now on President Harry S. Truman's desks, there was a little sign which read, the buck

[17:51] stops here.

[17:53] It proudly sat on the desk of him throughout his entire presidency.

[17:58] This age-old saying signifies taking full ownership of your actions and the consequences

[18:04] they carry. The plaque served as a powerful reminder that he accepted

[18:09] ultimate responsibility for all decisions, refusing to pass that buck of

[18:14] accountability to anyone else.

[18:19] Crossing this graduation stage right here marks

[18:22] our step into a world where the choices we make are entirely our own. A world

[18:28] that won't let you put that massive responsibility on anybody but yourself.

[18:33] self. But even as you carry that weight, I want you to know that the path you walk will

[18:39] never be a lonely one. Whether it's your parents, your teachers, your friends, or anyone who's

[18:46] had your back, all these years, someone will always be in your corner. So keep going, keep

[18:54] fighting, take the time to celebrate how far you've come, cherish the memories, hug

[18:59] your parents and hold those diplomas up high, as well as those associate's degrees,

[19:06] because

[19:07] you've earned it.

[19:09] I can't know for sure what life will take us, but I'm certain of this.

[19:14] Each and every one of you is capable of something incredibly special.

[19:19] Wherever you go from here, I just want you to remember, the buck stops with you.

[19:26] Thank you.

[19:38] Thank you, Chairman.

[19:40] I'm Helen Holmes. It is my honor to recognize the achievements of the senior

[19:44] class of 2025. Your program explains the meetings of the Stoll, Stoll's collars

[19:50] and cords of distinction worn by our students today. Students donning a

[19:55] white Stoll and white tassel have completed an associate of arts degree

[19:58] in general studies and students wearing a white Stoll and gold tassel have

[20:03] completed an associate of science degree in general studies for Mossden

[20:06] Community College, both rigorous degree plans. Please stand to be recognized as an associate

[20:12] of arts degree graduate.

[20:18] Please

[20:28] stand to be recognized as an associate of science degree

[20:31] graduate.

[20:42] Please stand to be recognized if you are graduating core complete at Austin

[20:46] Community College.

[20:58] Please stand to be recognized if you have earned 30 or more college credits.

[21:03] Thank you.

[21:14] We commend our honor graduates who have achieved a 4.0 or higher. Please stand

[21:19] to be recognized as an honor graduate.

[21:33] Thank you.

[21:37] National Honor Society members please

[21:39] stand.

[21:47] Thank you.

[21:51] Our National Merit Commended Scholars for the class of 2025 please stand

[21:55] to be recognized.

[21:58] Siri Bandem and Barat Sachdeva. Thank

[22:07] you.

[22:10] We acknowledge our National African

[22:11] American, First Generation, Hispanic, Indigenous and rural small town scholars. Please stand

[22:18] to be recognized as National College Board Scholars.

[22:31] Thank you. It is now my pleasure

[22:33] to introduce our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Angelica Ross, to present our top 10 graduates.

[22:38] At

[22:46] this time, we recognize our top 10 graduating seniors.

[22:50] As I call your name, please stand and remain standing until all have been recognized.

[22:56] We also invite your parents and family members to stand and remain standing when your name

[23:01] is called.

[23:02] Number 10, Gwendolyn Hannah.

[23:11] Number 9, Oz Dykeman.

[23:20] Number 8, Truman Hamade.

[23:28] Number 7, Madison Kim.

[23:30] number

[23:36] six Matthew Illian number

[23:44] five Sophia Reese

[23:51] number four Usman Khan number

[24:00] three Siri Bandem our

[24:08] early college high school salutatorian is Sarah Zavalletta

[24:12] our

[24:20] valedictorian for the early college high school class of 2025 is Christine

[24:25] Gibson you

[24:43] may be seated you

[24:48] may be seated thank you

[24:55] since starting four

[24:59] Four years ago, the class of 2025 has provided campus support, commendable volunteerism, and

[25:07] service on behalf of themselves, their classmates, ECHS students, and this school community.

[25:15] Our class of 2025 has dedicated over 3,991 hours of service to our community.

[25:23] Their

[25:32] individual and collective efforts have been purposeful, impactful, and have made

[25:37] a difference.

[25:39] The Class of 2025 is a group of achievers.

[25:42] The enrichment clubs and initiatives they have started both inside and outside of school

[25:48] reflect their creativity and have enhanced our campus culture, built school voice

[25:54] and advocacy and demonstrated the importance of service to others for future graduating

[26:01] classes. Even with the huge focus and commitment to academics along their path, this class

[26:09] of 2025 has still given back to the ECHS school community. Seniors, you have served

[26:17] as examples, mentors, friends for our ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders. You have been

[26:25] leaders, tutors, and representative voices. Jane Goodall said, what you do makes a difference,

[26:34] and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. We believe you will make

[26:43] make a positive difference, given the outstanding work you've done within the early college

[26:48] high school community. As you continue on this journey, your inner circle may change

[26:55] over time. However, please remember that your parents love you. They will always be your

[27:02] biggest advocates and supporters. I must also acknowledge all of the teachers, once again,

[27:09] the staff, professors, and administrators that began with you and have supported you,

[27:16] instructed, advised, and cheered you on all along the way. We look forward to

[27:22] seeing what you will do and all you will become. We believe that each of you

[27:28] can help positively impact and change this world for the better. With

[27:34] As graduation comes responsibility, to whom much is given, much is required.

[27:42] As I have shared with our previous graduating classes, we welcome you to become part of our

[27:48] Early College High School Alumni Association.

[27:52] For everything that has been poured into you, my closing request is to pass it on.

[27:58] Give it back and share about your experiences.

[28:02] Thank you so much for joining

[28:02] me in this session.

[28:02] Ladies and gentlemen, please

[28:04] join me in saluting the

[28:07] Round Rock ISD, excuse me, yes,

[28:10] and early college high school

[28:12] class of 2025.

[28:26] The next part of our program

[28:28] will be class messages.

[28:30] The first message is from the

[28:32] salutatorian of the early

[28:33] college high school class of

[28:38] to the podium.

[28:48] Hello class of

[28:48] 2025 and welcome family and

[28:50] guests. Congratulations everybody

[28:52] we made it. It is my honor to

[28:54] speak as our class

[28:55] salutatorian. I would like to

[28:57] thank God for all the amazing

[28:58] people he's put in my life these

[28:59] past four years. People like my

[29:01] parents for their loving

[29:02] guidance my sisters Rachel and

[29:04] Natalie for always keeping me

[29:05] grounded and my classmates who

[29:07] became very close friends

[29:09] Rebecca, Rachel, and Naomi. You guys are the reason I loved coming to school. My

[29:14] kindergarten teacher came to watch me graduate today, so a huge thank you and

[29:17] shout out to Ms. TJ. You started my educational journey.

[29:25] Just like every

[29:26] senior here, 13 years ago, we walked through our kindergarten classroom doors

[29:30] and this morning we're all sitting here together graduating high school. Our

[29:34] ECHS staff has always cheered us on. Thank you to every teacher and

[29:38] administrator for your help and support. I would like to specifically thank Mr.

[29:42] Kuba check for teaching us seas get degrees coach Meyer for being an amazing

[29:47] listener and pals teacher miss Picasso for being the sweetest teacher I ever

[29:51] had and an awesome Zoom instructor miss Holmes for being my strongest advocate

[29:56] during college admission season and of course mr. Clint skills for

[30:00] We are truly caring and pushing us all to succeed.

[30:02] Mr. Clint Scales gave us many bits of wisdom, or as some of us call them, rants and avid.

[30:08] He said, when we graduate and move to college, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves,

[30:12] because no one will know us when we leave ECHS.

[30:15] I think the idea of reinventing ourselves is inevitable.

[30:19] We have so many more life experiences ahead of us.

[30:21] Since our kindergarten years, we've given up on some silly ideas, and with some humility

[30:26] and wisdom were likely to change some of the silly ideas we have here today.

[30:30] One thing I hope we don't reinvent is our love-hate relationship with the portables

[30:33] that allowed us all to become closer as friends. Our class of 2025

[30:37] is the largest class to graduate ECHS. There are many things

[30:42] that make our class special, but here are the stories I'll be telling my college friends.

[30:46] We were the last class to have shown up literally before the sun freshman year,

[30:50] so nobody signed up for an 8am lecture. One of my favorite memories

[30:53] memories is learning that playing volleyball at lunch can actually be quite dangerous.

[30:57] I know we all remember the portables and people we hit. If I remember right, three of them

[31:01] had to go to the dentist. I'm so sorry. And of course, the portable culture that

[31:06] banded us all together. The pipe that burst, the skunk under the girls bathroom, and running

[31:11] through the rain and hopefully not slipping on portable ramps. And I hope we all remember

[31:15] and cherish the memories we made at our senior prom. Everyone here is so proud

[31:20] of us for making it to graduation. I know I had senioritis this last semester, as did

[31:24] most of us. Some of us even had those freshmen, but we made it to graduation, which is a huge

[31:29] accomplishment. The seniors here are some of the most dedicated 17 and 18 year olds

[31:34] in our district. Four years ago, we started our journey of getting an associate's degree,

[31:38] and today that decision is finally paying off. I know that in the next four years,

[31:42] we will continue to stay dedicated to our goals and continue to butter ourselves.

[31:46] I'm praying for us all to succeed and our college and career path will be starting in a few months.

[31:51] A friendly reminder to everyone, enjoy your senior summer.

[31:55] It's the last one we'll have before real adult responsibilities.

[31:58] We've been planning for graduation and college this past year,

[32:01] so let's fully take in this moment and live in the moment during our senior summer.

[32:05] Finally, I hope we can all reunite next year when the new building is open

[32:08] and watch our portables being towed away.

[32:10] Thank you so much and congratulations again.

[32:13] Thank

[32:21] you, Sarah. Our second class message is from the valedictorian of the ECHS class of 2025, Christine Gibson.

[32:32] Please welcome Christine.

[32:34] I'm

[32:40] blessed with the honor, but also the privilege of speaking to you today as your valedictorian.

[32:47] Because I stand among some of the most accomplished people and some of the hardest workers I have ever met.

[32:54] I want to thank God and my family, especially my mother because I never would have been here without you.

[33:01] If you're anything like me, all of your countdowns are now at zero.

[33:06] The mad dash to the finish line is finally over.

[33:09] The ribbon now lies in half on the ground.

[33:12] It's the day we've all been waiting for.

[33:14] Today, the early college high school class of 2025 is graduating.

[33:20] life being life as we celebrate the end of one countdown all the others keep

[33:23] ticking some to our delight and others to our dismay and despite all of this I

[33:29] want to invite you to pause in the pursuit of time the swiftest runner of

[33:33] all and let's look back look around and look forward as we're together one last

[33:38] time when I think back to the past three years we were different people if I

[33:43] think hard enough I remember long bus rides as we slept on our way to

[33:46] school, very good early risers.

[33:49] I think of us dodging volleyball in the Amphitheater.

[33:52] And even a time when there was three lunches

[33:54] and even fewer cares, we didn't know it.

[33:56] But passion was bumbling underneath the surface.

[33:59] And because of that passion, during our time at ECHS,

[34:03] I had the opportunity of meeting artists like Jasmine

[34:06] and Sam.

[34:07] I met three dancers who committed countless hours

[34:10] to their art form.

[34:11] I met Olympic weight lifters like Usman.

[34:13] I met creatives like Sterling and later Aiden, who would turn mere assignments into masterpieces.

[34:20] And I realize now that passion was what defined each and every one of us all the while.

[34:25] It was passion that propelled Spillers as he sprinted through the classroom at 9 a.m.

[34:29] because caffeine could never, never, or wags to talk about parasites

[34:33] as if they were plushies with a smile on her face.

[34:37] And that same passion made Portable 376A Star Wars on one side,

[34:41] physics on the other and kubichuk all around. And as I watch you thrive I learned that passion

[34:46] is multifaceted. Looking around today there's so many faces that should have been here but

[34:52] aren't and so many that started with us and ended elsewhere. There's so many that

[34:58] didn't start with us and are now an integral part of our class. And so we look today

[35:03] we see that there's so many people who brought us where we are. On the behalf of the class

[35:07] As of 2025, I want to thank our trustees and Dr. Aziz for working to help us realize

[35:13] that there is a vision to create innovative solutions for students and helping us to improve

[35:18] it and expand it despite all the rainy days along the way.

[35:21] And I'd like to thank the devoted staff members of ECHS because your passion is what sets

[35:27] ECHS culture apart from other schools time and time again.

[35:31] You deliberately chose a path of greatest resistance with the hope of changing just

[35:35] one life.

[35:36] and I want to let you know that you did.

[35:38] You changed ours.

[35:40] And so know that you've impacted the class of 25

[35:42] and we are grateful to be on the receiving end

[35:44] of such kindness.

[35:46] This auditorium is packed full of parents,

[35:48] guardians and friends and loved ones

[35:49] because our class does not have those numbers.

[35:52] And we want to thank you for the sacrifices

[35:54] that you made to bring us here.

[35:56] When I look at my peers, I realize

[35:57] that everything we need going forward,

[35:59] we have within us already.

[36:01] For example, I see Cameron,

[36:03] A true feminist who taught me that we stand upon the shoulders of giants and need to continue

[36:07] to build their work going forward.

[36:09] I think of Evan and Barat, mighting their few words but full of life if you ever take time

[36:15] to listen.

[36:15] And they taught me that passion may not always be loud and vocal.

[36:19] It's also chipping away at the task at hand with dedication.

[36:22] I think of Travion, a master of Manson subtle arts reminding me that occasionally we need

[36:27] to let go.

[36:28] And Carmen and Myla, the importance of friendship,

[36:31] Audrey, creativity and calculus can happen.

[36:35] I think of Magnus, passion can be hidden,

[36:37] not always what people might think it is.

[36:39] Or Ethan, that passion can be practical as well.

[36:42] Or Elijah, that our hobbies should be cultivated

[36:44] just as much as our earning potential.

[36:47] And so looking into the future,

[36:48] it's like looking into the sun.

[36:50] It hurts, it's blinding, but for some weird reason

[36:53] we keep looking at it, even though we can't even see it.

[36:55] And so in the society where the world seems to be descending into chaos at every turn,

[37:00] passion is what will take us forward.

[37:02] When I look ahead, I see astrophysicists, I see game designers, doctors, nurses, I see mechanics, politicians,

[37:08] engineers, chemists, leaders, creative innovators, business leaders.

[37:12] I see forces to be reckoned with.

[37:14] And if I squint hard enough, I think I see a reunion, but it's pretty faint.

[37:19] And whether or not we reunite, we've already begun to change the future in ways we may never know

[37:24] and in places we may never go.

[37:26] I'm sure many of us will receive grad gifts today

[37:29] and even give some, but let's not forget

[37:32] one of the greatest gifts we've been given

[37:33] during our time at ECHS, and that's time.

[37:37] Whether it's two years, 20 credits, or two seconds,

[37:40] we've been given a head start.

[37:42] Can we ever catch up to time?

[37:44] Not that I know of, but we've been given

[37:46] a head start in the race.

[37:48] One day, we'll ask the same question we're asking today,

[37:51] where did all the time go?

[37:52] but today we celebrate as Dr. Wilson mentioned earlier it said that to who

[37:58] much is given much is expected and interestingly enough we don't always

[38:01] seem to meet expectations sometimes we fall short other times we exceed them

[38:07] my personal favorite is when we redefined them and that's the thing

[38:11] about our class we've never settled for what was handed to us as will be

[38:14] proved today we kept knocking kept emailing kept pushing until something

[38:18] moved until something shifted. And that's the story of the class of 25. We don't just meet

[38:25] expectations. We challenge them. We raise them. And having looked in, around, and ahead

[38:33] of ourselves today, I thank you once more and encourage us to be people. More than just

[38:39] passionate people, but people of passion. People driven by an inner force, one that

[38:44] propels through opposition knowing there's

[38:46] a cause worth pursuing.

[38:48] Not just people who take up space,

[38:50] but people who shake up the spaces that they're in.

[38:53] The countdown may be at zero, but we're not out of time.

[38:56] It's just simply time to begin.

[39:12] Thank you, Christine, for your lovely words.

[39:15] We will now begin awarding diplomas to our graduates.

[39:19] Today is for celebration of our students

[39:21] and their families, but it is also a ceremony

[39:25] and it deserves its due respect.

[39:28] Please extend the same courtesy

[39:30] to the last senior honored as the first.

[39:33] At this time, with the top 10 graduates

[39:36] and our graduation program participants,

[39:38] please proceed down the ramp to my right,

[39:41] to your seats for the validation of candidacy.

[40:03] I have the great honor of introducing

[40:05] Dr. Hafed Aziz, Superintendent of Schools,

[40:09] to certify our class of 2025.

[40:12] Students, please stand and remain standing during the validation of candidacy.

[40:33] The class of 2025, Starr Kindergarten back in 2012.

[40:39] That was the year LeBron James won his first MBA title.

[40:43] And the iPhone 5 was the hottest thing around.

[40:47] I know a lot has changed since then, including our graduates who have grown into smart,

[40:53] resilient and inspiring people. Now the young adults before you today are the

[41:00] voices of tomorrow's progress and innovation. They are our future scientists,

[41:06] educators, artists, entrepreneurs, developers, explorers, and leaders.

[41:16] Graduates, enjoy today.

[41:19] We are cheering on as you take your next steps.

[41:23] We believe in you.

[41:25] We are proud of you, and we will miss you.

[41:30] And so by the authority vested in me by the state of Texas and the Round Rock Independent

[41:36] School District, I certify to the Board of Trustees that all students who have met

[41:41] at their graduation requirements are

[41:43] bi-illegible to receive their high school diploma.

[41:47] Congratulations to the class of 2025.

[41:49] You did it.

[42:02] Thank you, Dr. Aziz.

[42:04] Seniors, you may be seated.

[42:07] Will the first row please stand and prepare

[42:10] to receive your diplomas.

[42:13] Now to assist with the presentation of the graduates

[42:16] will be our ECHS counseling team, Dr. Valerie

[42:19] Lozier, Ms. Helen Holmes.

[42:21] each senior's name will be called along with a special statement each wanted to

[42:28] share. As mentioned by a Mrs. Ross we ask that you please refrain from prolonged

[42:34] cheering during this celebration as the noise may drown out the names and

[42:39] special statements from each senior. At this time will our board, our

[42:43] superintendent, please get into your positions and we will begin the

[42:47] awarding of the diplomas.

[43:22] Number one in the class are valedictorian, Christine

[43:26] Masoma Gibson.

[43:28] Christine will be attending Syracuse University

[43:32] to earn her bachelor's in sociology and master's

[43:35] in public administration simultaneously

[43:37] before advancing to law school to work

[43:39] in non-profit administration and council in the future.

[43:43] She wants to thank her very own mother for everything,

[43:47] her family for their incessant support,

[43:48] support, her friends who kept her sane, Dr. Logier for being her cheerleader, and every

[43:53] teacher and mentor who played a role in the story of her life.

[44:03] Number two in the class are salutatorian Sarah Zavallera.

[44:09] Sarah will be attending Texas Christian University to pursue a specialty nursing degree.

[44:23] Number three in the class, Siri Sahasra Bandham.

[44:26] Siri will attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in biomedical engineering.

[44:33] She will be pursuing a career in the health care.

[44:42] Number four in the class, Usman Ali Khan.

[44:46] Usman will attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in biology

[44:51] and eventually going to medical school.

[45:05] Number five in the class, Sophia Artemisia Reis. Sophia will be attending Loyola University,

[45:13] Chicago, on a presidential scholarship and will be majoring in political science. She will

[45:18] also be dancing with Balli Austin as a member of their studio company. Sophia would like

[45:23] to thank her family for their continuous support and encouragement to pursue her passions

[45:27] as well as paying for her numerous piles of point shoes.

[45:36] Number six in the class, Matthew

[45:38] Thomas Illian. Matthew will attend Texas State University to pursue a degree in

[45:45] communication and eventually go to seminary.

[45:54] Number seven in the class

[45:56] Madison Jane Kim. Madison will attend Case Western Reserve University and

[46:04] will major in aerospace engineering.

[46:13] Number eight in the class Truman James

[46:15] James Hamade. Truman will be attending Texas A&M University and major in Electrical Engineering.

[46:30] Number nine in the class, Oz Deichmann. Oz will be attending the University of Texas

[46:37] at Austin and major in Arts and Entertainment Technologies. They appreciate the teachers,

[46:43] professors, family and friends who have supported their high school journey in pursuit

[46:47] of higher education.

[46:52] Number 10 in the class,

[46:54] Gwendolyn Joyce Hanna.

[46:56] Gwen will attend

[46:57] Toulton University to pursue

[46:59] a kinesiology degree.

[47:02] She wants to thank her parents

[47:03] for all their support.

[47:11] Jonathan Lucas Abels.

[47:13] John will be pursuing

[47:15] a career in computer

[47:17] IT management.

[47:23] Ahmed Almamore.

[47:28] Ahmed will attend Texas State

[47:30] Right next year and major in mechanical engineering, he wants to thank his mom, dad, and family

[47:35] for supporting him.

[47:41] Malek Maud Alouakfi Malek will be attending UT San Antonio and pursue

[47:47] a degree in computer science.

[47:53] Ethan Dale Anderson Ethan will be attending Universal Technical

[47:59] Institute to be a mechanic.

[48:01] To those he loves, he says, thanks for sticking around.

[48:08] Bearington Andrew Batchelor.

[48:13] Bearington will be attending Howard University in

[48:16] Washington DC to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in economics

[48:22] simultaneously.

[48:27] Amira Azim Bhatti. Amira will attend the University of Texas at

[48:33] Dallas and major in mechanical engineering.

[48:39] Jackson Gregory Benford.

[48:41] Jacks will enlist in the United States Marine Corps and pursue a career in

[48:47] counterintelligence.

[48:53] Marceline Blevins. Marceline locked in and made it through

[48:58] her classes and looks toward a future overseas.

[49:07] Audrey Eliza Bollard. Audrey will

[49:12] attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in computer science.

[49:20] Lyndon Michael Brown.

[49:24] Lyndon will be pursuing a degree in business administration at UT Dallas.

[49:29] He wants to thank his parents for their unwavering love and support.

[49:37] Max Owen Bryant in absentia.

[49:40] Max will be attending the University of Texas Dallas for visual and performing arts with a focus on film.

[49:51] Bronson James O'Connor Burlson.

[49:55] Bronson is looking to pursue a major in computers and a minor in theatrical arts.

[50:07] Cameron Elizabeth Buza.

[50:11] Cameron will be majoring in mechanical engineering in the Ogden Honors College

[50:16] for mechanical engineering at Louisiana State University and will then pursue law school for a career in patent law.

[50:27] Angel Bustos.

[50:30] Angel will continue his studies at ACC in the area of writing.

[50:43] LaSophia Cantu.

[50:46] Myla will be attending the University of Texas San Antonio

[50:50] majoring in cybersecurity.

[50:58] Magnus Edmund Chidister.

[51:02] Magnus will attend Brigham Young University, Idaho,

[51:06] this fall, majoring in chemistry.

[51:08] He is grateful for the opportunities ECHS has provided

[51:12] and hopes that future graduating classes will have even more doors open to them.

[51:21] Selena, Ani, Kainani, Waimi, Chalk.

[51:26] Selena will attend Indiana University Bloomington next year

[51:30] and major in Human Resource Management.

[51:33] She would like to thank her parents, dogs and friends for their support to the past four years.

[51:42] William Joseph Daniels.

[51:44] William would like to thank everyone who has helped him throughout his high school.

[51:48] He will be advancing his education

[51:50] to achieve long-term academic and career goals.

[51:59] Addison Leila Renee Davis-Mini.

[52:07] Addison will be attending Texas State University

[52:10] along with her sisters and close friends.

[52:12] She will be pursuing a career in forensic psychology

[52:15] and wants to thank her family for being overwhelmingly supportive.

[52:24] Owen Michael Fields.

[52:26] Owen will be pursuing a degree in chemical engineering

[52:29] and a career as a process chemist.

[52:38] Evan Finch.

[52:40] Evan wants to thank his mom and dad for being supportive

[52:43] and always being there for him when he needed them the most.

[52:47] He will be taking a gap year.

[52:54] Rebecca Lynn Gephardt.

[52:57] Rebecca will be pursuing a degree

[52:59] in elementary education at Tarleton State University.

[53:03] She's deeply grateful to Senora Lucero,

[53:06] Mr. Clint Scales, David, her friends,

[53:09] especially Rachel Saraneumi and her family for their unwavering support, love and guidance.

[53:18] Nydia Sophia Goodrow.

[53:22] Sophia will be pursuing dance professionally while attending Texas State Online for a degree in education.

[53:34] Shanee Rachel Greenberg.

[53:38] Shanee is passionate about her Jewish faith and her connection to Israel.

[53:42] Well, next year she will attend Sharfman's, a religious seminary in Jerusalem, and hopes

[53:49] to pursue a career working with Jewish youth.

[53:52] Shani is incredibly grateful to God for placing her in such an incredible family and hopes

[53:57] to lead a life that makes them proud.

[53:59] She's also thankful for all her mentors, religious teachers, and counselor, Dr. Logier,

[54:04] for all their support, advice, and love.

[54:10] Riley Medrine Grigorsak Riley will attend Texas State next year

[54:17] and major in marketing, she would like to thank her mom, dad and little sister for always

[54:21] sticking with her through this journey no matter what.

[54:28] Devon Jeffrey Harris Devon will be going on to get his bachelor's

[54:34] and applied technologies to then pursue a career in the Coast Guard.

[54:45] Mosiah Stephen Hill Mosiah is grateful for all the experiences

[54:50] he's had to learn from and will be serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus

[54:55] the Scribes of Latter-day Saints.

[55:02] Jack Stone-Hillard. Jack will be taking a gap year. He would

[55:08] like to thank his friends for many good memories.

[55:17] Marina Veronica Icaro.

[55:23] Marina would like to

[55:24] thank the ECHS community, her friends and loved ones for believing in her when she couldn't

[55:29] believe in herself. She hopes to become a pediatric speech-language pathologist helping

[55:34] helping children build confidence and mentoring others along the way.

[55:43] Caitlin Elizabeth Illig.

[55:47] Caitlin will attend Texas A&M at College Station in the fall where she will be studying astrophysics.

[55:53] She would like to thank her parents for their endless support.

[56:01] Rayan Umar Javaid.

[56:05] Rayan will be attending ACC where he plans to pursue his passion in cybersecurity.

[56:10] He wants to thank all the teachers and peers who have helped him guide, who have helped guide him along the way.

[56:17] This is not the end of a journey, rather it is the start.

[56:25] Arsalan Ahmad Khan.

[56:29] Arsalan will be attending Houston Christian University in major in engineering.

[56:34] He wants to thank his mom for pushing him to be the best man he can be, always supporting him and loving him no matter what.

[56:45] Holden Christopher Kunkel.

[56:49] Holden will attend Texas State next year and major in computer science.

[57:01] Colton Klein.

[57:06] Colton will be pursuing a degree in sports management at the University of North Texas.

[57:15] Samantha Caridad-Machin-Rondon.

[57:22] Sam is looking forward to going to Texas State and majoring in social work

[57:26] and is grateful for her family and friends and teachers who've helped shape her.

[57:30] She gives special thanks to their past advisory teacher Mr. Spillers and the friends and advisory for always helping out.

[57:41] Vivian Martinez.

[57:47] Vivian will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio next year and major in criminal psychology.

[57:57] Forrest Sage McGeehan.

[58:01] Forrest will attend the University of North Texas next year and major in accounting.

[58:09] Aiden, James, Presley, McVeigh,

[58:14] Aiden will attend Texas State University next year in

[58:17] major in political science,

[58:22] Rhys Dura-Jay-Malice, Rhys will attend Texas A&M College Station

[58:28] and major in chemistry on the pre-med track,

[58:35] Felicity Mesa,

[58:41] Felicity will attend Princeton

[58:42] University this fall and will be studying astrophysics.

[58:45] She likes to thank her parents for being there every step of the way.

[58:55] Sammy, Amir, Mary.

[59:02] Sammy balanced his academic success with leadership, mentorship, and technical excellence.

[59:07] He had many passion projects, but his proudest was his AI program that he presented to Google

[59:12] and an online education course that generated $500,000 in revenue.

[59:17] Sammy will attend the ACC Samsung Engineering Academy with Texas A&M and major in computer engineering.

[59:29] Veronica Gale Mock.

[59:36] Veronica is attending Fisher College next year with a major in criminal justice and would like to thank friends and family for being there for her.

[59:47] Unita Mutambilike.

[59:54] Unita will be pursuing a career in medicine and wants to thank her family for their patience and support.

[1:00:05] Yossaira Mohammed.

[1:00:09] Yossaira would like to thank her family.

[1:00:17] Naomi Nathan.

[1:00:21] Naomi will be

[1:00:22] attending the University of Arkansas in the fall, majoring in political science. She

[1:00:27] would like to thank all her friends and family for all of their support over the

[1:00:30] last four years.

[1:00:36] Victor Nkemka.

[1:00:41] Victor would like to thank his family.

[1:00:46] Diego

[1:00:46] Roberto Ochoa Ramos.

[1:00:52] Diego will be pursuing a career in medicine at Southwestern

[1:00:56] University.

[1:01:05] Jasmine Elizabeth Paria Navarro.

[1:01:15] Jasmine will attend Texas State

[1:01:17] University and major in communication design. She would like to thank her mom

[1:01:21] and dad for all their support.

[1:01:28] Charmi Patel.

[1:01:32] Charmi wants to thank her family

[1:01:34] for giving her the opportunity for a better education and to thank everyone

[1:01:37] else for helping her graduate with a joyful high school experience.

[1:01:46] Elena

[1:01:47] Ren Patterson.

[1:01:52] Ren will attend Texas A&M San Antonio and major in computer

[1:01:55] science in the fall while continuing to accept commissions for making and

[1:01:59] selling candles and essential oil rollers while in college.

[1:02:08] Evan Ramundo

[1:02:09] Peña Decano.

[1:02:16] Evan will be pursuing a career in civil engineering.

[1:02:25] Carmen

[1:02:26] Perez Aquino.

[1:02:30] Carmen will be majoring in biology with a concentration in

[1:02:34] pre-med at the University of Texas at San Antonio in hopes of becoming an

[1:02:38] OBGYN. She would like to thank all her family and friends for getting her through these last

[1:02:42] four years, especially her mom. Gracias, mami, por todo lo que hace hecho por mi, en mi vida. Te amo muchísimo.

[1:02:58] Paul Pumpey Potts.

[1:03:14] Paul wants to thank his mother for always believing him and all the

[1:03:18] sacrifice she made for him.

[1:03:25] Elijah J. Charles Preston.

[1:03:35] Elijah wants to thank Senora

[1:03:37] Lacerro for unconditional help and support.

[1:03:44] Logan Pruitt.

[1:03:49] Logan will be

[1:03:50] attending Austin Community College to become a registered nurse.

[1:03:59] Merrick

[1:03:59] Pryor.

[1:04:05] Merrick will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio next year and

[1:04:09] major in kinesiology. He thanks his family for their love and support.

[1:04:19] Williams, sorry, sorry, Christopher William Richter.

[1:04:30] Chris wants to thank everyone who supported him throughout his time at early college.

[1:04:36] He and his spine are holding strong and full of hope for the future.

[1:04:45] Julia Robles.

[1:04:50] Julia would be attending, Julia would be pursuing a career in video game design

[1:04:55] and wants to thank her family for always being there and supporting her.

[1:05:05] Sterling, Josea, Flair, Rodriguez.

[1:05:13] Sterling wants to thank his mama, his family, and his friends for getting him through high school.

[1:05:23] Barca, Ruparel.

[1:05:25] Barca deferred her acceptance to NYU, Shanghai to spend the next year working overseas in absentia.

[1:05:35] Lauren, Rut.

[1:05:36] Lauren

[1:05:42] Lescrochet, and she will attend the University of Texas at Arlington next year

[1:05:46] and major in computer engineering.

[1:05:53] Barat Sachdeva.

[1:06:00] Barat will be attending Texas A&M University at College Station and study mathematics.

[1:06:10] Manor Selene.

[1:06:15] Manor will attend Texas State University and major in respiratory care.

[1:06:19] She wants to thank her family for all their support along the way.

[1:06:28] Annette Sanjuan Cepeda.

[1:06:30] Anita wants to thank her family, classmates, underclassmen, staff, and most importantly

[1:06:38] her faith in Christ.

[1:06:40] Her favorite things about high school have been spreading Christ and impacting others

[1:06:43] in their faith.

[1:06:44] She will attend Highlands College in Alabama next year and major in pastoral ministry.

[1:06:55] Joaquin Josiah Sanchez

[1:07:02] Joaquin wants to thank his mom and dad for everything they've

[1:07:05] done for him.

[1:07:11] Trevian Dorotoro Sandoval

[1:07:17] Trevian wants to thank his parents,

[1:07:19] parents, brothers, cousins, and uncles Jose and Goyo, and especially his aunt Licha.

[1:07:30] Noah James Silke.

[1:07:38] Noah plans to work full time over the summer while working on his 3D modeling skills.

[1:07:48] Flor Silvestre Vincis.

[1:07:53] Flor loves flowers and is hoping to begin a small floral business.

[1:07:57] She enjoyed coming to school, learning, making memories.

[1:08:01] Flor wants to thank all her teachers for their support and most importantly Mrs. Holmes

[1:08:05] for being there with her throughout her four years.

[1:08:07] She is forever grateful for her.

[1:08:10] Floor will be attending Austin Community College next year

[1:08:13] to major in health science and pursue a career in sonography

[1:08:16] as an ultrasound technician.

[1:08:24] Hashem Rakan Smadi.

[1:08:29] Hashem wants to thank his friends and family.

[1:08:31] He is extremely grateful for them all.

[1:08:33] He has enjoyed his time at early college,

[1:08:36] and we will be pursuing a career in mechanical engineering

[1:08:38] at the University of Texas at Dallas.

[1:08:45] Billy Ray Sweeney.

[1:08:52] Billy will be attending the University of Texas

[1:08:54] is at Tyler and majoring in computer science.

[1:09:02] Stacy Tang.

[1:09:07] Stacy will be pursuing a career in finance

[1:09:09] at the University of Houston and would

[1:09:11] like to thank her family for supporting her journey.

[1:09:18] Rachel Catherine Tarleton.

[1:09:24] Rachel will be pursuing a degree in kinesiology

[1:09:27] at Tarleton State University.

[1:09:34] Steven Xander Bustillo Tonalete.

[1:09:40] Steven is thankful for the experiences and opportunities

[1:09:43] that helped shape him.

[1:09:49] Sarah Tran.

[1:09:49] Sora

[1:09:55] would like to thank her mom and dad for their unconditional love and support throughout her journey at early college and is excited for a new chapter of her life at the University of Texas at Dallas.

[1:10:12] Luis Villanueva.

[1:10:18] Luis will attend the University of Michigan and major in biology, health and society with a minor in business on the pre-med track.

[1:10:26] He has also received a full ride scholarship to the University of Michigan.

[1:10:32] He

[1:10:38] would like to thank his family for their support throughout his four years of high school.

[1:10:43] Navi Wernicke.

[1:10:49] Navi is looking forward to a career in video game development.

[1:10:57] Samira Nicole Wiggins.

[1:11:04] Samira is planning to further her education by pursuing a bachelor's in animal science

[1:11:09] and committing herself to the Air Force.

[1:11:17] Raveon Janay Williams.

[1:11:26] Raveon will be attending Morgan State University and majoring in architecture.

[1:11:38] Janice Woods.

[1:11:44] Janice wants to thank all of the people who have been supported from day one.

[1:11:54] Armando Alex Zuniga.

[1:12:05] Alex wants to thank everyone who believes in him. Congratulations graduates.

[1:12:37] Allow me to offer my sincerest congratulations to our graduates and their families.

[1:12:43] so uh join me please let's give it up for the class of 2025 all

[1:13:21] right I

[1:13:26] would like

[1:13:27] to ask our class of 2025 to remain standing to symbolize that you are no

[1:13:33] longer high school students but are now graduates of early college high school

[1:13:38] please move your tassels from the right to the left

[1:13:53] graduates please turn

[1:13:55] and face the audience so they can celebrate you.

[1:14:34] Graduates, you may be seated.

[1:14:44] Closing remarks will be made by our student council treasurer,

[1:14:48] Luis Villanueva.

[1:14:50] Please welcome Luis Tenebodia.

[1:15:17] This is it. Four years of memories, challenges, and growth all led up to this three to four minute speech.

[1:15:25] Today isn't just the end of high school, but rather a closing chapter of a journey we've all shared together.

[1:15:31] If I'm being honest, many of us are feeling mixed emotions. Some of us are worried about what the future holds for us.

[1:15:37] Some of us are excited about the adventures that await us, whether we pursue in a bachelor's degree or entering the workforce.

[1:15:44] for us. Others probably wish graduation would have come sooner. But no matter where we're

[1:15:49] headed to in the future or how we're feeling, one thing is true for all of us. We all got

[1:15:55] here because we carried perseverance with us. Each one of us sitting in this room has

[1:15:59] had a difficult moment throughout their high school career. Yet we all persevered to

[1:16:03] be where we are today. Whether it's staying up late to work on our general chemistry

[1:16:07] homework or simply doing a TRF and AVID at the last minute, we still managed to

[1:16:12] pulled through.

[1:16:13] Academics aside, many of us have also persevered

[1:16:16] in deeply personal ways.

[1:16:18] In my journey, that meant navigating the loss of my father

[1:16:21] from cancer during my sophomore year of high school.

[1:16:24] He always pushed me to excel

[1:16:26] and reminded me to keep going.

[1:16:28] I still remember when he would tell me,

[1:16:29] echa le ganas Luis, or you got this to me

[1:16:32] when I struggled in school.

[1:16:33] Losing him felt like my world had shattered.

[1:16:35] A part of me was missing.

[1:16:37] And I didn't know how to move forward without him.

[1:16:39] At times, I was working towards my associate

[1:16:42] of science degree often studying for exams while sitting beside him in the hospital studying

[1:16:46] overnight just to be near him in case it was the last time I'd ever see him. It wasn't just me that

[1:16:52] his death took a toll on but also on the rest of my family including my mom that I see right there.

[1:16:57] I was just I saw just how hard she worked to make ends meet and to pay for medical bills.

[1:17:03] I saw the sacrifices she made and yet in every difficult moment she kept on a positive

[1:17:08] smile. At school, my counselor, Mrs. Holmes, supported me throughout my grieving process

[1:17:13] and made me feel loved, supported and valued. I have a vivid memory of Mr. Kubechec who told

[1:17:19] me he knew just how difficult it was to lose someone so close to you. I never felt that

[1:17:23] close to a teacher before and I knew that he would support me in whatever I did at school.

[1:17:28] Just like Mrs. Holmes, he was a mentor to me, not in a traditional academic sense,

[1:17:32] but as someone who reminded me that even in the most challenging moments, I wasn't alone.

[1:17:38] And in reflecting on everything, I've come to understand that my story is one of many.

[1:17:42] So many of us, especially first generation students, have faced silent battles and still

[1:17:47] found the strength to keep going.

[1:17:49] To all the first generation students in the crowd, you are not here by accident.

[1:17:53] You don't need to prove your worth to anyone.

[1:17:55] Your presence, your perseverance, and your story are already proof enough.

[1:17:59] You've already broken barriers just by being here and I have no doubt you keep

[1:18:03] doing it in the future. Before I close I want to share a message in Spanish for

[1:18:08] my family and for my and for everyone in the crowd who understands the weight of

[1:18:12] sacrifice, love, and perseverance.

[1:18:30] And I'm proud of my mother who supported my family with her strength and dedication.

[1:18:36] Especially when my father passed away.

[1:18:38] I also thank all of my family that are still in Mexico,

[1:18:42] who despite the distance, are always opening up for me love and unconditional support.

[1:18:47] And I know that my grandfather is watching me and guiding me from the sky.

[1:18:52] I'm finally proud to be a new one.

[1:18:55] Now, I share this brief story not for pity, but to remind us of some of the things we persevere through as a class.

[1:19:02] I am sure everyone in the crowd has had a similar story, or at least one where they had a difficult moment in their high school career.

[1:19:08] But here we are at graduation, and in just a couple of minutes, we will be high school graduates.

[1:19:13] It's incredible the amount of progress the class of 2025 has made, and I know we're leaving a lasting legacy at this school.

[1:19:20] I want every senior to know that I am proud of you, and I know whatever you choose to do in the future, you will succeed.

[1:19:26] Keep spreading love to those around you, but never forget that you deserve your own, too.

[1:19:31] Before I end my speech, I just have one thing to say.

[1:19:35] Seniors, for spending all four years at ECHS and making it to graduation on time, can I get a one, two, three?

[1:19:42] Yeah!

[1:19:49] Perfect.

[1:19:58] Beautiful. Thank you, Louise. Thank you so much.

[1:20:02] Parents, guests, and friends, we appreciate you being with us today in this celebration.

[1:20:07] At the conclusion of the ceremony, we will process out the stage to my left, as well

[1:20:12] as the students, and you may meet up with your graduates on the main floor lobby in

[1:20:16] a few moments.

[1:20:18] Once again, please join me in celebrating our early college high school class of 2025

[1:20:25] graduates.

[1:20:26] Wits,

[1:20:32] thank you and congratulations.

May 23, 2025 Early College High School Graduation

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