LA PLATA, Md. — La Plata High School honored its Class of 2025 on May 29, 2025, with a graduation ceremony highlighting the achievements of over 315 seniors, including three valedictorians who delivered a unified address reflecting on the past, present, and future. The event, held at the school, showcased the class’s academic success, with graduates earning more than $28.3 million in scholarship offers.
James “Trey” Roberts III, Sarah Dang, and Claire Bright shared the valedictorian title, collaborating on a speech that resonated with their classmates. Roberts, who will study mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, spoke about the past, emphasizing its role in shaping identity without becoming a burden. “While hindsight is 20/20, that doesn’t mean we need to carry constant worry, regret and doubt,” he said. “Our past does build who we are and define who we are becoming, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a chain to hold us back.”
Dang, also headed to the University of Maryland, College Park to pursue computer science, focused on the present, reflecting on the pressures of the past four years. “We’re always rushing forward, trying to stay ahead and not fall behind,” she said. “We’re asked to pick a path, choose a future and define who we want to be even if we don’t know who we quite are right now.” She encouraged her peers to embrace uncertainty, noting, “The truth is, we’re still figuring things out. And that’s alright. Growth doesn’t have a [deadline]. It doesn’t follow a five-year plan or worry about its resume. It happens in its own time.”
Bright, who will attend Davidson College in North Carolina to major in biology and environmental science, concluded the address by looking to the future. “It’s my honor to look toward the future. I know it will be unique for each one of us,” she said. “We will all find our paths in our own time. Let’s search for both happiness and fulfilment from our accomplishments, the lessons we have learned, most importantly from our loved ones.” Drawing inspiration from author Toni Morrison, Bright shared, “For me, success is not a public thing. It’s a private thing. It’s when you have fewer and fewer regrets.” She urged her classmates to grow from challenges and remain open to change, saying, “We are young, so we owe ourselves the freedom of flexibility. I hope we continue to grow.”
The ceremony also featured a student-produced video where graduates reflected on their high school experiences. The Class of 2025 reflection video is available for public viewing, offering insights into their journey at La Plata High School.
The Class of 2025’s accomplishments extended beyond academics, with the significant scholarship total underscoring their dedication. The valedictorians’ speeches highlighted a collective theme of resilience and adaptability, encouraging graduates to approach their futures with confidence and flexibility.
The La Plata Class of 2025’s graduation marked a milestone, celebrating not only academic achievements but also the personal growth of its students. The valedictorians’ messages of reflection, presence, and optimism set a tone of hope as graduates embark on their next chapters.
