As the boisterous first notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” blared throughout the Neumann University Mirenda Center on June 6, the 2025 SHHS senior class filed in with their heads held high.
With busy summers and even busier falls laid out before the graduates, graduation served as a moment to be present with family, friends, and faculty, and honor the accomplishment of completing high school.
The event kicked off with lively music from the band, followed by the Silvertones’ rendition of “The National Anthem” and Haven’s “Alma Mater.”
The first speaker of the evening was Superintendent Dr. Russell Johnston, who began his leadership of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District on May 1. Despite having only known them for a brief time, Johnston shared his observations of Haven seniors thus far.
“You have brought out the beauty in your classmates with your kindness and compassion, and in turn, that brings out the beauty in you,” Johnston said. “I believe you will have a profoundly positive impact, not just on this community, not just on this nation, but on the world.”
With remarks from senior student council president Ella Liberi and a student address from senior Mali Rao, themes of reflection, perseverance, and moving forward took center stage.
“When we’re off, living lives extraordinarily different from this one, we’ll remain connected by the shared habits, works, and shared experiences that have become inescapable parts of who we are,” Rao said.
As voted by the Class of 2025, English Teacher Mrs. Katie Scaffidi served as the graduation speaker. She has followed the graduates through high school since their eighth-grade COVID-19 school year, making the address all the more personal. She reflected on her experiences with impostor syndrome and the importance of embracing that feeling.
“You are good enough, you have what it takes, be that voice for yourself. Build yourself up and remind yourself of all that is good within yourself and this world,” Scaffidi said. “You have it in you.”
Seniors Jonas Szepessy and Sophia Morris then presented the class flag. The senior class selected Szepessy’s design, and Morris stitched and assembled the flag during an independent study.
After the presentation, Principal Andrew Benzing bid the class of ‘25 farewell with a few final remarks.
Benzing began his speech by recognizing this year’s retiring teachers, before honoring the legacy the seniors have helped to establish at Strath Haven.
“I want to thank you, the graduates, for establishing a high standard at Strath Haven, specifically with regard to school climate and culture,” Benzing said. “You’re as committed to your peers’ growth as you are to your own. Please take this enthusiasm with you as you move on to the next phase.”
Then came the calling of names and recognition of the seniors as they received their diplomas. As seniors processed onto the stage, most were handed paper cocktail umbrellas to give to Benzing. The umbrellas were a playful reference back to a memorable fire alarm on May 16 that sent the school out into a torrential downpour.
Seniors Josie Tolson and Natalie D’Onofrio finished off the ceremony by calling their peers to turn the tassels, sending them off with some final words.
“Life is filled with unlimited opportunities, and it is ready for us to make our marks,” D’Onofrio said.
Finally, caps were tossed and hugs exchanged as the auditorium burst into a fit of laughter and crying, but most of all, pride.
“Class of 2025, we have earned this,” Tolson said. “So take a breath and let this moment sink in.”
For many seniors, graduating was a moment of emotion and surrealism.
“It feels rewarding,” senior Emma Tevlin said. “It’s a little emotional because I’ve been with these people for so long.”
Senior Awen Liu shared similar sentiments.
“It definitely feels surreal,” senior Anwen Liu said. “I’m going to miss everybody, but I’m very excited to see what’s going to happen in my future.”
