Whitehall High School’s Class of 2025 officially turned their tassels on Thursday, May 22, during the school’s 148th Commencement Ceremony. Held in front of a packed crowd, the evening celebrated academic accomplishments, student leadership, and the bright futures ahead for this year’s graduates.
A Night to Remember
The event opened with “Pomp and Circumstance” and a powerful performance of the National Anthem by the Whitehall Chamber Choir. Principal Brett Westerlund welcomed families and friends before class officers, Brady Tate and Camille Kraai, led the program. Musical selections by the senior choir and band added heartfelt touches that reflected the class’s bond and creativity.
Class Officers
- President: Grace McDowell
- Vice President: Tyler Van Antwerp
- Secretary: Camille Kraai
- Treasurer: Brady Tate
Their class motto—“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”—felt especially fitting as the evening came to a close.
Academic Distinctions
Graduates were recognized with the following academic honors:
- 12 students graduated Summa Cum Laude
- 8 earned Magna Cum Laude
- 17 achieved Cum Laude
- Over 90 additional students received their diplomas and celebrated this milestone
Senior Awards Night: May 18
Before commencement, the school hosted Senior Awards Night on May 18, honoring individual achievements, scholarships, and special recognitions. The Class of 2025 earned more than $3.3 million in scholarships—a remarkable total that speaks to their hard work and promise.
Highlights from the evening included:
- Ausha Mathews received the John Richardson Teaching Award
- Camille Kraai and Ryan Goodrich were honored as Outstanding Citizens
- Sidney Shepherd received the Rose Award, presented by Bridget Knapp
- Camden Thompson was named Male Athlete of the Year
- Grace McDowell received the Female Athlete of the Year award
- The Darin O’Connell Memorial Scholarship was awarded to 10 deserving students, recognizing character, leadership, and service
Thank you to Whitehall District Schools for the below photos.
Watch the Ceremony
Want to relive the excitement of the big night?
Watch the full graduation ceremony here:
Share Your Memories
If you have photos of your 2025 Whitehall graduate that you’d be willing to share, we would love to include them in this article. Please email them to community@catchmarkit.com and help us celebrate this milestone with the whole community.
Acknowledgment
CatchMark Community extends sincere thanks to Whitehall District Schools for sharing the details and materials that made this coverage of the Class of 2025 possible.
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