Booker High School celebrates 2025 graduates

During her time at Booker High School, Marisa Von Bender was involved in numerous programs. 

Among them are College for Every Student, the Technology Student Association, the National Honor Society and the student government association, and she has been captain of her volleyball team and team manager for the school's wrestling program. 

"All I can say really, is join every program there, you never know the connections you'll make," she said.

Von Bender, who is now headed to Florida A&M University to study mechanical and civil engineering, and was among some 340 graduates of Booker High School who walked the stage on May 31 at Robarts Arena. 

She wasn't the only one who found her time in high school transformative.

Ariyana Enis, one of the commencement speakers, recounted the time she arrived in high school, not able to speak or understand English, before she began to make friends who could speak English and transferred to Booker one month before her sophomore year. 

"I adapted really well to this school. I had great teachers for that one last month of the year," she said.

Although initially afraid to accept the chance to join the AICE program and become an ambassador, fearing her English education was not sufficient, she ultimately decided to do so.

"I have learned that growth is meant to be shared with others through knowledge and assistance," she said. "No matter who you are or where you come from, you can do it."

As the ceremony concluded, Principal Rachel Shelley gave students five guiding principals: to fall forward, give yourself grace, weather the tornado, write your own story, and stay ready.

"Define success on your own terms, and pursue it boldly," she said.