Grandfather Melvin Lewis is remembered for his love of the Future Farmers of America group at Twin Rivers High School.
Dalton Mitchell, a 2023 graduate of TRHS, was a loyal and trustworthy friend.
Coach Jason Rose wanted his athletes to be successful on the field and off.
Mother Debbie Baxter shared with her three daughters, life is hard, but never give up.
Each of these people left their mark on the youth in east Butler County, and their legacy continues with memorial scholarships presented Friday during graduation that will support students’ future success.
“Our mother was one of the strongest people I know,” Baxter’s daughter, Hannah, said, presenting the memorial scholarship with her sisters, Natalie and Katie. “I know she would be grateful to know she’s still contributing to the success of the students of Twin Rivers.”
Carter Lewis shared that his grandfather always wanted to help youth in agriculture, and Mitchell’s friends shared they wanted the memorial scholarship in his name to focus on the characteristics he exemplified.
More than $1.4 million in scholarships were awarded in total to the approximately 60 graduates.
Superintendent Rob Brown said there is much to be proud of in the Class of 2025.
“The achievements of our seniors are plentiful and deserve great recognition,” Brown said.
He offered advice to the students to step out of their comfort zones and be resilient.
“You will make mistakes. Learn from them and allow them to make you stronger,” Brown said, adding before handing the mic over to the top students, “Be supportive and kind to everyone you meet. The world is hard enough. Not everyone has been dealt the same hand.”
Co-valedictorian Bryce Dollins continued on that theme, telling his classmates to never lose hope or faith.
Co-valedictorian Raegan Null reminded them that every step, every sacrifice, laid the groundwork for what was to come.
“Opportunities rarely announce themselves, and they don’t always appear when we expect them, but they are out there, and as we step into the next chapter of our lives, the question is, will we be ready?” she said. “Success isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time. It’s about being ready.
“There will be challenges, there will be failures, but if we stay committed, continue to prepare and remain open to what the world offers, we will create our own (opportunity).”
Everyone is capable of doing great things and changing the world for the better, salutatorian Emma Chronister shared.
“Our talents and skills are varied, meaning we can enhance a variety of things,” she said. “I want to encourage each of us to look to our talents and use them to the best of our abilities.”
Of the 2025 graduating class, nine seniors plan to attend a university this fall, 39 have enrolled at a community college or technical school, 12 will be seeking full-time employment and one will be serving in the Armed Forces.
