Numbers help tell the story, showcase Shelby’s Class of 2025
By David Jacobs
Shelby High School’s Class of 2025 departed the school gymnasium for the final time Sunday afternoon, recognized during the annual commencement ceremony for academic achievement, athletic contributions and artistic performance.
“The Class of 2025 has continued the strong academic tradition of past classes,” Principal John Gies said in his address. “Thirty-one members of the class have met the criteria set by the Ohio Department of Education to earn an honors diploma. Ten more have earned their career tech honors diploma.”
“A record 78 graduates are wearing a gold cord, which signifies they earned a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher,” he said. “Forty-four members of the class have a cumulative 4.0 GPA or higher, which is signified by the wearing of the white stole.”
Gies also recognized top academic honors among the 175 Shelby graduates.
“Twenty-eight members of the class of 2025 earned the Presidential Award of Excellence. Twelve earned their State FFA Degree, which is an award given to the top 4 percent of all FFA members in Ohio,” he said. “Members of the class who attended Pioneer Career and Technology Center also earned high academic and vocational awards, and many competed in state and national competitions, as well," Gies told the crowd.
In athletics, the class earned distinction over four years.
“Athletically, this class was very talented,” Gies said. “Members of the class played major roles in our teams winning 28 league titles over the past four years, including six this year."
"They've also been a part of numerous district championships and a number of our teams have made deep tournament runs, including our volleyball team, which advanced in the state Final Four," Gies added.
The class also made its presence felt in fine arts.
“The class has also continued the strong tradition in the area of the arts,” Gies said. “Both our symphonic band and chamber choir earned a superior rating at the district competition, and the chamber choir also earned a superior at the state large group contest. Members of the class also played roles in the Whippet Theatre production of Frozen Jr.”
Gies reminded the graduates of their place in the school’s long history.
“Today marks the end of your time as a high school student," he said. "It's one of the first major accomplishments in your life. You walked into this gym for the last time as a high school student. You'll soon join the 16,771 graduates of Shelby High School who have helped put men on the moon, worked on the development of the atomic bomb, helped cure diseases and many other incredible things.”
Earlier, Gies told the 2025 seniors that graduation marked an incredible milestone and one they had worked hard to reach. He described it as completing a journey filled with "growth, challenges, friendships and memories that will stay with you forever."
“But as proud as we all are of what you've accomplished, I want to remind you of something important,” Gies emphasized. “High school is not the peak of your life. It is the foundation. It's the starting point of a much larger, richer and more rewarding journey that lies ahead.”
“You have so much more to experience, to create and to become,” Gies said. “The world beyond these walls is vast, filled with opportunities and possibilities you haven't yet imagined.”
He touched on the many different directions students might take after graduation and urged them to stay confident in their potential.
“Whether you choose to pursue college, a career, the military, travel, or a path that's uniquely your own, know that your potential does not end here,” he said. “In fact, it's just beginning to unfold.”
Gies encouraged the graduates to think beyond the moment, pointing to the bigger picture that lies ahead.
He told graduates their most defining moments, the ones that shape their purpose and passion, are still to come.
“So as you walk across the stage today, hold your head high. Not just because of what you've done but because of what you're becoming,” he said. “Be proud, be hopeful and be brave. Life will offer challenges, yes, but it will also offer triumphs, relationships, growth and joy.”
Closing this portion of his speech, Gies challenged students to reject the idea that high school was their high point.
“Do not let anyone tell you your best days are behind you because the truth is your best days are still ahead,” he said. “Go out and create a life you love. The world is waiting.”
As the presentation of diplomas neared, he offered congratulations and said: "Be proud to be a graduate of Shelby High School. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see all the incredible things you will achieve. Now, go do great things and make a difference in the world.”
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