by Shelley Bennett
On Friday June 6th, the Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation from Lassen High School. The weather was warm and fluffy white clouds filled the sky as the graduates entered the field to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance.
Tyler Swayze and Curtis Mallery, of the Susanville FFA, presented the flags onstage and Lily Ammon led the crowd in the flag salute. Led by guest conductor Kaitlyn Nakanishi, the LHS Concert Choir sang the National Anthem.
Dr. Lynn Pikero, principal, welcomed those in attendance and encouraged the class to ‘be curious and courageous” as they take on the future. She then introduced class advisor Rachel Vincent. Vincent praised the class for being “authentic” and “trailblazers” as they found their way through LHS.
She thanked them for being “uniquely you” and stressed how proud she was before turning over the mic to ASB President Peyton Garate and Class of 2025 Co-presidents Lily Ammon and Abigail Vincent.
The trio took some time to reminisce and celebrate their accomplishments. Ammon described their class as being one of the “most united”, as evident in the amount of absences on their recent Senior Ditch Day. Garate reminded his classmates to “have fun” and “don’t stress” while Vincent expressed disbelief that the time of making high school memories is coming to an end.
Christopher Rigling, this year’s We Are Lassen student, was the next speaker to take the stage. He opened with an honest statement saying he didn’t really know how he “got up” there since he wasn’t a superstar athlete or straight A student.
According to Rigling, he’s just been “bee-bopping around this campful being [him]self.” That statement alone is the reason Rigling was chosen for this special honor. He’s humble, kind, and a friend to all. Showing off his trademark sense of humor, he thanked his dad for demonstrating “work ethic” and his mom for “decent looks.’
Salutatorian Erielle Paddock spoke next. Paddock admitted to staying up late into the night and consulting Tik Tok to come up with the perfect inspirational speech. She encouraged her classmates to take risks, even if it damages their reputation or “aura” because “it’s not failure, it’s freedom.”
Adian Hollandsworth, Valedictorian, said he has given enough “unsolicited advice” and instead took the time to thank those who have helped him throughout high school. This included his mom, dad, and brother Austin, his close circle of friends, and all of his teachers.
Hollandsworth ended by giving the one piece of advice that can help in any situation, including “giving this speech”: it’s never that serious.
Windy Littrell Shoshone sang “Good Days” accompanied on the piano by Tony Loe. The emotional lyrics and heartfelt performance were appreciated by the graduates.
It was finally time to announce the members of the Class of 2025 done by Assistant Principal Bob Nielsen and Counselor Heather Eastwood. Dr. Pikero awarded the diplomas and the crowd erupted with applause, cheers, and a cowbell or two as each name was called.
Dr. Pikero then presented the graduates to Jarrett Ellena, who accepted on behalf of the LUHSD Board of Trustees.
In closing, class advisor Elizabeth Ammon assured the graduates that while the answer to the question “what now?” will be different for each of them, they all have the character and skills necessary to make it their own. She offered her congratulations and then brought Peyton, Abigail, and Lily to the stage once more to direct the turning of the tassels.
The tassels were turned, grad caps were flung, and confetti filled the air as the Class of 2025 left the halls of LHS and entered their futures. Good luck to the grads! It’s been a great ride.
Welcome to our SusanvilleStuff broadcast of the 2025 Lassen High Graduation Ceremony live from Arnold Field brought to you by Lassen Municipal Utility District.
You can watch it here on SusanvilleStuff or over at our SusanvilleStuff Facebook page.
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