Families, faculty, and students gathered at Memorial Field June 13 as Bremerton High School’s class of 2025 graduated during an evening ceremony filled with reflection, encouragement, and optimism for the road ahead.

Mayor Greg Wheeler delivered words of support, urging graduates to take what they’ve learned and embrace the journey ahead.

“This is a time when you move from being a student, where you’ve attended school from your very early years, to becoming a young adult,” Wheeler said. “I know what you have learned will help carry you forward.”

The mayor offered advice for the next chapter: “Use the knowledge you have gained to keep growing and pushing forward. Keep taking on new challenges to expand possibilities and discover new horizons.”

Principal Erin Wilkinson, who joined Bremerton High School last year, praised the class for their strength, kindness, and resilience.

“Although I only just met you last fall, I can say with confidence and conviction that you are all an amazing group of human beings,” Wilkinson said. “You welcomed me as your new principal with open arms and truly showed me what it means to be a Knight.”

She reflected on the complexities of the world the students are entering, reminding them that they’ve already proven their ability to thrive.

“This graduation is not just about receiving a diploma,” Wilkinson said. “It’s about carrying forward the lessons you’ve learned here. You’ve discovered the power of community and how a kind word, a shared goal or a helping hand can transform lives.”

The senior class chose social studies teacher Craig Divis as their staff speaker. Drawing from his love of history, Divis shared stories of inspiration from global historical figures.

“Be as adventurous as Ibn Battuta, who trekked throughout Africa, Europe and Asia,” he said. “Be as courageous as Bartolomé de las Casas, who stood up for the rights of Indigenous peoples. And be as open-minded as Akbar the Great, who accepted all people during his reign in 16th-century India.”

He reminded graduates that challenges are inevitable, but they don’t have to face them alone.

Senior class speaker XingXing Pan offered a personal reflection on failure, urging her classmates to redefine it as a natural part of growth.

“Let’s redefine failure together,” Pan said. “Today marks the end of a beginning… What matters most is getting back up again. Continuing to push forward regardless of being knocked down means success.”

Co-valedictorian Claudia Kibbe encouraged her peers to live with purpose, even amid uncertainty.

“Leaving Memorial Field as graduates and stepping into a world without the titles that once defined us comes with the sinking feeling of, ‘What now?’” she said. “The best way to lead a life of meaning is to do meaningful things with the time we are given.”

Kibbe quoted from Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, adding, “Devote yourself to loving others, to your community, and to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”