FHS promotes 214 grads during Friday ceremony
By Ken Esten Cooke
Standard-Radio Post publisher
The Fredericksburg High School Class of 2025, 214 members strong, received their diplomas during commencement ceremonies held Friday at FHS Stadium.
FHS Principal Chris Weirich gave an emotional address, saying this class, which included his daughter, Mackenzie Weirich, would “always be special to my heart.”
“Students, you have no need to fear. I hope you remember to always keep loving, keep trying, keep trusting, keep believing, keep growing and keep finding the joy in the small moments,” Weirich said. “We’re all cheering for you today, tomorrow and forever. We believe in you and we’re excited for your future. But mostly, I hope you know how much we love you. You’re going to do amazing things.”
Senior class president Gabriella Sifford said, “Each of us has experienced 723 days of high school … filled with unforgettable highs — driving ourselves to school for the first time, cheering in our student section while we beat Boerne or Tivy, and above all, the opening day
GRADUATION ▶ A4 of Chick-fil-A.”
“But we’d be naïve to say thee weren’t many lows,” Sifford continued. “There were days when we felt alone or unsupported, days when nothing seemed to go right, and the ultimate low of mourning our beloved (classmate) Deacon Russell, who should be sitting here tonight.”
Sifford said the classmates did things together through the good and bad. She said each class member was like a puzzle piece, each unique and different, but each completing a picture. She said family served as a frame to the puzzle.
Madison Wright, salutatorian, and Paige McDade, valedictorian, also addressed the crowd. Their speeches are reprinted in this edition.
“We might shed a tear for what we leave behind, but that tear can also represent a tear of joy for what is to come in the future,” McDade said.
Special section
More information about the graduating class and its members, plus other Gillespie County graduates, can be found in last week’s special section.
