Beautiful views come after the hardest climbs
May 30, 2025—On graduation day, South Umpqua High School seniors began their celebration in the morning with a cherished tradition: the Graduation Walk. They visited each of the district’s elementary and middle schools, strolling through the hallways to high-fives, cheers and applause from younger students and former teachers.
That afternoon, several seniors swapped their graduation hats for baseball caps as they took the fields for baseball and softball playoff games—proof that this class knows how to juggle responsibilities.
Later that evening, with sunshine overhead and even warmer hearts in the crowd, South Umpqua High School celebrated the Class of 2025 during a packed graduation ceremony at Loghry Field. As South Umpqua High School’s Band played “Pomp and Circumstance,” Principal Carl Simpson and Vice Principal Ryan Savage led the seniors and educators as they made their way onto the football field.
Principal Simpson opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and invited the audience to stand for the national anthem. Afterward, Student Body President Savahna Hopper introduced Vice Principal Ryan Savage, the guest speaker selected by the senior class.
Savage became a little choked up when he shared that he’ll be moving “across the street” to begin a new role as Director of Teaching and Learning for the district. He praised the students for rising to the occasion just like true Lancers do. He mentioned that the senior class helped start the school’s HOSA – Future Health Professional chapter, transformed FFA to new heights and renewed school spirit by leading the House System. He also added that athletics as a whole has been to State more than he can remember.
“In a tough world, we need soft hearts,” he said, weaving metaphors involving marshmallows, jellybeans, potatoes and coffee beans — to let students know they can change the flavor of the whole pot. “The most meaningful lanes in life rarely come from playing it safe. The most beautiful views come after the hardest climbs.”
The ceremony also featured messages from this year’s top academic achievers. Salutatorian Lexie Pickering shared her gratitude for her sister’s support and shared the importance of her faith. “The future is unknown,” she said, “but you don’t have to walk into it alone.” She plans to attend Oregon State University to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Valedictorian Haley Twyman followed with a message of reflection and encouragement. She reminded her classmates of the meaning behind the moment. “Graduation is more than a ceremony,” she said. “It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It’s a moment to look back at how far we’ve come and to look into the future with hope and fearlessness.” She will head to Grand Canyon University to study nursing.
Following the speeches, Principal Simpson announced Natesa Thingvoll as this year’s recipient of the Strong Citizen Award. Each year, the high school awards one senior with this distinction. This award recognizes students who, over four years, demonstrate strong character, civic responsibility and a clear commitment to school and community service.
The award was one of many highlights during a week filled with excitement—from athletics, a drama production, a symphonic band competition (placing second in State) and more. During the graduation ceremony, seniors from the band joined their classmates for one last time to perform “Choose Joy,” a fitting tribute to their journey.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the moment they had worked toward finally arrived. Eighty-nine graduates crossed the stage, marking the end of one journey and the start of another—cheered on by proud family members, friends, educators and classmates. One by one, they received their diplomas—shaking hands with school board members, Superintendent Erika Bare and administrators.
This Class of 2025 is headed in all directions—college, trade school, the military and the workforce, taking with them the skills and knowledge they’ve learned from academics, career and technical education (CTE) and extracurriculars. Collectively, they’ve already earned more than $581,000 in scholarships from nearly 70 scholarship funds, including colleges.
The evening’s celebration was made possible thanks to the district’s support staff, facilities team and volunteers, who ensured every detail was just right for the milestone event.
The district extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in helping these students reach graduation day, including the community, families, educators, support staff, South Umpqua Booster Club, South Umpqua Foundation, South Umpqua District School Board, Douglas Education Service District and generous scholarship donors.
Congratulations, Class of 2025—your future is bright, and your community is cheering you on every step of the way.
