Calhoun High School’s Class of 2025 was celebrated on the school field on June 8. 

Scott Bersin, assistant superintendent of curriculum, and Board Vice President Megan C. Ryan, Esq., were on hand to congratulate graduates. Seniors in the CCP choral group performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  

Valedictorian Ian Klimov and salutatorian Isabela Rohr addressed the crowd. Klimov spoke about his passion for gymnastics and how a career-ending injury cut his dreams short.  

“Life rarely unfolds the way we imagined,” he noted. “And the future that lies ahead is going to be filled with moments that challenge us. We will all hit walls, question ourselves, and feel like giving up. I’ve heard organic chemistry alone is responsible for at least half of college emotional breakdowns. But struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re trying. And no one, no matter how effortless they make it look, gets through life just cruising.” 

He further reinforced how it is important for his peers not to “let the setbacks stop us from pursuing what we love.” 

“We must keep going, keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Because those are the moments when we prove to ourselves that what we care about is worth it.” 

Rohr addressed the crowd and her peers with a message of being present.  

“I lived my whole life thinking about what was coming next,” said Rohr. “I’ve never been able to pace myself. It is difficult to only keep your eyes on the horizon. Sometimes, you need to take a minute and appreciate the present. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. It’s okay to stop and take a break. Though it is admirable to always work hard and relentlessly push ahead, it is important to appreciate how far we have come.”

Click here to view a gallery of Calhoun Graduates Class of 2025 photos.