With red robes and bright smiles, the graduates processed into the gym to the familiar notes of “Pomp and Circumstance,” surrounded by the family and faculty who helped them reach this milestone.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from Valedictorian Annie Cernuska, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and stirring renditions of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and Bellefonte’s alma mater, performed by the High School Concert Band under the direction of senior Drum Major Isobel Herr.

“To the class of 2025, congratulations, you’ve made it,” said Superintendent Dr. Roy Rakszawski in his opening address. “Through years of effort, struggle and determination, you’ve earned your place here today and you should be incredibly proud.”

Recognizing the countless hours of hard work, early mornings and late nights that brought them to this moment, he told the graduates, “It reflects your perseverance, courage to face challenges and your commitment to reaching your goals.”

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The gymnasium at Bellefonte Area High School was filled to the brim with family, friends and supports of the Class of 2025 on Saturday morning.

The superintendent asked the students to pause, look around and reflect on the achievements and memories they had made together.

“Those memories will always be a part of you, and we hope you will always be a part of us,” said Rakszawski. “No matter where life takes you, this district will always be your home.”

He also recognized the many people who helped the students reach this moment — parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and staff.

“All of you played a role in shaping lives, inspiring minds and guiding these graduates with care and compassion,” he said.

He then addressed the graduates once more, pleased to deliver some positive news.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Bellefonte Class of 2025's Salutatorian Allison Nicholls addresses her fellow classmates.

“Regardless of what you may hear, the world you’re stepping into is full of possibilities and beauty. Whatever your pursuit, we know you’ll bring the same spirit that brought you to this point. The future is bright because it awaits your ideas, your energy and your leadership,” Rakszawski said.

He also cautioned that failure is inevitable along the way, but urged them to see those setbacks as valuable lessons.

“All great achievers (fail) at some point,” he said. “What makes you great is how you respond to your failure.”

Quoting Anne Sullivian, teacher and companion of Helen Keller, he said, “Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose — not the one you began with perhaps, but one you’ll be glad to remember.”

The superintendent then passed the podium to Michael Fedisson for the Principal’s Address.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Members of the 2025 Bellefonte Area High School graduating class are pictured listening to speakers during the ceremony.

Fedisson began by thanking everyone, especially the staff who helped move the ceremony indoors due to the inclement weather.

“We have a special occasion this year,” he said, going off script to invite Graduation Coordinator Edward Fitzgerald III, affectionately known as Fitz, onto the stage.

Fitz has been with the district since fall 1997 and has served as graduation coordinator for nearly three decades, dedicating hundreds of hours each year to ensuring the ceremony runs smoothly.

“He’s here before the sun comes up and long after it goes down,” Fedisson said.

Turning to Fitz, he said, “You run yourself ragged to make this day perfect for all these students and their families. Thank you for your decades of service, consistency, grace, laughter and memories. We wish you all the best in your retirement.”

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS A Bellefonte Area High School graduate receives their diploma.

Fedisson then presented Fitz with a diploma and named him an honorary member of the Class of 2025, before sharing personal anecdotes and insights he hoped would inspire Bellefonte’s 141st graduating class.

“Today is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance,” he said. “Each one of you has travelled a unique journey to reach this moment, and you stand on the precipice of your future.”

He then spoke about the power of showing up. How success often comes down to consistently doing the small, difficult things that lead you closer to your goals.

He reminded the graduates of the many times they showed up: after late-night trips, during sweltering summer camps, supporting one another in tough moments and even sitting through final exams despite knowing Fitz would be giving them another speech.

Life, he noted, is a series of doors waiting to be opened — moments filled with choices both small and monumental.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Bellefonte Area High School Principal Michael Fedisson speaks to the Class of 2025 during graduation on Saturday morning.

“Throughout your time here, you’ve learned that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about preparing yourselves to recognize and seize those opportunities.”

Success, he said, comes from consistency, determination, hard work, integrity and purpose. He encouraged the graduates to seek out difficult challenges and work through them.

“The greatest growth comes from the journey through failure,” Fedisson said. “That journey makes you stronger, more resilient, hungrier for success and ultimately more fulfilled.”

“We can’t wait to see where showing up will take you next.”

Valedictorian Annie Cernuska took the stage next.

“Class of 2025, you all did it!” she said. “I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you. You’re an amazing group of individuals, and I’m truly blessed to have spent these past four years with all of you.”

Reflecting on the journey, Cernuska spoke about watching her classmates grow into the unique individuals they are today.

“From sports to fine arts, or even our first jobs, there is at least one thing we all have a passion for,” said Cernuska. “Keep that focus on what stirs your heart.”

Whatever their goals or values may be, she encouraged her classmates with a quote by author Norman Vincent Peale she learned from former faculty member Karen Krisch:

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

“However big or small your goals are, always strive to accomplish what you never thought you could even in your wildest dreams. Get that doctorate. Make a million dollars. Own your own business. Whatever it may be, go after it.” said Cernuska. “Set these ambitious goals and make every infinitesimally small step to achieve them. You’re making yourself, those around you and the world a better place.”

She thanked her mentor, school board member and former middle school teacher Donna Smith, and encouraged her peers to do the same and to become mentors themselves.

“As the next generation of individuals emerging into this world, I urge you to become someone’s person. Don’t underestimate the positive influence that you can have on another person, because every kid is just one caring adult away from being a success story,” Cernuska said.

Allison Nicholls spoke next, delivering the Salutatorian Address.

“If you would have told me that I’d be delivering a speech to my graduating class and their friends and families as a freshmen, or even the beginning of this year, I would have laughed,” said Nicholls, who admitted she has a fear of public speaking. “I had the option to not deliver this speech at all but I felt it was important to stand up here today and use my voice.”

She shared her fear to illustrate a larger point: that each of us is more capable than we think.

“You, your voice and your actions are the most important things you have,” she said. “You all hold immense power, and your full potential comes when you are not limited.”

Nicholls highlighted the class’s astounding feats in drama, sports, music and academics, urging them to keep pushing beyond the boundaries they set for themselves.

“Imagine what more can be accomplished — the future we could create — if we stopped limiting ourselves, undermining our abilities and distrusting our confidence. Imagine who you would be if anything goes and you don’t hold yourself back.”

She challenged her classmates to do just that.

“Maybe you’ll surprise yourself,” she said, adding, “I’ve already watched many of you grow past your previous limits over the years, and it has been inspiring to see and grow alongside you all.”

Nicholls reminded her classmates that this ceremony is just the beginning of their journey.

“Every single one of you has an impact to make,” she said. “Your voice has power and your actions have value. Do something meaningful. Your presence is invaluable to this world and holds so much power. Exist loudly and boldly without self imposed limits. Even if you feel insignificant, you can make a change.”

She closed with a message of optimism and faith.

“Every single person here matters and can overcome the challenges they face,” she said. “I have great faith in this class to do great things and make a positive impact. I look forward to seeing the impact you will all have on the world. If it is anything like the impact you’ve had on Bellefonte, it will be amazing,”

Ed Fitzgerald, who admitted he was far outside his comfort zone, took the mic for the final remarks.

“I was roped into doing this, so I tried to think of something to say, and I tried to think back to when I was in your shoes, sitting here during my graduation from high school, and I’ll be honest, I could not remember the person that gave my commencement address,” he said.

“I may turn out to regret this in 30 seconds, but I’m going to turn this into a press conference,” he told the students, inviting them to ask him questions for a change.

The graduates fired off questions ranging from his favorite president to his favorite student. Fitzgerald, a social studies teacher, offered answers with humor and humility — naming Truman as a leader who stepped up and served with humility and declining to name a single student as his favorite, instead saying they all were.

He then asked the audience to stand if they’d had him as a teacher or worked alongside him, which brought most of the room to their feet. But then he asked something more challenging: that they forget him.

“I do not matter,” he said. “You already have everything you need to be a better person. You have an inner voice — listen to it. You may not remember who told you what in life, but you will remember the message.”

Fitzgerald encouraged the graduates to embrace humility, take responsibility, leave no one behind and celebrate what makes them unique. Paraphrasing John F. Kennedy, he said: “This torch has now been passed yet again to a new generation — that is all of you… Forget the messenger, but remember the message. History is not just something you study — it’s what all of you will be making in your lives.”

In closing, one of his students, Carter, echoed his signature farewell: “Go! Be good out there! Go learn something!”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Class of 2025. As Annie Cernuska led her classmates in flipping their tassels and tossing their caps, the band played them out.