- June 15, 2025
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Duval Louis and Mackenzie Lopatinsky
Photo by Ian SwabyTy'reyah Williams and Shandrea Williams proceed into Robarts Arena with the other graduates.
Photo by Ian SwabyAnthony Speciale is ready for graduation.
Photo by Ian SwabyJavari Mitchell leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Photo by Ian SwabyCommencement speaker Sarah Sarmiento addresses the class.
Photo by Ian SwabyKyle Ramon, with the VPA Modern Band, performs on stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyCommencement speaker Ariyana Rivera addresses the class.
Photo by Ian SwabyStudents applaud during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyMia Miles performs on saxophone.
Photo by Ian SwabyCiana Bostock greets School Board Chair Tim Enos.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexander Avila, Anna Alarcon and Asia Jones proceed across the stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyKai Lopez makes his way across the stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyJose Aponte Garcia shakes hands with School Board member Robyn Marinelli.
Photo by Ian SwabyCelso Martini and his granddaughter Sofia Emilia Goeth, 3, prepare to greet his granddaughter Yasmine Carr.
Photo by Ian SwabyBelen Aragol prepares to walk onto the stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyPrincipal Rachel Shelley greets Joshua Sobalvarro.
Photo by Ian SwabyPrincipal Rachel Shelley greets Yanmanuel Ramos
Photo by Ian SwabyYasmine Carr and Dale Burgess applaud as the ceremony concludes.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexander Edefri, Anthony De La Cruz-Briseno and Fiona Curie reposition their tassles.
Photo by Ian SwabyStudents including Alexander Edefri, Anthony De La Cruz-Briseno, Fiona Curie and Yasmine Carr, throw up their caps.
Photo by Ian SwabyRolando Mata and his son Brian Mata
Photo by Ian SwabyGraduate Jayvian Johnson (second from left), his girlfriend Alyssa Harris, brother Will Johnson and father Terrence Johnson
Photo by Ian SwabyGraduates Sam Pirnik and Trenton Baker, Booker High School seniors Susanna Reyes and Maria Navarro, and graduate Kevin Mendoza
Photo by Ian SwabyElizabeth Galvan and her daughter Amaya Galvan-Cornier, 6, touch a tassel on the cap of Galvan's cousin Mia Carrillo, who graduated along with Elizabeth Galvan's sister Jayla Galvan.
Photo by Ian SwabyBerkeley Maecker and her cousin Maya Scond
Photo by Ian SwabyLillian Jones, Yaira Spears and Jesus Cardoso sing the Star Spangled Banner.
Photo by Ian SwabyPrincipal Rachel Shelley greets Jayden White
Photo by Ian SwabyC
Photo by Ian SwabyDuring 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.
