Partly cloudy. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..
Partly cloudy. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: May 22, 2025 @ 10:28 pm
Nearly 700 Walton High School seniors celebrated graduation on Thursday afternoon.
Walton seniors make their way into the KSU Convocation Center on Thursday afternoon for their graduation ceremony.
The KSU Convocation Center was packed for Walton’s graduation.
Class Valedictorian Edward Yao speaks to the 2025 graduating class Thursday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.
Nearly 700 Walton High School seniors celebrated graduation on Thursday afternoon.
Nearly 700 Walton High School seniors celebrated graduation on Thursday afternoon.
Walton seniors make their way into the KSU Convocation Center on Thursday afternoon for their graduation ceremony.
The KSU Convocation Center was packed for Walton’s graduation.
Class Valedictorian Edward Yao speaks to the 2025 graduating class Thursday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.
KENNESAW — Nearly 700 Walton High School seniors celebrated graduation Thursday afternoon during the school’s annual commencement ceremony at the Kennesaw State University’s Convocation Center.
In total, 698 graduates graced the stage in navy blue caps and gowns to receive their diplomas.
Each student received cheers from family and friends as they shook hands with Principal Stephanie Santoro and Cobb School Board Member John Cristadoro.
“To the Class of 2025, thank you for the memories that you have provided and the legacy that you are leaving behind,” Santoro said. “My advice to you is that while there will always be things that you have to do, focus on what you get to do. Life is a privilege to be appreciated, full of endless opportunities … Take time to appreciate your opportunities.”
Cristadoro took a moment to address graduates and give them advice as they move on to the next phase of their lives.
“I stand here with a massive smile on my face because you guys are the future, and it looks very bright,” Cristadoro said. “As you step into the next chapter of your life, I want to encourage you to find your focus and chase your dreams.”
Senior Class President Joel Bishara took the stage to address his classmates and reflect back on their accomplishments in the last four years.
“It’s hard to believe we made it this far,” Bishara said. “You all have made a lasting impact on Walton and its students … It is you who breathed life into Walton … You make Walton a home for anyone.”
Of the 698 graduates from this year’s class, 674 plan to continue their education at a college or university, according to district spokesperson Nan Kiel.
In total, Walton’s Class of 2025 earned $21.8 million in scholarships.
Some of the most popular schools students plan to enroll in the fall of 2025 include Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia and Auburn University. Five students were accepted and will enroll at various Ivy League schools, including Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Princeton and Dartmouth.
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