On the evening of Friday, May 17, 639 Santa Fe seniors walked across the football field as teachers, staff, family and friends cheered them on.

Earlier that morning, seniors and staff rehearsed for the ceremony, choosing their places and solidifying the people they’d stand beside as they closed this chapter of their lives.

Following rehearsal, seniors were checked out for the remainder of the school day. Some hosted graduation parties for friends and family, while others stuck around to get their yearbooks signed.

To avoid the chaos of grad-day traffic, students and families began arriving at the school as early as 5:00 p.m. Seniors were instructed to meet in the big gym, where they lined up in the same order as rehearsal.

After much anticipation, staff led the seniors—dressed in caps and gowns adorned with stoles and cords—from the gym to the field. The sun began to set as students smiled at each other, at photographers and at the crowd of attendees.

Once all graduates had found their seats, principal Jason Hayes opened the ceremony. He began by thanking Edmond Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Angela Grunewald, followed by Santa Fe’s assistant principals, counselors, senior class sponsors, senior class officers, the student broadcast team, band and choir students and directors, Santa Fe faculty and staff, all educators present, parents and grandparents of graduates, veterans and active-duty service members and students who have enlisted in the military.

He then recognized students for their achievements, including: valedictorians, salutatorians, College Board National Recognition Distinguished Scholars, National Merit Commended Scholars, National Merit Finalists, Oklahoma Academic All-State, Presidential Scholar Nominees, those who scored a 30 of above on the ACT, those in National Honor Society, those who completed 100+ hours of community service, those who participated in the weekly after school academic help program, those who participated in Santa Fe’s performing arts program, those who participated in visual arts, industrial arts, or woodtech, those who were recognized with an individual or team academic award, student-athletes, those who participated in Francis Tuttle or Santa Fe career tech programs, students who received scholarships or financial aid to attend college or a career program, those whose parents also graduated from Santa Fe and members of the class of 2025 who passed away during their time at the school.

After his acknowledgments, Hayes handed the microphone to the valedictorian and salutatorian speakers.

“Twelve years—4 years of high school, 3 years of middle school, 5 years of elementary school. That’s 144 months, 624 weeks, 4,380 days—or, if we count leap years, 4,392 days. 105,120 hours, 6,307,200 minutes, and 378,432,000 seconds,” valedictorian Madison Hayes said, kicking off the speeches. “I could go on with how long that is in dog years or light years, but we get the point.”

Hayes’ speech reflected on nostalgic childhood and high school memories, reminding graduates of the distance they’ve come.

“You grow from these experiences and eventually learn at the turn of autumn that that school, trade school, job, and so many other paths in life were meant for you,” Hayes said. “It’s so easy to believe that this moment in our life is the end, but it is merely the beginning of the rest of a lifetime.” 

Next was Subaha Kibria, who reflected on a concept introduced to her by her AP Literature teacher, Stephanie Bray.

“My teacher introduced me to a term called ‘graduation goggles,’” Kibria said. “[It’s the] sudden positive perspective someone obtains in a situation when they’re about to leave it forever.”

She shared her own experience with this phenomenon.

“I’ve suddenly felt a strong desire to attend club meetings for hobbies I never had, and participate in class discussions over topics I know nothing about, and talk to old friends I haven’t spoken to in years,” Kibria said.

Kibria’s words resonated with many seniors, capturing the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye. She closed by encouraging everyone to embrace life with the “graduation goggles” mindset.

Laeticia Paul followed.

“I know that we’re all just waiting to turn that tassel and toss that cap and you’ve already heard a lot of thank yous, life advice, and inside jokes,” Paul began. “So, I make one promise to you: I will not be as long as Mr. Hayes’ announcements.”

She spoke about realizing the importance of everyday high school experiences—like walking to class with friends or celebrating Double Wolf Dare Week—only after they became memories.

Quoting “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Paul said: “I know these will all be old stories someday. And our pictures will be old photographs. We’ll all become someone’s mom or dad, but right now, these moments are not stories. This is happening and I’m here.”

The final speaker, Charlotte Cotner, focused her speech on how Santa Fe had always been a part of her life.

“My brother graduated from Santa Fe when I was two, and I grew up in a house connected to the school, and heard the band every morning,” Cotner shared. “And [in] the four years before I got here, I saw my sister grow at this school. My whole life, I had been waiting to be a wolf.”

She expressed deep gratitude for the mentors who guided her and her siblings, and the lasting impact they made.

“I realize now it is more bittersweet to leave, because I haven’t just been a wolf for four years, I grew up a wolf,” Cotner said. “Everyone in this field right now, remember how to live like a wolf once you leave these gates, because it has made us who we are—and is a part of us forever.”

After the speeches and applause, the official ceremony began. Graduates rose from their rows and walked across the stage one by one, smiling at familiar faces along the way.

Once all 639 names had been called and every graduate was back in their seat, the class of 2025 moved their tassels from right to left and tossed their caps into the sky, marking the beginning of their next journey.

Note from the author: The Howler wishes the best to our Editor-in-Chief, Cayden Osborn, and senior Staff Writer, Lila Cole, in their future endeavors. You both will be missed.

Gallery • 28 Photos

Tristan Haley

Seniors moving their tassels from right to left.