Congrats 2025 North Shore High School Graduates!
Hats off to you in the future!
Some photos by HS Student Lila Frame
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the North Shore High School seniors donned their caps and gowns for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. Parents, families, BOE, and administrators happily gathered in the gymnasium at North Shore High School to watch the ceremony led by Principal Eric Contreras. Speakers included Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis, Valedictorian Aaryan Vira, Salutatorian Kaitlin Ho, and North Shore Board of Education President Dr. Andrea Macari.
Congratulations to all the North Shore High School graduates and their families who attended the 2025 Commencement Ceremony. To begin the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class Co-Presidents James Peterson and Tristan Segal. The “Star Spangled Banner” was then sung by Ginger Sanborn accompanied by members of the HS Orchestra conducted by Mr. Jason Domingo.
Valedictorian: Aaryan Vira
Salutatorian: Kaitlin Ho
Principal Eric Contreras congratulated his seniors and praised them on this magnificent milestone and said, “I, we, are beyond proud of you today” He later shared that, “Tempus Fugit, was a term I learned in high school. I took Latin, many, many years ago, when I was your age. It translates exactly as it is, time flies... and indeed it does...” Principal Contreras remembered freshman orientation when they were “excited and hopeful for how you were going to fulfill the next four years. He sang from the play ‘Mamma Mia’, “You took a chance on me...you took a chance on me...as your principal. You promised to do your very best and it wasn’t a lie, because you did! Our bonds, our memories, our achievements, our friendships, our sense of family have filled these spaces with time and distance. Through the four years, we have grown together. But we’ve made, for me included, this home away from home...”
Principal Contreras continued, “…But, as you leave, the winner doesn’t take it all. You leave much behind. You have gifted all of us with so many memories, so many talents - artistic, creative, intellectual, athletic…with so much kindness and joy that we will forever hold in our hearts. So, I say metaphorically, thank you for the music for giving it to me, for giving it to all of us. In the magic mirrors of my heart, of our hearts, we will continue to see you for all that you do and all that you shine beyond North Shore High School. Congratulations, I love you, Class of 2025!
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis was then called to the podium. Dr. Z stated, “I’ve had the honor of knowing many of these students since they began the North Shore Journey and it’s an honor to be with you on this special day…We are so proud of you, the North Shore High School Class of 2025! Dr. Z spoke of important lessons including, “Practicing gratitude and giving thanks every day… being confident in who you are and staying true to your talents, strengths and passions…know that there is beauty in the breakdown. Just don’t be resilient, be prosilient!... And finally, know that small changes in your habits, repeated daily, mean be big changes in your life…”
He spoke in Gen Z terms to the graduating class and concluded by saying, “Remember who supported you and be inspired by them to keep going…your
parents, your family, and your friends. But, also think of your kindergarten-self, that innocent child with their whole life ahead of you. Do it for them. In reality, you do have your whole life ahead of you. It is such an exciting time! Congratulations to you, the Class of 2025 for a job well done. We will miss you dearly fam! And know you will lock in, pull up, and become so high key successful for yourself and others as you move on from your North Shore Journey and chart your own journey. Congratulations!
Board of Education President Dr. Andrea Macari also spoke to the graduating seniors. She concluded by saying, “…So, Class of 2025, it is my honor to address you today even though I’m here without a proper graduation speech. But maybe that is the whole point! Because there is one thing no one tells you, at your graduation. Sometimes you start something with the best of intentions and still get lost. You change your mind, you abandon your plans, you pivot wildly, and that’s not failure. That’s just life, and chances are, it still turns out okay. So, that’s my message to you. Congratulations, Class of 2025! Go off, make us proud, and do good work!”
During the “Presentation of Class” each senior was called to the podium to receive their diplomas. Upon completion, Principal Contreras stated that they had fulfilled all the New York State High School requirements to graduate. To a loud round of applause by all of those in the audience, the graduates joyously tossed their hats in the air!
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
At the conclusion of the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, the North Shore Alma Mater was led by Concert Chorale seniors. Many thanks to them as well as the talented musicians led by Conductor, Mr. Jason Domingo.
Principal Contreras thanked all the parents and their families in the audience and concluded by saying to his seniors, “You have inspired me for the past four years. I love you and I wish you the best ahead. I am beyond proud to be with you. Best of luck, Class of 2025!" Come back and visit. We will miss you.”
Go Vikings Go!
Article by Shelly Newman Photos by HS Student Lila Frame and Shelly Newman