Newest JHS Graduates Honored at School's 159th Commencement

The nearly 300 members of the Jamestown High School Class of 2025 crossed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater to receive their diplomas Friday night. The school's graduation ceremony did begin, though, on a somber note, with Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Whitaker asking for a moment of silence in memory of Daniel Galarza-Ramos, a 5th-grader at Jefferson Middle School who was tragically struck and killed on his bicycle earlier in the week...

Kevin Whitaker: moment of silence for Galarza-Ramos

The ceremony then carried on with a number of short speeches, including that of keynote speaker Aaron Leeper. The Class of 2001 alumnus was one of the best running backs ever at JHS and in New York State when he graduated. Leeper also had a great freshman year at the University at Buffalo. With the last name "Leeper," he says there was some burden to carry...

Aaron Leeper: I pushed myself

However, Leeper's hope for a professional career vanished with a second shoulder injury, and he poured himself into his studies and went on to get a Master's degree before landing a job with the U.S. Air Marshal Service. He told the graduates to pay attention to the details, but don't let failure define you.

The Class of 2025 also heard from valedictorian Belle Johnson, salutatorian Leo Tehran, and Principal Allyson Smith. Kate Kathmann and Adam Kubera each received $4,000 scholarships from the JHS "100 Club."

Photos by Jamestown Public Schools