Powell High School’s class of 2025 gathered in the school’s gym on Sunday, where the students became a black sea of 119 graduation caps, an occasional colorful affectation — floral and money leis, or sashes referencing heritage — and all students sat quietly in excitement. 

Collectively the class earned 2,009 college credits, Principal Tim Wormald told the crowd. It’s the largest amount he’s seen during his 16 year tenure at Powell High. The class averaged a 3.22 GPA with 28 graduating with a 4.0 weighted GPA and nine students scoring 30 or higher on the ACT.

Wormald shouted out the class’ various athletic and extracurricular milestones, of which there were many, and mentioned seven athletes will be competing at the college level.

“This group has done a really nice job of making a positive mark on Powell High School, a positive name for themselves, and they’ve provided positive leadership for the underclassmen at the school,” Wormald said. 

He recognized the support the students have had from family and friends both in the gym with them and those who were not in attendance, and he thanked them for their countless ways of support — he also acknowledged the hard work of teachers and staff.

Powell High math teacher Greg Stenlund took the stage as the speaker chosen by the student body. It’s an honor, he told the packed venue. Stenlund spoke to the staff about living in a right and genuine way.

“PHS, class of 2025, consistently be genuine, tell the truth so that you can be trusted,” Stenlund said. “Make those two things habit and you’ll have a shot at living your best life.”

As the ceremony continued, students sang with the choir for the last time. The song “From Now On,” from the “Greatest Showman” had a few members of the general student body mouthing the words. 

Valedictorian Dexter Opps and Salutatorian Dallin Waite reminded students of the good times past and the times ahead.

Then it was time. 

In alphabetical order students took the stage shaking hands and taking a donut, a nod to student Maggie Atkinson who would occassionaly bring donuts to school to hand out to students. Trevon Abraham was the first of his class to shake hands, grab his diploma and his treat and walk off as a Powell High graduate, and Chareasa Zeller was the last. The graduating class was announced, the balloons fell as they have on the classes of the past, and the class of 2025 went out to make their mark.

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