On Saturday, May 24, University View Academy (UVA) held its graduation ceremony at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge. With 355 graduates, the class of 2025 was the largest graduating class in UVA’s history. Many of these students traveled to Baton Rouge to participate in the traditional ceremony, walking across the stage and receiving their high school diplomas in person.
Hundreds of proud families and friends filled the convention center to support and celebrate their students during this momentous occasion. After students entered the arena in the processional, the assembly was led in the pledge of allegiance by UVA’s 2024-25 Student of the Year, Victoria Martin. Graduate Mabry Spinks sang the national anthem, and Superintendent Quentina Timoll welcomed the assembly and guests. Deputy Superintendent Lekisha Chambers then recognized graduates who were members of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and DECA, three prestigious student leadership and service organizations.
Graduates were also addressed by their peers. Gabriella Burregi, the class of 2025 salutatorian, spoke first. Gabriella graduated summa cum laude, earned the state-endorsed seal of biliteracy, was an active member of Beta Club and National Honor Society, and earned an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern State University. She will attend Louisiana State University Ogden Honors College.
Principal Sharon Sims’ recognition of distinguished graduates followed Burregi’s address. Twenty-one graduates, members of UVA’s Early College and Career Academy, earned their associate degrees or technical diplomas from Louisiana colleges and universities in addition to their high school diplomas. The class also earned 282 basic statewide industry-based credentials and 65 advanced statewide credentials, demonstrating real-world industry skills and allowing them to be more competitive in the job market. The documented scholarship total was over $4 million through academic merit, artistic talent, and community involvement.
2025 valedictorian Elise Hebert then addressed her classmates. Elise graduated summa cum laude, scored over a 30 on the ACT, was a member of National Honor Society, and earned an associate degree in general studies from Northwestern State University. She will attend Louisiana Tech University to major in nursing.
This year, a UVA alumnus also addressed the assembly. Foundation for Louisiana Students Director Thomas Nealsson, UVA class of 2017, reflected on his high school journey and encouraged graduates to carry forward UVA’s values of self-motivation, innovation, and community.
After Nealsson’s address, eager graduates were presented with their diplomas. Virtual attendees were also recognized in a slideshow. Board President Linda Holliday led graduates in the traditional turning of the tassel, and the new alumni completed their time as UVA students in a triumphant recessional to the courtyard.
Some members of the class of 2025 are entering the workforce with a technical diploma or an associate of applied science. Others have joined a branch of the United States Armed Forces to serve their country. Others are continuing their education at a college or university. We wish all our graduates well as they leave UVA empowered, future-ready, and eager to embark on their journeys of lifelong learning.
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