On the evening of June 5, 2025, the Royal Oak Schools community came together to honor a major milestone—the commencement ceremony for the Churchill Community High School and Churchill Continuing Education Classes of 2025.
With heartfelt applause and joyful cheers, 28 determined and hardworking graduates—who exemplified resilience, growth, and a commitment to their goals—crossed the stage.
Churchill Community Education Supervisor Karen Powell welcomed an audience filled with family members, friends, and coworkers. She shared that each graduate had followed a unique path, and while the journey wasn’t always easy, their determination and support for one another carried them forward.
“Through challenges and triumphs,” she added, “they created lasting relationships and memories that will remain long after this milestone.”
Churchill was especially honored to welcome Justice Richard Bernstein of the Michigan Supreme Court as the evening’s keynote speaker. Justice Bernstein shared his personal journey of facing and overcoming adversity, inspiring the graduates with his message of perseverance and self-belief. He reminded the Class of 2025 that setbacks and obstacles do not define a person’s future—instead, they build strength and character. His words resonated deeply with our students, many of whom have experienced their own hardships, and reinforced a powerful message: never give up, even when others doubt you.
The ceremony also celebrated outstanding achievements among the graduating class. Congratulations to Claire P., recipient of the Royal Oak Education Association (ROEA) Scholarship, and to Ari M. and Burt B., who were each awarded the Churchill Alumni Scholarship. These honors reflect not only academic perseverance but the strong community that surrounds and supports Churchill students.
The evening was a testament to the supportive, inclusive, and student-first environment at Churchill—one where students are encouraged to pursue their goals, no matter the circumstances.
We are incredibly proud of our graduates and GED completers. As they move into the next chapter of their lives—whether continuing their education, entering the workforce, or pursuing new dreams—we know they do so with the courage and determination that brought them to this point.
Once a Churchill student, always part of the Churchill family.