Garden City High School celebrates Class of 2025
On June 28, Garden City High School’s Class of 2025 gathered for the school’s 91st annual commencement ceremony, held at Warren King Field. Dressed in white, the graduates marched onto the field to “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” performed by the school’s band and orchestra.
The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Gracie Krawiec, followed by performances of the national anthem and “For Good” by the senior chorale.
Principal Mr. Kevin Steingruebner welcomed the Class of 2025, their families and guests, and encouraged students to embrace risks and view setbacks as opportunities. “Rejection is redirection,” he said. “A no today doesn’t mean never—it often means not yet or not here. Sometimes a closed door leads you to one that’s wide open. That’s not failure, that’s progress.”
Salutatorian Hunter Maguire reflected on the meaningful experiences shared with classmates throughout their years at Garden City. “The challenges you’ve navigated during these years and the triumphs you’ve had along the way are indelibly part of your story,” he said. “Embrace them, take them with you and tell those who enter your life about your history here.”
Student Samuel Chan, recipient of the Julia Maloney Scholarship, spoke next, honoring his music teacher, Mr. Andrew Albani. “Third period orchestra became a second home— where with a strike of the baton, chaos was transformed into art,” he said. “Mr. Albani taught me that music, when given heart, becomes a superpower. Above all, he showed me how to go far with a passion and what it means to love and enjoy every moment of your work, which is the very meaning of purpose and fulfillment.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha offered advice to the graduates. “Carry with you the lessons learned here and value connections —especially with the adults who have guided, supported and believed in you,” she said. “Be open and curious, ask questions, introduce yourselves and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The measure of your success won’t be in your titles or accomplishments, but it will be in the relationships you nurture, the people you lift and the ways you let others lift you.”
Valedictorian Jeffrey Li brought incorporated paper airplanes into his speech, tossing several to his teachers. “None of these planes are the same, yet they all fly,” he said. “While some may fly further and others faster or hang in the air for longer, each has its own niche and specialty where it shines. And though a misfold will leave a mark, it’s the final fold that ultimately makes the cut.”
The Class of 2025 selected social studies teacher Ms. Kathryn Lindholm as their keynote speaker. “Ask questions and be curious,” she said. “Know you are supported by this community and never lose sight of your values as you make the world a better place. You have shown that you can handle any curveball because you know how to be diligent, you have integrity, you know how to cooperate with others and how to persevere.”
Senior class officers Samuel Chan and Michael Tusiani-Eng read the names of each graduate as members of the board of education presented diplomas. Principal Steingruebner officially conferred the diplomas, and the ceremony concluded with the Class of 2025’s recession as the newest graduates of Garden City High School.
