Maurice J. McDonough High School held its graduation ceremony on May 30, 2025, after a weather-related postponement from Wednesday. More than 250 seniors, led by valedictorian Ava Rowledge and salutatorian Julie Perriello, celebrated under clear skies, marking the end of their high school journey. The Class of 2025, affectionately known as the “fRAMily,” earned over $27.5 million in scholarship offers, reflecting their academic and personal achievements.
The ceremony, delayed by inclement weather, took place on a sunny Friday morning, providing a fitting backdrop for the milestone event. Rowledge, who will study government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park, delivered a reflective valedictory address. She spoke candidly about her decade-long pursuit of the valedictorian title, a goal she set as a young student intrigued by its privileges. “And to that I say, ‘You were right,’” Rowledge said, addressing skeptics who questioned the title’s significance. “Because it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, all I got was this sash, a medal and to give a three-minute speech. Class rank doesn’t prove intelligence. It doesn’t prove how successful you’ll be in the future. It doesn’t prove how much money you’ll make, and it certainly doesn’t prove how happy you’ll be.”
Rowledge emphasized that the true value lay in the process, not the title. “Even though the title doesn’t matter it is the process of working toward that goal that lays the foundation for internal happiness,” she said. She credited her ambition as an intrinsic motivator and encouraged her classmates to find their own sources of drive. “I hope that all of you will find that too,” Rowledge said. “Maybe you already know what that is. … You don’t need to have that figured out right now. But it is something to consider as we embark on the next phase of our lives.”
Salutatorian Julie Perriello, bound for High Point University to study accounting and business economics, addressed the uncertainties of post-high school life. She acknowledged the fear accompanying change, even positive transitions like graduation. “It might not have hit you yet, but for a lot of us, graduation is scary. Many of us are excited, but change in any form, even good, can be scary,” Perriello said. She described the comfort of high school’s routine—familiar hallways, predictable bell schedules, and known routes to class—now giving way to new paths. “But all of that is going away.”
Perriello reassured her classmates, emphasizing resilience and growth. “Change is OK. We are going to grow, we are going to build new relationships, we are going to make new friends,” she said. “We are going to become successful, upstanding members of society and we are going to have a positive impact on our community.” Her message underscored the diverse futures awaiting the graduates, from college and military service to trade schools and the workforce.
The Class of 2025’s $27.5 million in scholarships highlights their academic excellence and community contributions. Graduates will pursue varied paths, reflecting the school’s emphasis on individualized success. The “fRAMily” nickname, a nod to the school’s Ram mascot, captured the tight-knit spirit of the cohort, even as they prepare to disperse.
McDonough High School has a history of fostering student achievement. The 2025 graduation, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was rescheduled due to forecasts of rain, ensuring a safe and celebratory event. The clear weather on May 30 allowed families, faculty, and friends to gather in support of the seniors, closing a chapter defined by perseverance and camaraderie.
