01-06-2025
Jefferson High School says goodbye to class of '25
FRENCHTOWN TOWNSHIP — On Thursday evening, May 29, Jefferson High School bade farewell to its class of 2025.
After a performance by the high school band, Superintendent Amy Gee was the first to speak, growing emotional as she addressed the class of 99 students.
"The class of 2025 was the first group of students I had the honor of serving as superintendent from start to finish," she said. "Over the past year, we've grown together. I've watched you learn, lead, and rise, not just in academics, but in spirit and character."
Salutatorian Joel Bezeau and valedictorian Lindsey Gennoe stepped up to the podium to address their fellow graduates, congratulating them and giving them words to carry them into their futures.
"This evening, I hope that I can encourage to continue self-reflection and that we pursue our growth individually and as a group," Bezeau said.
"Whether our future includes college, a trade, or the workforce, we all share the same goal of doing great things and making a difference in the world," Gennoe said. "While we may never achieve something as grand as finding a cure for cancer or traveling to the moon, we can make our corner of the world a better place through our small acts of kindness and love."
After each student received their diploma and the crowd began to disperse, the graduates were in various states of elation, hope, and exhaustion. Derrick Grybas, who hopes to be an electrician after college, and Caleb Brimm, who hopes to be a diesel technician, were on opposite ends of that spectrum.
"I feel like the world is mine, I feel like I can do anything," Grybas said.
"Pretty tired and very hungry," was Brimm's response.
Gennoe was relieved after her speech, but excited about having graduated. She'll be attending Eastern Michigan University to study nursing.
"We've been very fortunate because, it sounds like we're bragging, but this is our third valedictorian in a row," said her father, Gene Gennoe.
Bezeau plans to go to University of Michigan, get a degree in biology or biochemistry, and then apply to the dental school there.
"We're thrilled; we finally got one into Michigan," said his mother, Megan McCaffery.
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Jefferson High School graduation sees 99 get their diploma
