Dublin Jerome High School celebrated a major milestone on Sunday, May 25, with its 20th annual commencement ceremony at the Schottenstein Center. The Class of 2025, made up of 519 graduates, was recognized for an impressive range of academic accomplishments, leadership, and service.

This year’s valedictorians, Kennedy Makel and Sitan Gao, delivered speeches that reflected on the class’s unique high school journey and offered messages of encouragement as their peers move on to college, careers, and service.

Kennedy Makel, daughter of Dusan and Marsha Makel, used the Dublin Link bridge as a central metaphor in her speech. She described the friendships and relationships formed at Jerome as “bridges” that helped guide students through high school—and that will continue to guide them into the future. “Now as we venture onto our next chapter, it’s time to create more bridges that will connect our past accomplishments to our future ambitions,” she said.

Makel, who is the co-founder and co-president of Jerome’s Glitter Club and serves on both the Superintendent’s and Principal’s Advisory Committees, will attend The Ohio State University in the fall and plans to study pre-law.

Sitan Gao, daughter of Yuze and Guixin Gao, focused her remarks on how the class entered high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusted to a new normal. Gao noted that while the start of high school was uncertain, the class has shown it can overcome challenges. “Keep fighting for your dreams, for yourself and for the people you love,” she told classmates. Gao is a National Merit semifinalist and one of 621 Presidential Scholar semifinalists nationwide. She will attend MIT to study mathematics.

The ceremony also featured performances by the Dublin Jerome Chorale, directed by Mr. Pytel, who led the National Anthem and a performance of Unclouded Day. The Jerome Orchestra Ensemble, under the direction of Mrs. Adair, performed America’s Cup by Alan Lee Silva.

Academically, the Class of 2025 included 178 valedictorians, 4 students with perfect ACT scores, 29 National Merit finalists, and 273 Honors Diploma recipients. Seven students have enlisted in the military. The class also includes 20 International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates and more than 280 students recognized for AP Scholar achievements.

Dublin Jerome administrators and staff recognized the class for its leadership, academic strength, and ability to overcome challenges—qualities that will serve them well beyond graduation.