Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, the 244 members of the Class of 2025 didn’t seem to mind. They marched under the “Pride, Class, Tradition” sign onto the field for their final time as a TK student. They were reminded to build and keep relationships, explore their world, build empathy, have faith in themselves and in others, and to always keep dreaming.
Class valedictorian Evan Liu welcomed the guests and talked about the class accomplishments in the classrooms, playing fields, and on stage.
“But, while personal determination has brought us this far, we’ve also discovered that our greatest achievements come forth through collaboration. Just as Lebron James can’t win a ring alone, we can’t succeed without the help of others. King James has shown throughout his career that our greatest impact often comes not just from our individual achievements, but from how we elevate those around us. Our class has shown remarkable unity, compassion, and resiliency, qualities that will undoubtedly be valuable assets long after we leave this campus,” he said.
“Remember, crossing this stage today isn’t our finale—it's merely the opening chapter of our greatness.”
Senior Abby Dumond, no stranger to the stage, gave the senior address and told her fellow classmates high school was like the “practice test” for the real world. She encouraged classmates to live in the real world and that the real world doesn’t exist on their phones.
“Ferris Bueller said some wise words I think are worth mentioning right now, even though he skipped a lot of school. ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.’ Don’t miss this moment, and all that is to come after for you, and those you care about. And most importantly, congratulations!! Be so, so proud of yourself for making it this far. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
She reminded fellow classmates of how high school helped them discover who they are and what makes them happy. “Everyone has at least one memory that sticks with them. Maybe it was a teacher telling you exactly what you needed to hear in that moment, discovering a lifelong friendship, or achieving something you never even thought possible…This is the type of magic our school brings. TK brings you things you didn’t know you needed. It introduces you to people who you never knew you needed to meet and connect with. It shows you that you have so much more inside you than you would have ever realized on your own.”
She offered advice to younger students. “My advice to you is to find your thing. Put yourself out there, even though it can be the most terrifying thing in the world. Discover what your passion is. Because in the words of Elle Woods, “It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps in the world. Remember that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people, but most importantly you must always have faith in yourself.” Being here taught me to have faith in myself, and I hope it has done the same for all of you.”
Cole Novak introduced the keynote speaker Assistant Principal Jeff Dock. “Back in my day, Mr. Dock was not our vice principal. He was a science teacher. He was my science teacher…One trait stands out above all others in my memory of him. It’s his passion for the subjects, his passion for his students and his passion for providing the best possible teaching experience he could…Mr. Dock’s enthusiasm for his students and for the whole school shows in everything he does.”
Before Dock offered his own words of encouragement and advice, he told the class someone they knew wanted to send a message. Timmy the Dreamer, a motivational speaker who came to TK’s service day this spring, appeared on the giant scoreboard screen.
“I want to leave you with just two words. Two words that have had a profound impact on my life… Keep Dreaming!” said Timmy “The Dreamer” Bishop. “Keep dreaming, because as I said in my speech, certain dreams in our life will come to an end, but it doesn’t mean there’s not another dream out there waiting for us. Keep dreaming.”
He encouraged the class that no matter how difficult things became, or what challenges and obstacles were in their way, or how often they wanted to just give up - to “keep dreaming, keep dreaming. Those two words have gotten me through the hardest times in my life. Never give up on living the life you truly want to live.”
Dock then told the class he wanted to share three things with them - a reminder, a challenge and a hope. “The reminder is that you're not alone. You’re definitely not alone today. Tomorrow will come. The future will come. Hardships will come and you've got to remember that you’re not alone.”
He said life is about relationships - some that have been built at TK and others that are yet to be built. He also encouraged students to go out and build new relationships while still keeping the relationships they’ve already made. “These are great years, okay, but these are not your best years. A lot of you have not met the most significant person in your life yet.”
He encouraged students to experience people who are different than they are and maybe share different beliefs. “That is where the challenge comes in. We need you to pour empathy into this world. Empathy comes from having personal connections, not from a headset, not hiding behind a screen or keyboard, but in being able to have those conversations in the dorm room or at a coffee shop or in the barracks. That is where we build empathy…Empathy matters. We need to listen to each other. We need to lift each other up.”
He shared a favorite poem called “My Deepest Fear.” “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”
“We’re scared of all that is so good in us, of what might people think? Maybe we fail? But don’t let that fear limit you. You are all brilliant. You are all talented. You’re all fabulous. Now it’s your opportunity as you walk across this stage to share that.”
He also told students to share their light with others. “As you live out this chapter, share the light with others to lift them up. The secret is out. Life is not about you. It’s about how you impact and care and treat others along the way. Light always beats dark. Positive always beats negative. Go and live it. Go and make this place a better place…We can’t wait to see you chase your dreams and change the piece of world that you touch.”
Senior Will Nathan, in his closing to the class, echoed some of the same ideals offered by Dock. “I hope everyone goes on to build a legacy that they are proud of: one that is not defined by rewards or titles but by the positive impact you have on others.”
High School Principal Tony Petersen offered congratulations and support for all the graduates as well and reminded them they always have a family. “As you leave here today, please know that no matter where life leads you, you will always be a member of the TK family and will forever be a TK Trojan.”