Accomplishments, Milestones Abound as Salem Public Schools Honors the Class of 2025
Salem High School confers 237 diplomas
SALEM (June 10, 2024) – Resilient. Powerful. Brilliant. Compassionate. Greatness. Spirit.
These were just a handful of the terms used to describe the Salem High School Class of 2025, which celebrated its commencement Friday night in front of a nearly full stand at Captain John Bertram Athletic Field.
The City of Salem and Salem Public Schools conferred 237 diplomas at its 2025 Commencement under ominous grey skies that threatened rain but never delivered.
Even if it had rained, however, it wouldn’t have dampened the occasion which, underscored by Valedictorian Kate Heppner in her speech, listed more than a dozen accomplishments and milestones by the Class of 2025 over the last four years.
“We are the class that launched Unified Sports, autism acceptance, we made it to the (MIAA) baseball final four, largest Seal of Biliteracy (participation),” she noted among other plaudits. “We ignited our school spirit. We have led Salem High School with kindness and acceptance. Together we proved our differences were our strengths. We are what makes this school community and country beautiful.”
The venue for the ceremony – in previous years held at the Salem Common – was symbolic of Ms. Heppner’s address. Bertram Field is home to plenty of achievements the last four years: the fall 2024 state champion marching band, 2025 state champion color guard, the football team’s stellar 2023 season and the crowning of four Unified Sports state champions in as many years.
Similarly, Principal Glenn Burns also reminded the class of accomplishments perhaps overlooked, namely a 133 percent increase in early college classes and a 633 percent increase in the number of merit scholarship recipients.
“You’re leaving with more than $4,000,000 in scholarships and student aid,” he said. “You carried a city that does things a little differently. You’re part of a society grappling with deep pressures and injustice and yet here you are walking across the stage smarter and more compassionate. You started new clubs, stayed late rehearsing, worked part-time jobs while carrying a full course load.
“What gives me the most hope today is your kindness and character,” he added. “That’s the Class of 2025.”
Remaining with the ceremony themes, class salutatorian Nicholas Reid offered, “I hope you’ll look fondly on your four years at Salem High. We are shaped by the little moments we experienced here.”
State Representative and Salem School Committee Vice Chair Manny Cruz, a member of the SHS Class of 2010, reminded the class of Salem’s unique history, specifically how it was a hub for abolitionism. He also challenged the graduates to get involved in the effort to build a new high school.
“Our high school hasn’t had an upgrade since my high school days from 2006-10,” he said. “You all deserve a future brighter, better and bolder. Fight for this future. I’m committed to fighting for you. I hope you’ll join me.”
Mayor Dominick Pangallo and Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike, having each delivered addresses at the New Liberty Innovation School and Salem Prep High School the previous two nights, remained on point reminding the class what they overcame.
“You’re the resilient generation,” Mayor Pangallo said. “Real reliance is when you keep showing up even when energy is low. As you walk across the stage, remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Always keep hoping. Hope is not naive. Hope is the best kind of energy. Always renewable.”
Dr. Zrike recited the script from the empowering video,‘I Am Somebody,’ by olympic volleyball player turned film director Savanah Leaf, made popular during the 2025 Super Bowl.
“You showed up every day despite challenges such as homelessness or a new language,” he told the class. “It takes a ‘somebody’ to walk across the stage this evening. We are all somebody. You’re here today because you’re powerful and brilliant. You’re here today because you deserve to be here today.”
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
