A sea of 464 Cape Henlopen High School seniors, each wearing a sky-blue gown with gold-banded sleeves and holding a yellow rose, stepped into Legends Stadium and received their diplomas June 3, officially graduating as the Class of 2025. 

Amidst the setting sun, class valedictorian Anna Beck reminisced on the students’ journey, from making their first friends on the rainbow class carpet in elementary school to now getting ready to enter a world much bigger than Cape. Much has changed, and much will continue to change, but she urged her classmates to continue living by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

“While we are technically adults, let's promise to still be kids,” Beck said. “Regardless of your plans next year, you are going to meet new people. Forget about judging someone or selectively displaying kindness. Instead, make friends, laugh more, embrace mistakes and, most importantly, don’t cut in line. If you’re lost, ‘hello’ is a great place to start. And remember, you’re never too old to play on the playground.”

For Superintendent Bob Fulton, who’s set to retire this July after spending 34 years in the district, it was a particularly momentous occasion. 

In his first year as superintendent 13 years ago, these students were small, wide-eyed kindergarteners holding their parents’ hands as they walked into elementary school for the first time. Now, they are knowledgable young adults, graduating and closing their Cape chapter as Fulton closes his.

“In a very real sense, we’ve grown up together,” he said, his voice slightly breaking with emotion. “If there’s one lesson that time has taught me, it’s this: Time moves really fast. Faster than we expect. It goes by in the blink of an eye, and that’s why it’s so important, not only to make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way, but to be present in those moments. Don’t let them pass you by unnoticed.”

Even as the graduates celebrate everything they’ve accomplished, he reminded them to take a breath and look around at the peers, the teachers, the mentors and the loved ones who’ve been there through it all. These relationships, these people, are what matter most, he said.

“So, yes, dream big, set ambitious goals and take chances, but don’t get so focused on what’s next that you miss what’s now,” he said. “Life isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the people you meet, the challenges you embrace and the memories you make along the way.”

Class President Addison Bowman reflected on the highs and the lows of the students’ time together.

“It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and it was ours,” she said.

She also provided some numbers to highlight the class’ achievements.

Collectively, the group was awarded nearly $6 million in scholarships and earned more than 30 acceptances to colleges with admissions rates below 20%. Throughout their four years at Cape High, they dedicated well over 13,000 hours to giving back through various community service clubs and initiatives.

As Bowman and her fellow classmates enter their next chapters, she urged them to live their lives to the fullest, making mistakes along the way and learning from them.

“Work hard when it matters, but live harder,” she said. “Take the long way home, say yes to the unexpected; slow down, soak in every moment and give yourself space to figure out who you’re becoming.”

The Class of 2025 is a diverse group, with graduates going on to attend nearly 80 different colleges across the nation, as well as culinary school, trade school and cosmetology school. Twenty students are answering the call to serve by either enlisting or attending U.S. military academies.

Despite the varied plans within the group, Principal Kristin DeGregory’s wish for each individual is the same: to identify what brings them joy and fulfillment and to let that guide their path forward. 

Life will present many choices, challenges and opportunities, and not all paths will be clear, she said, but through it all, they should do something they love.

“That doesn’t mean the journey will always be easy,” she said. “In fact, the things that matter most to us often come with the greatest challenges, but joy has a way of carrying you through.”

They may find that joy through caring for their family, serving their country, building bridges, crunching numbers, teaching, nursing, dancing, playing sports or any number of other things. She reassured them that even if they haven't found that spark yet, learning what doesn’t make them happy is just as valuable as discovering what does.

“Every step, even the uncertain ones, move you closer to where you’re meant to be,” she said. 

In difficult times, she encouraged them to look to their support systems, those sitting there with them on the field and in the stands of Legends Stadium, for guidance. 

“Your path is just beginning, and it’s yours to choose,” she said. “Walk it with purpose, and make it something you love. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”