Graduates, staff, administrators, and board members entered the stadium on May 29, 2025 to the sounds of the Royal Oak High School Festival Band and Orchestra, directed by Albin Rose.
The A Cappella Choir sang the national anthem, and senior class advisor Ray McMann welcomed all to the commencement ceremony for the ROHS Class of 2025. McMann recognized the students, as well as the family members and staff who have supported them over the past 13 years. He read from a children’s book, “I Like Myself,” by Karen Beaumont. He drew commonality between the writing in the book and the philosophy of being a ROHS Raven.
The Senior Commencement Speech was given by Jose Leon, who gave an inspiring speech about his time at ROHS. He said, “Royal Oak is something special. Not just a building. I finally stopped feeling like a guest (here) and felt like I belong.”
The A Cappella Choir performed the Alma Mater, followed by a beautiful rendition of John Lennon’s, "Imagine," under the direction of Kristen Williams.
Natalie Keveney gave the Senior Reflections speech. Natalie talked about her word of the year (experience) and encouraged her fellow graduates to use their inner strength to keep going because “we are the future. The next teachers, electricians, engineers, and entrepreneurs. And remember, their experiences have brought them to where they have always wanted to be.”
Principal Loomis, at the end of his first year as the ROHS Principal, spoke to the class about his reflections over the past year. He has been impressed by the support he's seen between students. He has seen grit and determination in these Ravens that won’t show up on transcripts. He told the class they did more than meet expectations. He complimented the parents on their part in the graduation of the class of 2025… this brought on an emotional reaction from Loomis, whose son had just graduated too. He then presented the Class of 2025 to Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick accepted the class and gave a moving speech as well. She talked about how the students have served others over the past 13 years. She spoke about the impact these students have made on the school and in the community. She also encouraged the students to support one another, advocate for others, and speak for those who may not have a voice, as they move forward. She quoted the late Pope John Paul II: “Rivers do not drink their own water, trees do not eat their own fruit, the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other." She ended her speech by thanking the class for letting her serve them, “her last class in Royal Oak Schools.” Superintendent Fitzpatrick will be retiring from the district this summer.
298 students received diplomas from members of the school board as they crossed the stage, followed by music from the ROHS Festival Band & Orchestra. Senior class president Dakota Kelly wrapped up the festivities with his farewell speech, focusing on how life will not always follow the path that you expect, before handing over the President’s megaphone to the Class of 2026 class president.
It was a beautiful ceremony on a beautiful night.
You can watch it with this link.