Friday, July 11, 2025
In a celebration of accomplishments and what’s to come, Long Beach High School’s Class of 2025 tossed their caps to mark their graduation on June 12.
Graduates and their families joined together for the joyous day, hearing from their fellow classmates and administrators speak about their big day.
People heard from Noemi Wright, the senior class president, and from Riley Barshak, the student organization president, who led all the graduates in the changing of their tassels.
The Class of 2025’s valedictorian and salutatorian, Daniel Brenner and LiLin Garfinkel, also addressed their classmates, offering words and wisdom from friendly faces.
Brenner delivered a speech filled with gratitude and encouragement, thanking his family, friends and mentors and reflected on the memories and accomplishments of the past four years. “You all have worked so hard to accomplish so much,” he said. “Try something hard. Don’t just aim for the lay-up. Focus less on the results and more on the journey, the people, the lessons, the growth.”
Garfinkel offered some words of gratitude and encouragement, reflecting on the joy of the present moment and encouraging her peers to carry that joy with them into the next phase of their lives. “Whether your path is college, trade school, the military, or a new job, go forward with confidence and purpose,” she said.
Wright then recalled the shared experiences that bonded the class and offered her classmates well-wishes for the road ahead. Barshak led the turning of the tassels, symbolizing the official transition from student to graduate. The celebration concluded with cheers and cap tosses, as the Class of 2025 stepped boldly into the future.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher also shared some heartfelt remarks, expressing how special this graduating class has been to her. “You are brilliant, talented, and generous,” she told the seniors. “The way you support each other is extraordinary. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep being you.”
