MVHS and RTA Graduate 274 From the Class of 2025

MOUNT VERNON – Graduates from Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy walked the stage at Memorial Field on Wednesday evening, as 274 from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas. Students waved and smiled to their families and friends in the packed stadium as they took their places at the front of the ceremony, accompanied by percussion from the Ice Cold Performing Arts, a group made up of Mount Vernon students.
Class of 2025 MVHS President Prosper Ibeto recited the Pledge of Allegiance, before Class of 2026 MVHS President Venessa Thompson introduced graduates Raheem Morgan and Alina Anderson from MVHS to perform the Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing.

After being introduced by the mistress of ceremonies – Peggy Williams, MVHS school counselor – MVHS Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce and RTA Acting Principal Allan Grant provided words of congratulations and encouragement to the graduating class. Dr. Pearce used the metaphor of a key, explaining how students have opened up doors for themselves with their accomplishments leading up to graduation.

“You are the keys to a future that our ancestors only dreamed of: They dreamed of classrooms where minds could grow freely. They dreamed of futures not limited by circumstance but expanded by opportunity. They dreamed of young people who would walk into classrooms with confidence, walk across stages with pride, and walk into the world ready to lead.

“And here you are—bold, brilliant, and ready to unlock the future.”

Mr. Grant noted that students are now entering a new chapter of their journey. He told them that “economic independence is not a sprint but a marathon,” and to keep working hard to achieve their goals.

“You have run the first leg successfully for which I applaud you,” he said. “However, I must leave these words with you, ‘the race is not given to the swift nor the battle to the strong but to the one who endures to the end.’ I urge you to stay focused on finishing the race and finish strong.”

City of Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard spoke to students about how they now have all the tools to achieve their dreams, whether it is in conference rooms, board rooms, on Wall Street, in entertainment, or in any field they desire. She encouraged them to be “thermostats,” always setting the atmosphere and not just responding to it.

“You are coming of age in a world that demands both courage and clarity, but I want you to remember something: you are not walking into this world empty handed,” she said. “You have been equipped with an education that empowers you to think critically, to speak truth to power, to move with perseverance, to move with resilience, and with the love of your family, friends, teachers and this community that will always have your back.”

MVHS and RTA’s salutatorians then greeted the graduating class, families and dignitaries in attendance. MVHS salutatorian Franyeli Fabian Rojas thanked her family and the teachers and staff who have helped her along the way. She recalled the memories the Class of 2025 has had, growing closer together the whole way, even through challenges such as starting high school after learning remotely during a pandemic.

“Somos la clase que no se rinde. We are the class that never gave up,” said MVHS salutatorian Franyeli Fabian-Rojas. “We come from all over, Dominicanos, Brazilenos, African Americans, Jamaicans, Mexicanos, Colombianos and more. We come from different languages, homes, and cultures, but we created one community. Una sola familia.”

RTA salutatorian Alicia Barton talked about what she learned at RTA – the value of not giving up and that if you put your mind to something and believe in your goal, you can achieve it.

“Breathe. Rest – but don’t quit. Success won’t look the same for everyone,” she said. “You don’t need a million followers or a six-figure job to be considered successful. You just need to be proud of where you are and keep striving to be better. Your journey is yours – own it.”

The valedictorians from MVHS and RTA then gave the valedictory address – saying farewell to their schools and thanking everyone who supported them along the way, while recognizing the weight of their accomplishments and expressing excitement for the future. MVHS valedictorian Rosselyn Ruiz Vega talked about the importance of honoring her roots in a dual–language speech, where she addressed her Hispanic family, thanking her mom and dad specifically.

“Para comenzar, quiero agradecer a las dos personas más importantes en mi vida: mi mamá y mi papá,” she said. “Gracias por su amor, apoyo y por nunca soltarme, incluso cuando yo quería rendirme. Gracias por los sueños que tienen para mí y por todos los sacrificios silenciosos que han hecho sin pedir nada a cambio.”

(Translation: To begin, I want to thank the two most important people in my life: my mom and my dad. Thank you for your love, support, and for never letting go, even when I wanted to give up. Thank you for the dreams you have for me and for all the silent sacrifices you’ve made without asking for anything in return.)

RTA valedictorian Naori Bagley spoke about the challenges she has faced, coming from six states over and a “self-destructive lifestyle.” She transferred from a predominantly white school to RTA, an alternative school, and said that it was the best decision of her life, leading her to graduate early as valedictorian. She encouraged her classmates to do what worked for them and not worry about the success of others.

“Don’t think just because someone seems more ahead in life, and they’ve got it figured out, that you’re doing something wrong,” she said. “What works for them ain’t always gonna work for you. Life is gonna life either way. No matter what you do or where you’re going, whether it’s college, trade school, or maybe straight into the workforce, do it your way and make it for you.”

The valedictorians from RTA each received a gift bag with a stuffed bear, commemorating their accomplishment.

Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith then came to the podium to tell the graduates that they stand “on the edge of a new beginning,” and to reflect on the challenges they have overcome to reach where they are now. She read “Graduate,” a poem by Lisa S. Thatcher, emphasizing the importance of never giving up.

“I hope you always stay true to yourself no matter what life throws at you,” she said. “You will face difficulties and victories – be proud of who you are and how your adversities have made you stronger.”

Dr. Smith also announced the winners of the Most Improved Student Awards – Kaylor Gil from MVHS and Roshiya Keemer from RTA – to raucous applause, recognizing their perseverance throughout high school. In her speech, she also rattled off eight powerful phrases to help guide the graduates in their next steps: “Believe in yourself; stay strong; never give up; be grateful; work hard; stay humble; be kind; and keep smiling.”

Keynote speaker, Dr. Antwan Jemel Thompson Sr., then took the stage, bringing energy to the ceremony by prompting the entire crowd to scream as if they were “at the Beyonce concert.” He also recognized the sacrifice that parents and educators make every day for students. Dr. Thompson Sr. is the CEO of Platinum Boy Music, Inc., producing artists such as Jennifer Lopez and 50 Cent. He inspired graduates by encouraging them to share their dreams like he once did, even if people laughed.

“Every single one of you has dreams, gifts and talents that you possess that need to be shared with the world,” he said. “One of the greatest things in life to be able to do is to wake up each and every single day doing something that you love to do. Living in your passion, right? Not doing something that someone else told you to do, not living someone else’s life, not living someone else’s dreams, but actually living yours.”

He appealed to parents to continue giving students the support and love they need, even if they do not understand their goals and dreams.

The graduating class was then presented to Dr. Smith, as Dr. Pearce and Mr. Grant assured her that they had met all New York State Graduation requirements. Dr. Smith declared them graduates of the Class of 2025 to the Board of Education, prompting cheers as students turned their tassels. They walked across the stage, smiling as they shook the hands of administrators and dignitaries before receiving their hard-earned diplomas.