Laurel graduates told to be bold, be the change

The 167 members of Laurel High School’s graduating class of 2025 earned over $3.8 million in scholarships. “This class didn’t just show up, they showed out,” Laurel principal Trina Giles said during last Thursday’s commencement.

During her speech, Giles told the graduates to “be the change”. 

“These words are a challenge, a challenge to stop waiting for someone else to make things better. We live in a world of dreamers, but we also need doers,” Giles said. “Whatever path you choose, do it with purpose. You are not leaving high school to wait for change, you are leaving to be it.”

Members of the classes of 1975 and 2025 are shown awaiting the start of the Laurel High graduation ceremony last week.

Superintendent Dr. Shawn Larrimore advised members of the class of 2025 to “be bold.” That includes not skipping the struggle.

“The struggle is not your enemy. The struggle is your teacher,” said Larrimore. “Speak favor to your mountains and watch them move.”

He also told the graduates to “have your bags packed ready to share the successes of others.” “This world desperately needs less critics and more cheerleaders,” he added.

The academic top 10 are: Valedictorian Diana Angel-Gabriel (University of Pennsylvania, nursing); Salutatorian Shawn LaMartina-Tull (internship 3CUSA); Ariana Gianacopolis (Salisbury University, nursing); Jian Fuerte-Perez (University of Delaware, mechanical engineering); Brianna Bradley (University of Delaware, marine biology and environmental science); Ashlyn Ullman (Delaware Tech, dental hygiene); Susan Shahid (University of Delaware, chemical engineering); Koby Shockley (Delaware Tech, business); Bailey Ullman (University of Maryland, kinesiology); and Melanie Reyes Pineda (University of Delaware, business).

The Laurel High class of 1975 was also acknowledged on its 50th anniversary. There were 44 members of the class in attendance along with 32 guests.

Angel-Gabriel, a Horatio Algier state scholar and Carson Scholar, said she never imagined her and her classmates in their caps and gowns on graduation night. “Thank you so much for the full memories that you created for me that will be unforgettable,” she told classmates.

“When you face your fears and keep going, you can accomplish so much more,” said Angel-Gabriel. “The memories that we create will come from stepping out in space. Those out of the box experiences taught me that it is ok to try new things.”

“I’m honored to have my position in the class but I really wasn’t trying to compete. All I’ve done really is work as hard as I could with what I had,” Salutatorian Shawn LaMartina-Tull said. “Identify your strengths and use them to your advantage. Don’t let this be the only thing you talk about years from now.”