Class of 2025 Graduation: Celebrating Our Academy Women!
The Class of 2025 graduation ceremony was an astounding success. Learn how we celebrated the latest Academy women who completed their high school journey.
Graduation day is a significant milestone at St. Agnes Academy. It’s an opportunity to honor the achievements, resilience, and sisterhood of our seniors. This year, we joyfully celebrated the Class of 2025 for their exceptional accomplishments and the remarkable qualities they brought to our campus community.
Starting their high school years at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, these young women are now graduating as leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers. Learn more about our latest graduating students and the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony!
A Notable Journey from 2021 to 2025
The Class of 2025 began their high school experience in Fall 2021, as the world cautiously emerged from the pandemic. It was a challenging time, but these students didn’t just adapt; they redefined what it meant to thrive at St. Agnes.
This group of students rebuilt traditions, created new ones, and fostered a new sense of sisterhood that underscored resilience and camaraderie. Their accomplishments stand out as a testament to their dedication and growth.
Class of 2025 Graduation: A Memorable Commencement Address
At the graduation ceremony, our Head of School, Ms. Karen Jakuback, spoke passionately about the Class of 2025’s resilience, creativity, and sisterhood.
Reflecting on their ability to lead with joy and authenticity, she remarked, “You helped reshape St. Agnes after a moment of global recovery. You did not just return to normal; you helped redefine it.”
The Commencement Address highlighted their impressive achievements:
- The Class of 2025 will attend 94 colleges and universities across 33 states and the District of Columbia, plus 3 international institutions.
- Collectively, they earned $39,502,247 in scholarships.
- This class includes 9 National Merit scholars and multiple recognitions in the National Hispanic, National African American, and National Indigenous programs.
However, beyond the numbers, Ms. Jakuback emphasized their heart, character, and positive energy, saying, “You are Academy women. You are Dominican-minded. You are ready for the world.”
Valedictorian Spotlight: Anika Harpavat
The ceremony also featured a heartfelt speech from our Valedictorian, Anika Harpavat, an extraordinary scholar and leader who exemplifies the core values of St. Agnes Academy.
Anika’s academic and extracurricular achievements are nothing short of remarkable:
- Described as “among the best, brightest, and most delightful” by mathematics teacher Ms. Riley, Anika excelled across the toughest academic courses, including cutting-edge research in bioengineering and carbon-negative biotechnology.
- Beyond her STEM pursuits, she showed deep intellectual engagement with philosophy and literature while mastering AP Mandarin.
- She served as Student Body President with a spirit of warmth and integrity, fostering a community-focused atmosphere at the Academy.
Anika’s college counselor, Ms. Washington, shared that she “embodies the very best of what education can produce – a curious mind, a compassionate heart, and an unwavering drive to make a positive impact.”
This fall, Anika will attend Stanford University in California, and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Moments to Remember for the Class of 2025
The graduation ceremony was also a time to reflect on the fun moments that filled our campus over the past four years. Here are some standout traditions and events that added a personal touch to the Class of 2025’s high school career:
- Welcome Week & Mass of the Holy Spirit: From their first week during Tiger Camp to forming connections during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the Class of 2025 set the tone as spirited and confident leaders.
- College Shirt Day: With pride and excitement, the seniors celebrated their future academic homes in their college gear, looking toward the bright journeys ahead.
- Community Spirit: The bonds formed at St. Agnes were evident in every moment. Whether through sisterhood events, service projects, or daily campus life, this class exemplified the spirit of togetherness.
- Faith and Growth: Anchored in Dominican values, the graduates showed the strength of their faith and their determination to serve the greater good as leaders in their communities.
Looking Ahead to the College Journey
The Class of 2025 departs St. Agnes Academy with more than just diplomas in hand. They leave with a sense of purpose, courage, and a foundation of faith to guide them in the years ahead. Additionally, they are well-prepared for what lies ahead, having created a new sense of community culture in the immediate aftermath of a global pandemic and nationwide shutdown.
To our graduates, as Ms. Jakuback reminded you during her address, “Be who God intends you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
To the parents, families, faculty, and staff who supported these exceptional young women, thank you for your dedication and unwavering belief in their potential.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your St. Agnes family will always be here cheering you on as you begin the next chapter of your incredible story.
- Are you inspired by the Class of 2025 graduation? Learn more about how St. Agnes cultivates academic excellence, faith-centered living, and a spirit of community. Visit our Admissions Page today to learn about enrollment at our all-girls college prep high school.
