It’s official: the Class of 2025 graduated on Friday, and it was a night to remember for them, and for Charter. This graduation marked 25 years since the school has been open, and it was the school’s 23rd graduation that they have done. From annual speeches said by the principal, Peter Bayer, to two captivating Jaguar Pride speeches, the 2025 graduation was an event that will forever be held close to the graduates.
The night started off at 5:30 p.m., with the PPCHS Band playing music as guests waited patiently to see their loved ones walk the stage. To mark the beginning of the night, class President Ava Mendez gave a short speech reminiscing about her and her classmates’ memories at Charter while SGA President Jaelyn Perez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Isaac Nones led the audience through the national anthem as he played his electric guitar to it.
Bayer continued the night strong with a speech where he mentioned students like Andre Arana for his outgoing personality and McKenna Gregory for her dedication to the Prowler yearbook. His thoughtful comments earned him and the mentioned students a round of applause from the audience as they all smiled because of how true it was. After some more kind words, Pembroke Pines officials were introduced, like the mayor, city manager, and Charles Dodge, who the city center where the graduation was held is named after.
Following that were the awaited Jaguar Pride speeches by Annabelle Acevedo and Aarohi Bali. These two left all who heard their speeches a memorable and lasting impact as Acevedo spoke about what it was like starting high school with only a mask on their face, not knowing who they were truly talking to. Bali focused on how the graduates were “guinea pigs” because of how much they were being tested on. They grew up during the internet era and now with the Department of Education losing funding, they are being “tested” on what they will do education-wise. Can they afford college without financial aid? With Acevedo being introduced by Darrin Schwartz and Bali by Kelly Schwab, their introductions did not fall short when it came to describing how great the two were.
For the part that all were waiting for: the name-calling, and it was incredible. The sheer joy of parents and friends screaming out their kid’s names, the bull horns that were being used, and stomping on the bleachers made the moment a bittersweet and interesting moment. Graduates first shook hands with Bayer, and then with the other administrators.
After the main event of walking the stage, Bayer went up to the mic and gave one last speech before the official graduates got to turn their tassels. A stream of confetti filled the air as he emphasized how this graduation was important because it was the 25th year of the school being open.
With this euphoric feeling and confetti in the air, caps are thrown into the air and the seniors of the Class of ‘25 are now on their own, leaving Pembroke Pines Charter High School, but as an alumni and always a Jag.
