Irvington High School honored the achievements of the Class of 2025 during its commencement ceremony at Matthiessen Park on June 14. Surrounded by family members, friends, faculty and staff, the graduates marked the meaningful milestone with reflection and hope for the future.
Principal Jon Hirsch opened the ceremony by welcoming the graduates and guests. In his speech, he discussed that in a world of distractions, one’s attention is the most valuable asset.
“Give your attention freely, but never cheaply,” Hirsch said. “Choose people and causes worthy of your focus. Don’t be distracted from what matters most.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mara Ratesic offered heartfelt advice as the students prepared to embark on their next chapter. In her remarks, Dr. Ratesic encouraged them to make thoughtful choices, respond to challenges with resilience and embrace personal growth.
“I hope you take these lessons and all that you’ve learned from your parents, families, your teachers, coaches and the community, and carry them forward,” Dr. Ratesic said. “Be proud of your Irvington roots; you will always have a home here.”
The students were also addressed by Board of Education President Susan Brunenavs, class president Alex Shapiro, salutatorian Scott Zinman and valedictorian Scarlett Zumbo – each offering their unique reflections on their time in Irvington and the road ahead.
Zinman reflected on his educational journey and celebrated his peers’ successes, challenges and lessons learned over the last 13 years. He compared life to a smoothie – made up of various distinct experiences, challenges and lessons that, when blended, create something unique and special.
“As we head into this next chapter, let’s keep doing what we’ve always done – blending our experiences, balancing the mix and adding new ingredients along the way,” Zinman said. “Class of 2025, whatever comes next, remember the recipe is yours to create. Keep it flavorful. Keep it bold. And most of all, I’d suggest, keep it smooth.”
Zumbo reflected on the shared experiences and connections formed in Irvington. She emphasized that while the early sense of community may have been shaped by chance, her and her peers’ future communities will be shaped by choice.
“Our past years of laughter and connection have taught us what it feels like to be in a community and to belong to something greater than ourselves,” Zumbo said. “Irvington has given us not just one chapter of connection, but a blueprint for what a community should look and feel like, a model we can return to again and again.”
Shapiro highlighted meaningful memories from throughout his school years – from elementary school through high schools – and reminded his classmates to use their time wisely and purposefully.
“We are presented with so much more unstructured time and given the gift of the choice of what to do with it,” Shapiro said. “We all have to discover who we are in life, and this takes time. So, take advantage of the time that we get on this earth to make your impact on the world.”
Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. After moving their tassels to indicate their graduation, they tossed their caps in celebration.
Photos courtesy of the Irvington Union Free School District
