Class of 2025 'raised the bar.' Hornell High school graduates 93 – Hornell Evening Tribune
The Hornell High School Class of 2025 was praised as the next generation of promising leaders, creators and change makers at the school’s 144th commencement exercises on June 27.
The 93-member class received diplomas in a high school auditorium packed with cheering families, friends and supporters.
The ceremony also highlighted the Hornell community’s considerable financial investment in 2025 graduates, with more than $200,000 in grants and awards handed out.
The class includes 18 Honor Grads, while 30 seniors received a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
The 2025 senior class also has 25 National Honor Society members, six Business and Marketing Honor Society members and 16 students in the National Technical Honor Society.
“The Class of 2025 has demonstrated exceptional academic ability across every discipline, raising the bar for what it means to be a student at Hornell High School,” principal Morgan Allison said.
“But what truly sets them apart is who they are as individuals. Their bold ideas, unique voices, and unwavering drive to make a difference remind us that we are watching the next generation of leaders, creators, and change makers.”
The Hornell High School Alumni Association presented $149,000 in scholarships and awards to graduates, while more than $83,000 in Hornell Area Scholarships and grants were distributed to graduating seniors as well.
Commencement speaker Joe Racalto, a 1989 Hornell High School graduate, said families, guardians and caregivers provided the foundation for the students’ successes.
“Graduates, look around you. These are the people who believed in you when you doubted yourself. Who sacrificed so you could succeed,” Racalto said.
Student speakers included class valedictorian Alaina Raisch and salutatorian Christopher Hoyt.
Graduating senior Chelsea Sylvester welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Lillian Hoyt gave the “Words of Farewell” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The Graduation Choir performed the song “Dream Big.”
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