Belmont High School Graduates Celebrate Start of Next Chapter

On Saturday, June 7, 351 Belmont High School students accepted their diplomas, traversing Harris Field and moving on to new pathways.

Facing the Future

The graduation ceremony began with a speech from Belmont High School Principal Isaac Taylor, emphasizing the dichotomies facing students today.

“Who would have thought when you were born that our social lives would center on our phones?” he asked. “Who would have believed, even when you were freshmen, that ChatGPT would play such a big role in your schooling? Who would have predicted, when you first learned about the Constitution, that tech billionaires would dominate global politics, decision making, and power?”

The world is changing so quickly that old ideas and customs can’t keep up, Taylor said.

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“So while much of our new world is shiny and exciting, much is also green with mold and fungus—two sides of the same coin,” he said.

Taylor advised students to trust their instincts and avoid making decisions out of anger, resentment, or fear.

“I have heard you advocate against injustice and stay true to your beliefs, even when that means standing up to power, and I have taken great pride in your collaboration, courtesy, compassion and kindness,” Taylor added.

Finally, he encouraged the graduates to lean on one another in times of hardship.

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“Cresting the waves tomorrow, you sail to your future and determine the fate of our world,” he said. “Godspeed.”

Moving with Patience

Class President Mark Guzelian then recognized the Class of 2025 for the gifts each student possesses.

“Each one of us contributes and has contributed our own gifts to the class over the last four years, from the amazing sports and musical and theatrical performances, to the phenomenal achievements and excellence in academics and scholarship, to the kind, supportive and inspiring people that you all are,” he said.

He encouraged his peers to approach their next chapters with patience.

“Success will not be handed to us on a platter, and in addition to persevering through challenges, we will need to have patience and not rush through life trying to achieve things when perhaps it’s not the right time,” he said.

Guzelian also emphasized the importance of being on the lookout for opportunities as they arise.

“Go forth into the world,” he said. “Work hard, work smart, [and] make impactful contributions to your communities. There is no doubt in my mind that just as we have accomplished great things in high school, we will do even greater things as we make our mark on the world.”

Honoring Students

Finally, Superintendent Jill Geiser presented Tara Westover and Jordan Macarty with the School Committee Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship.

According to Geiser, Westover maintained a nearly perfect GPA, is a National Merit semifinalist with a perfect SAT score, an avid rock climber, a devoted volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the food pantry, a talented artist, and a medical researcher.

“She is an incredibly intelligent student with a unique depth of knowledge, whose complexity of the way her mind works stood out even as a young ninth grader,” said Geiser. “She is a resilient and determined young person who overachieves whenever given the opportunity, and does not let intellectual or physical challenges impede her chances towards success.”

She will be attending Harvard University in the fall to study mathematics.

After accepting the award, Westover challenged her peers to hold up 10 fingers, and put a finger down for each high school experience they shared. After the exercise, she encouraged her peers to look around.

“I hope you notice two things,” Westover said. “One, that almost everyone has some fingers down, which highlights our connection … And two, that not everyone has all their fingers down.”

Westover added that life is a collection of moments.

“Let’s each grab a pen and start writing the next chapter of our stories as Belmont High School graduates.”

Macarty was described as “a leader with a passion for finding the next task to accomplish.”

According to Geiser, he has achieved near-perfect grades in the school’s most rigorous courses, has won several academic awards, excelled in fencing, and is an avid musician.

Macarty also “engages with the student body as a positive role model, a loyal friend, and a genuine, kind, young man,” Geiser said, adding that he will be attending New York University in the fall.

During his acceptance speech, Macarty encouraged his fellow graduates to cherish their time.

“The one thing you can’t get back is your time, so cherish the time that you do have, spend it with people you love, and don’t regret one moment—that’s all that matters,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of decision-making.

“I find it illogical to allow others’ opinions to be at the forefront of the reasoning behind our decisions,” said Macarty. “This often causes us to wait to address pressing issues until it’s too late, until somebody or something else decides for you, leaving a feeling of regret or resentment. So I urge you all, Class of ‘25—make a decision before it is made for you.”

Macarty concluded his speech by congratulating his peers on their efforts during their time at Belmont High School.

“Know that your successes are hard-earned and well-deserved,” he said.