photo by: Emma Delk

Members of John Marshall High School’s Top 5% at the school’s 57th annual commencement. From left, Mariah Lehman, Cameron McCord, Audrey Ferguson, Sydney Gray, Kendra Callahan and Maci Wells.

WHEELING — John Marshall High School had 245 graduates turn their tassels during the school’s 57th commencement.

The ceremony for the Class of 2025 was held Friday evening at WesBanco Arena, a change from the original location of Monarch Stadium due to inclement weather.

Of the 245 graduates, 224 participated in the ceremony on Friday. The commencement began with National Honor Society President Victoria Finley delivering the invocation.

Principal Jason Marling then offered words of advice to the graduating class.

He shared this was the beginning of their next path in life, which would be “filled with unknowns, bold choices and promises of what’s to come.”

“Life won’t always be easy,” Marling said. “Many of you have already been tested. As you walk on your new path, you will come to find that your parents and teachers were right about many of the lessons you’ve learned so far.”

Marling encouraged the graduates to be open to learning, willing to work and ready to make a difference on their new path in life.

“Your new path will have much joy,” Marling added. “You’ll continue to grow emotionally, intellectually and you will unlock countless opportunities beyond what you might imagine so far for yourself.”

The Top 1% of the class of Maitlyn Miller, Victoria Finley and Gabrielle Noame delivered commencement addresses to their fellow students.

Miller reflected on their privilege to be able to graduate, noting that there are “women across the world who are not given the simple freedom to speak to their own children in public.”

“There are entire populations of undeveloped nations who cannot even fathom the opportunities that we have already been given,” Miller said. “It is a humbling reminder of how fortunate we truly are.”

Miller said a “wave of emotions” washed over her as she stood in front of her fellow graduates. She added that it was a moment of “immense joy, gratitude, and a touch of sadness.”

“Today marks not just the end of a huge chapter of our lives, but also a new beginning,” Miller said. “A new beginning that each of us steps into with a mix of excitement and nervousness.”

Finley reminded her classmates not to forget the last four years they spent together, including the lessons they’ve learned and the memories they’ve made.

“Class of 2025, if you look around, you’re surrounded by the people you spent the last decade going to school with,” Finley said. “With these people, you have formed countless memories, learned valuable lessons and built long-lasting relationships. Remember these things as you move on to the next chapter of your life because they played a significant role in getting you where you are now.”

Noame thanked the families and friends in attendance for their “endless love and support.”

“You’ve been there with us through late nights, tough days and every milestone in between,” Noame said. “Your love has carried us through.”

Noame also thanked their teachers, noting that they taught them lessons, not only from books, but also in life.

“You inspired us, encouraged us and believed in us,” Noame said. “Your acceptance and support created a space where I could really be myself and learn with confidence.”

Board of Education members President John Miller, Christie Robison, Brenda Coffield, Lori Kestner and Duane Miller handed out the diplomas.

Class President Kal-El Hill led the students in turning their tassels. Afterwards, gold and grey caps flew into the air as students celebrated the milestone they had just completed.

The JMHS Chamber Orchestra and the Monarch Choir provided music for the ceremony.