Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in School History

Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School’s Class of 2025, the school’s largest graduating class in school history, celebrated its graduation ceremony at Stonehill College in Easton on Wednesday, June 4. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

SOUTH EASTON — Superintendent Holly McClanan and Acting Principal Christina Guarini are proud to share that Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Wednesday, June 4.

The ceremony was held at Stonehill College in Easton, with a total of 386 graduating seniors receiving their high school diplomas. The Class of 2025 is Southeastern’s largest-ever graduating class.

Acting Principal Guarini described the Class of 2025 as a class unlike any other — a class of leaders who have left a lasting mark on Southeastern, one that will be felt long after they are gone.

“You have asked difficult questions — not to challenge authority, but to deepen our understanding, improve our school community, and push boundaries in thoughtful, respectful and constructive ways,” Acting Principal Guarini said. “You have shown the value of being an independent thinker, an innovator and a problem-solver. As you step into the next chapter of your journey — whether it’s a career path, higher education or something still to be discovered — please carry those values with you. The world needs your voice, your vision and your courage.”

Acting Principal Guarini thanked the graduates’ parents and families, along with teachers, counselors, staff and administrators, for supporting and shaping the members of the Class of 2025 as they became leaders at Southeastern.

“To our parents and families, your support has helped shape these young leaders,” Acting Principal Guarini said. “Thank you for nurturing their passions, encouraging their independence, and standing by them every step of the way. To our teachers, counselors, staff and administrators, thank you for guiding them, challenging them, allowing them to find their voices, and believing in their potential, even before they believed in it themselves.”

Southeastern draws students from nine communities, including Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, Sharon, Stoughton and West Bridgewater.

In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, students can choose from 21 career majors, preparing them for life’s challenges and opportunities.

The 386 graduates of the Class of 2025 included 30 from the school’s electrical program, eight from advanced manufacturing and welding, 25 from advertising design, 19 from automotive technology, 29 from carpentry, eight from collision repair technology, 15 from cosmetology, 23 from culinary arts, 18 from dental assisting, 23 from digital cinema and broadcasting, 14 from engineering technology, 18 from early education and care, 16 from HVAC and refrigeration, 30 from legal and protective services, four from marketing and entrepreneurship, 26 from medical assisting, 11 from natural and life sciences, 16 from networking and cybersecurity, 12 from nurse assisting, 30 from plumbing and 11 from precision machine engineering.

The valedictorian for Southeastern’s Class of 2025 was James Cormac Williams, and the salutatorian was Elijah Nathaniel Pinney.

Williams told the audience at the graduation ceremony that not only was the Class of 2025 the largest in school history, but this graduating class also participated in Co-op more than any other class that came before them, giving them real world experience that will prepare them for their careers.

“We have developed unique skills that will stick with us for the rest of our lives,” said Williams. “By jump-starting our careers, we have found both a direction and a passion for us to explore. Now we are at our next big step. … Class of 2025, we are an incredibly talented group of graduates. We have the potential to make some serious change in the world. It is now up to you to take charge of your life. Congratulations to every one of us and let us all continue to show our greatness.”

Christine Gaze, chairperson of the Southeastern Regional School Committee, encouraged the graduates to never lose hope, no matter what challenges life throws at them.

“And don’t forget that you — the unique, intelligent, caring, talented you — are a big source of hope for us, especially the older generations,” Gaze said. “Keep moving forward, keep doing the incredible things you are doing, and keep making us proud.”

Superintendent McClanan encouraged the graduates to follow the advice of American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau to advance with confidence to find “a success unexpected in common hours,” knowing that dreams pursued by Southeastern graduates are “not fixed points.” She encouraged them to embrace growth and change and not be afraid to pivot, saying goodbye to one dream and courageously embracing the challenge of another.

“So to the Class of 2025: Move forward. Be bold. Be kind. Be open to change,” said Superintendent McClanan. “Trust your instincts. And above all, keep advancing in the direction of your dreams — whatever they may be today, and whatever they become tomorrow.”

“Congratulations,” Superintendent McClanan concluded. “We are so proud of you. The future depends on you. Go out there and light the world on fire with your talent and passion.”

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The valedictorian for Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School’s Class of 2025 was James Cormac Williams. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

Valedictorian James Cormac Williams told the audience at the graduation ceremony that not only was the Class of 2025 the largest in school history, but this graduating class also participated in Co-op more than any other class that came before them. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

A massive crowd packed the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex at Stonehill College in Easton to celebrate the graduation of 386 students from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School on Wednesday, June 4. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

Acting Principal Christina Guarini described the Class of 2025 as a class of leaders who have left a lasting mark on Southeastern, one that will be felt long after they are gone. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

Superintendent Holly McClanan encouraged the graduates of the Class of 2025 at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School to embrace growth and not be afraid to pivot, saying goodbye to one dream and courageously embracing the challenge of another. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)