Glen Rock High School proudly celebrated its Sixty-Seventh Annual Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m. on Stadium Field at the Glen Rock Middle School/High School campus. Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty, 174 members of the Class of 2025 officially became Glen Rock High School alumni. Collectively, the graduating class was offered just over $19 million in academic scholarships, a testament to seniors’ hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.
The Glen Rock High School Band and Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance” as graduates processed onto the field. Senior Class Vice President, Amanda Davidoff, welcomed attendees and led the flag salute, followed by The National Anthem. Graduates were then addressed by Senior Class President, Aarnav Dharia, who reminded his classmates that they’ve all made it through the not-always-easy last four years. “We’ve seen how unpredictable life can be. And we’ve also seen what happens when we keep going, when we show up anyway, even when we’re exhausted, unsure, or completely out of iced coffee…which honestly would be really nice right about now,” he joked. “So go chase the things that light you up. Be ambitious. Be weird. Be kind. Stay curious. Ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. Apply to jobs you don’t think you’ll get. Start projects you might not finish. Tell people how much they mean to you. And whatever you do, don’t let fear be the loudest voice in the room.”
Mrs. Michele Giurlando, GRMS/HS Principal, said she looked at the students before her and couldn't help but become sentimental and think of her own children, having watched them grow up and set out on their own quests to take on the world. One memory stood out in particular for her, rooted in what can often be the bane of any parent’s existence: a cartoon episode on repeat.
“In this case, Little Bear and his gang of friends are embarking on their own quest, armed with this refrain: Whether the weather is cold or whether the weather is hot, we’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not. I think it’s safe to say how we all feel about tonight’s weather,” she continued. “But more importantly, I hope you will consider that Little Bear and his friends had it right. Life is unpredictable, and, oftentimes, it is our perspective that allows us to manage the extreme highs and the extreme lows and everything in between. Regardless of the circumstances, when we choose a lens that is imbued with optimism and hope, we truly give ourselves a gift. When we react with grace and empathy, we not only create a positive environment for ourselves but we also add to a world that runs on kindness and compassion. Tomorrow each of you will begin your own quest, and I am certain that you will approach the future with confidence, courage, and the conviction that you can do great things, whatever the weather,” she concluded. “Congratulations, Class of 2025!”
Sophie He, Class of 2025 Salutatorian, proceeded to urge her fellow graduates to carry with them their open hearts. “I know the next steps won’t be easy for anyone; there will be challenges and moments where we question if we’re ready,” she said. “But if these past few years have taught us anything, it’s that we are more capable than we often give ourselves credit for. We have figured things out together, and I believe that same resilience will help us through whatever comes next!”
Yeji Kim, Class of 2025 Valedictorian, delivered a heartfelt address to her classmates, encouraging them to resist the urge to compare themselves to others, especially in difficult moments, and to be kind to themselves even when self-doubt creeps in. “Remind yourself that you’ve already come so far,” she said. The strength it took to get here is the same strength that will carry you forward–to your infinite potential.”
Mr. Justin Ecochard, Social Studies teacher and chosen Faculty Graduation Speaker, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address, introduced by Senior Class Corresponding Secretary, Marco Slump. Drawing on personal history and timeless lessons from the past, Mr. Ecochard reflected on a collection of World War II artifacts passed down from his grandfather, a veteran. Among them was a book that was compiled about all the accomplishments of the 294th Engineer Combat Battalion with a single line inscribed inside the front cover: “Dedicated to those who have written history with their tenacity.”
“That word—tenacity—it carries weight,” Mr. Ecochard shared. “It means persistence, grit, the refusal to back down. It’s what helped that generation endure the unimaginable. And it’s what I see in all of you.” He closed his remarks with a tribute to the graduating class, recognizing their resilience and unity throughout high school. “The tenacity of this class has inspired me, and I want to thank you,” he said. “You’ve weathered disruptions, challenges, pressures—and yet, you’ve continued to grow, thrive, and support one another. Your perseverance is the reason our future is in good hands. Congratulations, Class of 2025. You’ve already made us proud. Now go write history—with tenacity.”
Gianna Prestigiacomo, Senior Class Treasurer, and Alexander Kim, Senior Class Recording Secretary, presented the 2025 Class Gift, a donation to the fund for a new marquee that will be used to highlight the events and activities that make GRHS such an incredible place. Under the direction of Mr. Carl Helder and Ms. Anna Lilikas, the Glen Rock Chamber, Women’s, and Senior Choirs then performed a beautiful rendition of “For Good.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Calvez, Glen Rock Board of Education Vice President, presented the Citizenship Awards to two outstanding seniors, Craig Hillyer and Yegi Kim. Dr. Brett Charleston, Superintendent of Schools, addressed the graduates, their families, and guests, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2025. He celebrated academic achievements ranging from honors in Robotics and recipients of the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy to several students recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars—representing the top 3% of test takers nationwide on the PSAT/NMSQT—and National Merit Finalists.
Dr. Charleston also highlighted the standout senior-athletes who contributed to an exceptional year in Glen Rock athletics with county, regional, and state championship seasons. With strong senior leadership and talent, Glen Rock teams earned NJSIAA Sectional Championships in Baseball, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, and Boys Winter Track. In total, the Panthers claimed league titles in 11 of 23 sports. Notably, the Baseball and Boys Basketball teams were honored as Bergen County Teams of the Year.
Members of the Class of 2025 also shined in the arts, earning accolades in both music and theatre. Vyvann Mutt Wani was nominated for a prestigious Metro Award for Outstanding Performer in a Musical, while Henry Finkenstadt was accepted into the Bergen County Honors Choir. At the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival in Florida, senior members of the Jazz Band, Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, and Concert Choir helped earn multiple gold and silver ratings, as well as the overall Sweepstakes Award. In recognition of their excellence, the Treble Choir has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall next year. Finally, Dr. Charleston recognized and thanked graduating senior, William Monti, who plans to enlist in the United States Air Force.
Dr. Charleston then talked about how Mel Robbins’ book “The Let Them Theory,” emphasizes how we can’t control others, but only ourselves–our own reactions and choices. “I interpret this to mean that you should care less about the negative, vocal minority, or keyboard and social media warriors that you will encounter during these next several years, but rather follow your own path and do it proudly and without fear, hesitation, or regret,” he encouraged. “Live your life and cast aside those that do their level best to throw roadblocks and speed bumps along the way. To that end, I urge you to always live in the moment and know that in that moment you must fully commit whether it be a job, relationship, family, or your own self-care.”
Dr. Charleston led the Certification of the Class of 2025, presenting the graduating seniors to the members of the Glen Rock Board of Education. Mr. Robert Lockatell, Engineering and Robotics teacher, led the roll call of graduates while diplomas were distributed by Mrs. Calvez and Dr. Charleston. Student Council Class President, Vivaan Motwani, concluded the ceremony by leading the Class of 2025 Tassel Ceremony. Audience members were then invited to greet graduates on the field. Glen Rock Public Schools congratulate the Glen Rock High School Class of 2025!
Click here to view more photos, courtesy of Kacper Majewski '27 and Tara Hopfenspirger.
