NEDERLAND - Nederland High School’s class of 2025 turned their tassels, were certified as high school graduates, and were presented with their diplomas on May 17, 2025. 

A theme on graduation day and throughout the preceding week was the concept that the Class of 2025 was a model of participation. Most of the graduates had taken part in the school’s fine arts programs, sports, clubs, and the visual arts. They spent time volunteering and were community leaders. 

These young adults are engaged individuals ready for the next chapter in their lives. 

Commencement speaker:  Rovenna Yakubov

Commencement speaker and English language teacher Rovenna Yakubov told the class that they are like the dog in a Billy Collins poem: “The neighbor's dog will not stop barking…his head raised confidently as if Beethoven had included a part for barking dog. When the record finally ends he is still barking….”

This class seeks the truth, they question, and they have great hope. 

Yakubov told the graduates that they will not fix the world, but she encouraged each of them to “clean your piece of it.” She always wants them to keep barking and make noise. She also wants them to “make beauty” at the same time. 

Math teacher Scott Geels also addressed the graduates. He spoke about the support of family and how this class has been a family for each other. He said that families support, teach, and love each other. He taught the students in this class for several years and they, in turn, taught him, he said. 

Senior class speakers

Senior class speakers were Andrew Davis, Eric Thurston, Lauren Schrader, Kendall Zotti, and Keahi Pelkum Donahue. They talked about the benefits of growing up in a mountain community and in a small school. Davis had not been a student at Nederland High School very long, and he thanked the school and his classmates for welcoming him so warmly.

Distinguished Graduate: Pelkum Donahue

Pelkum Donahue had the honor of being the Distinguished Graduate for the Class of 2025. He earned this honor for exceptional academic achievement, actively participating in research projects, and publishing and presenting his research in his scientific field. He is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. 

In closing, Pelkum Donahue said, “Thank you for showing us the way. Thank you, Nederland.”

Choir: the Loquations

A Nederland graduation is never complete without the select choir, the Loquations, singing. This year they sang “Seasons of Love” as a tribute to retiring music teacher Liz Evans. They also sang “Teach Your Children.” 

Before the graduates received their diplomas, retiring Nederland Middle-Senior High School Principal Gavan Goodrich spoke a few words. He said that the Class of 2025 reflects the vision of the school where the “focus is on learning, involvement, and community for all students.”

He said that this class earned just under $4.5 million dollars in scholarships as they take the first steps out of high school. 

Goodrich emphasized that Nederland is proud of its youth and “the uniqueness of this place will always stay with you.”

In his last of many Principal Addresses at graduations, Goodrich said from his heart “you left Nederland Middle-Senior High School better than you found it.”

The graduates then stood to be certified as graduates and to receive their diplomas. 

When Vice Principal Sean DePaula voiced the Presentation of Graduates, hats went flying into the air and the loudest of cheers filled the gymnasium. 

Nederland’s Class of 2025 was a model class for a small school because so many were involved in a number of activities in the school and community. Some kids even spent half days at Boulder Tech and rushed back to participate in school activities. Their dedication makes them shine. When academics are a challenge they do not give up. Their perseverance makes them shine.

In music, theater, sports, and visual arts they acquired knowledge and skills. Some days they missed notes or a line, or the basketball just would not go through the hoop. Other days the cross country or mountain bike practice was easy and the art project came together. Through it all their willingness to learn makes them shine.

Class of 2025

Kendall, Eli, Laila, Aiden, Jolie, Eric, Collin, Grizzly, Jesse, Grayson, Cedar, Lauren, Gray, Keahi, Aya, Autumn, Davyn, Lukey, Morgan, Payton, Angus, Maddox, Natalia, Gideon, Andrew, Colton, Amelie, Talon, Robert, and Jayden—you are Nederland High School’s Class of 2025 and we are proud of you! Keep shining on the path before you.