Thursday, July 10, 2025
South Side High School honored its graduating Class of 2025 on Friday night in a moving ceremony filled with celebration, reflection and gratitude, as students, educators, and families came together to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Salutatorian Elena Mingorance opened the commencement with a speech blending science, philosophy and wonder. She pointed out that everyone has “a one in 400 quadrillion chance of existing.”
“This life is born of self-realization, choice and possibility,” she said.
Referencing C.S. Lewis, she reminded classmates that, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind,” and encouraged graduates to embrace their freedom, take risks and define their own futures.
Valedictorian Daniela Argondizzo followed with a speech recognizing the resilience and accomplishments of her class.
“The journey to graduation has been one long, rewarding climb where each day brought new opportunities and challenges and experiences added strength and skill to our stride together,” she said. “We battled every challenge South Side threw at us, and came out on top.”
Argondizzo praised the Class of 2025 for setting new standards across sports, the arts and academics, and shared her top five life lessons, among them: “Live boldly,” “Keep cool, calm and collected,” and “Every moment counts.”
The ceremony also included remarks from South Side principal Patrick Walsh, who praised the graduates not only for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, but for their spirit of unity and compassion.
“What sets this class apart is deeper,” he said. “You understand something many adults still chase, the true value of relationships and meaningful moments.”
Walsh recalled memories including the school’s first-ever senior sunrise and a lighthearted fundraiser that ended with students duct-taping him to a wall. He urged graduates to resist distraction and “be fully wherever your feet are.”
“That is how real, meaningful change begins,” he said.
The night also featured prestigious awards recognizing several seniors:
Marina Ioannou received the PTA South Side Strong Centennial Award for school and community leadership. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she conducted cancer research, led multiple student organizations, and was honored for academic, artistic and civic achievements.
Aaron Weisenburger was presented with the Dr. Richard Byers School and Community Service Award for his leadership, humility, and scholarly excellence. He founded the school’s rocketry club, served as student government president, and will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The Laurel Awards, South Side’s highest honor, were presented to Elena Mingorance and Ryan Borruso.
Superintendent Matthew Gaven praised Mingorance as “intelligent, empathetic, self-motivated and deeply humble,” citing her published research, international studies, and service-driven leadership.
Borruso, also an IB Diploma candidate, was described as “a scholar, a leader, an artist and a person of uncommon character.” A gifted trumpeter, he performed at Carnegie Hall, helped lead inclusive theater productions, and plans to study engineering and theater design at Purdue University.
Board of Education President Kelly Barry gave a speech with a message about the fleeting nature of time.
“Time is not something you find, it is something you make, and how you make it will define who you become,” she said. “So go make it matter, go make it beautiful, go make it yours.”
