More than 200 Taylor High School seniors walked proudly onto the football field Friday, May 23, to take their seats for graduation.
All traditions were met, including the “Pomp and Circumstance” processional, the Texas heat — which was mitigated by a nice breeze — and the speeches.
While it’s also traditional for graduation speeches to incorporate fond farewells and reminders of new beginnings, a constant refrain for the 2025 graduating class was the bonds they created.
On behalf of the THS staff, principal Matt Wamble congratulated the graduating class and wished them well on their next life journeys.
“Today marks a milestone, a day to celebrate not just academic achievement but the strength, perseverance and spirit each one of you has shown to arrive at this moment,” Wamble said. “When setbacks come, and they will, do not ask ‘why me?’ but ‘what can I learn?’ Every challenge is a chance to grow stronger. Because the truth is you didn’t get here by chance.”
Valediction Alexandra Rebollar-Cruz and salutatorian Taryn Silverthorn acknowledged Wamble’s words in their own speeches by thanking their families, friends and teachers who encouraged them.
Rebollar- Cruz thanked an unnamed person who she said wanted “to fly under the radar,” a person who believed in her when she didn’t believe in herself. Rebollar-Cruz said, “Thank you for being the type of person who inspires others to want to be better, for being my friend and being in my life.”
To her fellow graduates, Silverthorn said, “I hope you’ll pause and reflect not just on how far you’ve come but on everyone who helped get you here, whether it’s family, friends, teachers or even your past self, take a moment to share this milestone with them.”
Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen shared more than milestones with the graduating seniors.
Garcia-Edwardsen said as she walked the halls of Taylor High School she saw many examples of the students’ school spirit and the way they supported each other, saying these are memories she’ll cherish.
“You left a mark beyond your academic successes and talents,” Garcia-Edwardsen said. “It’s the sense of community and genuine heart that makes Taylor so special and it’s a reminder that we’re stronger together.”
Senior class president Krista Randig agreed with Garcia-Edwardsen’s sentiment. Despite all the accolades, diplomas and congratulations, Randig reminded her classmates, “What really matters is the way we show up for others, the kindness we share and the impacts we leave behind. What you leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
