An enthusiastic crowd of friends, family and school leaders cheered as the 787 members of Eden Prairie Schools’ Class of 2025 tossed their caps high at their commencement ceremony earlier this week.
Seniors from Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) and Eden Prairie Online (EPO) crossed the stage to receive diplomas on Wednesday night to abundant cheers and applause in a smoothly run celebration at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The graduates began processing into the stadium shortly after 7 p.m., as the EPHS Graduation Band, directed by Mike Whipkey, played “Pomp and Circumstance.” This year, the smiling and waving seniors wore new robes trimmed with scarlet bands and featuring scarlet stoles emblazoned with the Eden Prairie Schools logo. Many also wore special graduation cords marking academic honors and participation in school-sponsored organizations.
Once everyone was in place, the EPHS Chamber Choir, directed by Jill Boyd, sang the national anthem.
Palani: ‘We belong here … we can do this’
Amid cheers and applause, the student emcees, Nithin Palani and Nasra Jama, welcomed everyone to the event.
Reminiscing about the Class of 2025’s shared school experiences, personal growth and friendships over the past four years, Palani said, “This past year, I have seen students learn how to lead, how to care and how to show up for each other. Now, as we take our first steps into the real world, we can finally answer the three questions that guided our time here at EPHS: Do I belong here? Is this meaningful? And can I do this after four unforgettable years?”
Palani continued, “I’m sure that we can agree that the answer is the same to all three questions. It’s a yes, we belong here. Our experiences were meaningful. And most importantly, no matter where our lives take us, we can do this.”
Next, Jama announced that a newly created graduation ceremony code of conduct, developed by the district with input from Class of 2025 students, would be read in English, Somali and Spanish. The code was created after reflection on last year’s ceremony, which revealed a mismatch in how families collectively wanted to celebrate graduates and led to complaints about noise and disagreements over crowd behavior.
This year, the new code of conduct asked families to be respectful during the event, particularly regarding noise levels. It warned against disorderly or aggressive behavior, emphasized the importance of following venue rules, and stated that anyone who violated the rules would be asked to leave.
“Thank you for helping us create an amazing, respectful ceremony we will all remember,” Jama said.
Swanson: ‘A class with limitless potential’
In his opening remarks, Eden Prairie Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson shared personal recollections about the graduates, noting that he became superintendent 13 years ago when many of them were starting kindergarten. In fact, almost half – 344 of the new graduates – have attended school in the district from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“Class of 2025, I remember visiting your classrooms over the years and seeing the good times, the hard times, joy and loss, learning and challenges, but most importantly, friendships and light bulb moments, which have included huge smiles,” Swanson said, “Tonight is one of those moments.”
Swanson also shared with families that this commencement was especially meaningful to him not just as a superintendent but also as a parent, since his own daughter was among the graduates.
“Our district’s mission is to inspire each student every day,” he said. “Class of 2025, tonight, you’re proof of what that mission looks like when it takes flight. You’ve performed on stage, triumphed in stadiums, researched in labs, created, led and served. And you’re headed into the world in every direction – college campuses, the workforce, technical trades, military service and more. You are truly a class with limitless potential, and you are ready.”
Remarking that there is a ripple effect in all that we do and that our actions affect each other, Swanson said, “You’ve made your mark, and the waves you’ve created will carry you forward for years to come. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Let’s celebrate everything that brought you to this moment and everything that lies ahead.”
Acknowledgment of district leaders, school staff
Jama and Palani then introduced district leaders, including the superintendents and the school board, as well as faculty speaker Scott Sayles, EPHS Principal Jaysen Anderson, and EPO Principal Nick Kremer.
Jama also thanked all of the district staff who helped the graduates reach this milestone.
“While it’s our own work and perseverance that brought us to this moment, we couldn’t have gotten here without the support of hundreds of Eden Prairie School staff throughout the years,” she said. “Sitting with the Class of 2025 are our senior link teachers – the faculty we have gotten to know most closely over the last four years. They’re joined by our counselors who have helped us along the way in both our academics and our personal lives.”
Jama continued, “We would also like to acknowledge our bus drivers, who have delivered us to school during rain and snow; custodial and maintenance staff who have kept our facilities clean and safe and ready for learning; Food and Nutrition Services, staff who have served us with a smile; and the countless teachers and paraprofessionals who have cared for us, taught us and truly inspired us along our journey to this day, this moment.”
Anderson: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth
Anderson told the graduates that both he and Kremer were proud of them.
“You’ve each had an impact that’s bigger than you likely even realize, and while you have certainly made your mark in academics, athletics and the arts overall, most importantly, you are a class of kind and compassionate leaders,” Anderson said.
He added, “Your class, the Class of 2025, has set the standard for what an Eden Prairie High School graduating class can be.”
Reflecting on his first year as EPHS principal, Anderson said his school leadership team developed the mindset and slogan of “set the standard.”
“This was a concerted effort to reemphasize our school’s and community’s high expectations and create an outstanding culture in our building for both students and staff,” he said.
Acknowledging that adjusting to many of the new rules and systems he instituted may have initially seemed frustrating, he said, “All that brings me to the point I wish to make here tonight: Change is constant. As you leave here today and move on to whatever comes next, you’re entering one of the biggest periods of change that you will ever have in your lives.”
Anderson advised that while times of change may seem challenging, they are also opportunities to “adjust, adapt, embrace and ultimately grow from the change. You all have this potential, and truthfully, you have demonstrated your ability with the multitude of changes you’ve already faced in your young lives.”
Moreover, he told the new graduates that in the future, they will be the ones leading change, and encouraged them to “lead with curiosity and compassion.”
He added, “Ultimately, I can confidently say that real and lasting positive change can only be had when both sides are open to their lives shifting, if just for a little bit.”
Grabiel: ‘Fear isn’t a stop sign. It is just part of the journey’
Simon Grabiel, the student speaker, then addressed his fellow graduates on the importance of conquering fear to reach their goals. In the months and years ahead, Grabiel said, “You will be afraid of challenges. You will be nervous to make a leap. But in spite of all that, still take that leap, try new things and do it scared.”
Reminiscing about the challenges of once trying to create a perfect recording for an orchestra audition due to a faulty metronome, Grabiel said, “I was terrified of not living up to expectations, and I resigned myself to not submitting anything at all.”
However, he said that Angelique Rowell, the EPHS advanced orchestra director, changed his perspective.
“She told me that my fear was normal, but to submit a take anyways, without the metronome,” he said. “Her trust and faith in me pushed me to do it, even though I was deathly afraid of submitting anything and not living up to standards, especially my own.”
He advised that for others feeling similar anxieties, “You can look around at your peers, family and friends, and know that you aren’t alone in those feelings. We all have struggled against obstacles, fears and expectations, some of which are self-imposed.”
He said that as the new graduates go through life, it is important to remember that “fear isn’t a stop sign. It is just part of the journey.”
Sayles: ‘You did more than you could ever fathom’
Scott Sayles, an EPHS business and marketing teacher, was the student-selected faculty speaker. Sayles encouraged the new graduates to realize what a valuable resource time is, and to make the most of it to create meaningful connections with other people.
“Time has a way of washing away amazing experiences that we go through every day,” he said. “You have created so many memories in the last four years.” While graduates may not remember or assign meaning to every little thing they did, he added, “I would argue that you did more than you could ever fathom.”
For instance, Sayles said, “You might have asked somebody to join a small group and made their entire term. You may have been the only person to say thank you to a food service member that day. You may have answered a teacher’s question in class and been the only reason they stayed sane and not crashed out. You might have been a great friend and completely honest with them when they needed it the most. Even though you might not remember, you spent your time with meaning.”
Noting that graduates have now reached a point in life where they have autonomy over how they spend their time, Sayles said to make sure to appreciate each moment, even the small ones.
“Everyone will tell you to use your time wisely, and everybody will tell you that it goes by fast,” he said. “But we must understand that due to it being such a finite resource, we need not worry as much about how we use it, but enjoy and appreciate how it is being used. Enjoy the time you have, because in this crazy world, I know the years go fast and the days go slow.”
Malone: ‘Once an Eagle, always an Eagle’
Molly Malone, director of community engagement and alumni relations for Eden Prairie Schools and a Class of 2003 EPHS graduate, spoke next.
“I want to be the first to welcome you to the club of very proud Eden Prairie Schools grads,” Malone said. “We want you to know we’ll continue to be here for you, cheering you on, facilitating meaningful connections and celebrating you as you move onward and upward, sharing your individual gifts and talents with our ever-changing world.”
She invited the Class of 2025 to register with the district’s alumni database so they could keep in touch, attend reunions and network with other alumni.
“Thank you for your contributions while you’ve been here in this place,” Malone said. “Soak it all in tonight, and know you’ll always belong here at Eden Prairie Schools. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.”
Jama: ‘Listening, growing and showing up for one another’
As the ceremony came to a close, Jama said she wanted to share her perspective on this important night.
“As a student involved in Dare 2B Real and Student Council, I’ve had the honor of witnessing just how powerful student voice and community can be,” she said.
“Whether it’s in courageous conversations about the impact all of us can have on our communities, or planning schoolwide events that bring us together, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always mean having the loudest voice. It means listening, growing and showing up for one another.”
Jama said that commencement was not just about celebrating academic success, but also the relationships, resilience and growth that led to this moment.
“The Class of 2025 is a group full of compassion, courage and creativity, and I truly believe we are ready to make a difference in whatever path we choose next,” she said.
Presenting the Class of 2025
Finally, Kremer and Anderson announced it was time for graduates to walk to the stage to receive their diplomas.
“Superintendent Swanson and Eden Prairie School Board members, Dr. Kremer and I certify to you that these students have fulfilled the conditions prescribed for graduation from Eden Prairie Schools,” Anderson said. “They are entitled to be admitted to the rank, privileges and responsibilities of this diploma. The class before us now, the Eden Prairie Schools Class of 2025, is ready for your presentation of their diplomas.”
As students walked across the stage and their names were called, they shook hands with school board members and district leaders, many smiling, waving and even dancing in celebration.
Following the presentation of diplomas, Anderson said, “This has been a great night. Thank you all so much for your support for these students and for Eden Prairie Schools.”
Finally, inviting students to move their tassels and toss their caps in the air, he said in closure, “Faculty of Eden Prairie Schools, members of our district administration and board and to all of our families, friends and guests in the audience, it is my honor to officially present to you the graduated Class of 2025. Congratulations.”
More to read: See photos from the final moments before Eden Prairie’s Class of 2025 headed to graduation.
Comments
We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.