Rooted in Faith, Ready for the Future: Celebrating the Class of 2025!
On Saturday, May 31, LuHi held its 62nd Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2025. The Visscher Gym buzzed with excitement as family, friends, and guests of the graduating class awaited the commencement ceremony for the graduating seniors.
The Class of 2025 selected Daniel Kielbasa as this year’s commencement speaker. In his address, Daniel shared words of encouragement through the lens of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, reminding graduates that the world needs more people who live out the principles taught by Jesus—meekness, mercy, righteousness, and peace. His heartfelt message reflected the depth of his connection with the class and his hope that they will be bold in their faith and compassionate in their leadership beyond LuHi.
In her reflective speech, Salutatorian Eunice Kim shared a story from 7th grade about receiving detention and learning about God’s grace and forgiveness. Through that moment—and the kindness of her teacher—she came to understand the power of reflection and God’s unchanging presence. She encouraged her classmates to recognize God’s work in the small, everyday moments and to carry that faith with them into the future.
Valedictorian Siera Smith focused on the importance of faith, community, and letting go of control. She spoke about personal moments of struggle and encouragement and reflected on how her time at LuHi taught her the value of leaning on others and trusting God’s plan. With gratitude for her family, friends, and teachers, she challenged her classmates to live fully, anchored in faith and hope.
Emily Butera and Lorenzo Riddick, the 2025 Pro Deo et Schola Award winners, offered the final prayer of the ceremony. The Pro Deo et Schola award is presented to the senior boy and girl who exemplify a Christian life in school and their home churches, and is the highest award presented at LuHi.
The ceremony concluded with a receiving line through the Senior Courtyard, where students hugged and high-fived their teachers. The class gathered one last time to celebrate their graduation with a light reception, plenty of photos, and hugs with family and friends. Congratulations, Class of 2025!