Imperial High Celebrates Class of 2025 with Pride, Reflection, and Cultural Unity
IMPERIAL — The Class of 2025 at Imperial High School took its final steps as high school students Friday night in front of a packed audience at Simpson/Shimamoto Field. The event celebrated an estimated 350 graduates in a heartfelt ceremony filled with school spirit, gratitude, and powerful messages about resilience, culture, and growth.
“Right? What a beautiful evening,” said Principal Jose Apodaca as he welcomed the crowd. “Tigers, you really hooked it up tonight.”
Apodaca began the ceremony by calling forward Class President Caleb Galindo to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Michelle Lara, who delivered a stirring performance of the national anthem.
From there, Apodaca extended a series of thanks to the often-unsung heroes behind the scenes: “Let’s hear it for our maintenance and operations crew — they work day in and day out, pretty much 24/7, 366 even.” He also acknowledged longtime sound support from Jose Luis and Altavisión and recognized Monarch Photography for capturing both the morning panoramic and graduation night shots.
He praised his assistant principals — David Shaw and Jackie Sanchez — as “the two people to my right and my left,” calling them essential leaders within the school.
Class President Jayden delivered a candid and inspiring address, urging his classmates to embrace setbacks as opportunities:
“Failure is often treated like something simple, something to avoid. But if you step out into the world… there will be times you fall short… The kind of person I hope each one of us becomes is the one who rises from failure stronger and wiser than before.”
He concluded with heartfelt thanks to his mother and brother, adding: “Congratulations, Class of 2025. Go Tigers, and God bless.”
Miss Molina, co-emcee and former class president, also gave a short bilingual message directed to families:
“Muchas gracias por todos sus sacrificios. Nosotros no estuviéramos aquí sin su ayuda y apoyo,” she said. (“Thank you so much for all your sacrifices. We wouldn’t be here without your help and support.”)
Valedictorian Alyssa Flores took the stage with a message about defining success by character, not accolades.
“To me, true success is about living with integrity, lifting others up, and becoming someone you’re proud of.”
She encouraged her classmates to remain steady even in uncertainty:
“If you don’t have a five-year plan, that’s okay. Just take the next right step.”
Click here for the full speech
Salutatorian Caleb Galindo, who had earlier led the pledge, spoke about perspective and perseverance.
“We made it through pandemics, economic shifts, and personal loss. What got us through was not just intelligence, but resilience, community, and heart.”
Click here for the full speech.
A particularly emotional highlight came when 17-year-old Quirin Heopfl, a German exchange student, and his host brother William Quan took the stage, each holding their national flags.
“For the past nine months, a dream I’ve had since childhood became reality,” said Heopfl. “From the moment I arrived, I felt the school spirit — especially around sports events — something I’d never experienced before.”
He gave special thanks to his host family:
“Especially to my brother William, who not only became my best friend, but a real brother for life.”
Principal Apodaca recognized Nicholas Navarro, who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout,
The “Pride of Imperial” band, under the direction of Chris Scurries, performed “Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual,” by Robert W Smith featuring senior members in their final performance.
More than 40% of the graduating class completed the A–G requirements, qualifying them for California’s four-year universities. Apodaca lauded this achievement as “a testament to the hard work and academic focus of this class.”
As the program came to a close, graduates lined up on both sides of the stage. On one end, students grinned with excitement, their caps carefully angled and phones in hand, ready to capture the moment. On the other, some stood with teary eyes, holding back emotion as they realized this would be the final time they’d walk together as classmates.
Parents watched closely — some shouting their graduate’s name, others standing silently in awe. When names were called, each graduate crossed the stage proudly, some pausing to wave, others offering a quick salute, nod, or peace sign to the crowd.
When the last diploma was handed out, the Class of 2025 was officially declared graduates of Imperial High School. Tassels turned, cheers erupted, and a wave of caps filled the sky. A vibrant fireworks show lit up the evening, closing the chapter on four years of unforgettable memories and marking the beginning of a new one.
The ceremony was not just a sendoff — it was a celebration of identity, perseverance, and the promise of what lies ahead.
“Let yourself stumble, let yourself learn, but most importantly — let yourself grow,” said Jayden. “Because it won’t be your failures that define you — it will be how you rise from them.”
