THRALL — Bad weather couldn’t dampen the Tiger spirit as the Thrall High School Class of 2025 said goodbye to its alma mater with the largest graduating class in memory.
An approaching storm forced the ceremony to move from the stadium to the gymnasium mid- celebration, but the crowd took it in stride, cheering at the opportunity to see the graduates walk in the grand parade one more time.
In addition to the 75 graduates being the largest yet for the school, the departing pupils earned a total of $733,436 in scholarships.
Valedictorian Dakota Johnson, who also served as class president, captured the top student spot with a grade point average of 104.7894. She plans to attend Sam Houston State University and major in criminal justice while minoring in psychology.
Johnson’s valedictorian speech during the May 16 ceremony struck an optimistic yet bittersweet tone, focusing on memories made, friendships left behind and the exciting path ahead.
“We all have more friends than we can count, but only a few will be lifelong. After today, we will continue making new friends with our future classmates or co-workers,” she said. “Graduation is the last moment we will share.”
Salutatorian Julie Crabb earned a grade point average of 104.6363. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in mechanical engineering.
She recounted being the first fifth grade class to move into the new middle school.
“It felt like a dream,” she said.
She also recalled seventh and eighth grades during the COVID-19 shutdown and missing the middle-school experiences she had been looking forward to.
Crabb took college classes while in high school and earned her associate degree, which she says will put her a step ahead toward getting her engineering certification.
“Thanks to that opportunity, I get to say something not many people do: I am already a college graduate, and I haven’t even been handed my high school diploma yet,” she said.
The class took a moment to honor a fallen peer, Class of 2024’s Avery Koonce, a cadet fourth class at the United States Air Force Academy who died from an illness last fall.
Seniors Jesus Garcia, Amber Kevil, Sarah Beth Laurence and Travis Matthews took the stage to announce a special presentation from the Class of 2025: the establishment of the Avery Grace Koonce Memorial Scholarship.
The students raised money to benefit a Class of 2026 student, with hopes future classes would continue the tribute.
Koonce was an academic and athletic standout at the school who created a favorable impression upon all those she met, the seniors said.
“My prayer for the class of 2025 is you do not forget that today is precious. Tomorrow is not promised, and that you see each moment with grace and try to do your very best,” said Kelly Koonce, Avery’s mother.
Principal Nicole Tindol then introduced the two high school teachers of the year, one chosen by the learners and one chosen by fellow educators.
James Proctor is the teacher of the year, selected by his peers.
“He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Tindol said.
The student-elected teacher is Trace Lopez, who is new to Thrall and to teaching. This was his first year leading a class.
Before diplomas were handed out and mortarboards tossed, Coach Aaron Vanecek gave a speech, followed by a few words from other dignitaries.
