Steel Valley celebrates Class of 2025 during 54th Annual Commencement Ceremony

As the rain poured down outside, the mood inside the Steel Valley High School auditorium was celebratory. As high school principal Mr. John Strom proclaimed, “This wasn’t the idea, being inside here, but I will tell you that nothing can dampen the spirit that we have behind me or their potential.”

Steel Valley’s 54th annual commencement ceremony honored the Class of 2025, and while the foul weather shifted the festivities indoors, the evening remained a celebration of their achievements and drive over the past four years. Following the national anthem by the Steel Valley Concert Choir and the flag salute by Tori Stabryla, the co-president of student council, director of commencement Mr. Jeffrey Deabner introduced the first student speaker of the evening.

Co-salutatorian Elaina Tichon celebrated those who have lent their support to the Class of 2025, from the guidance of teachers and the love of family members to the emotional lift provided by pets. “We cannot go forward without acknowledging the outstanding support system provided to us by families, friends, and staff,” Tichon said. “The compassion and selflessness displayed has allowed all of us to not only gain lasting experiences, but given us comfort that makes these memories the best we could have asked for.”

Valedictorian Darwin Burns noted that most graduation speeches tend to focus on the memories the graduating class forged over the past few years, and she encouraged her classmates to avoid being limited by their nostalgia. “I have seen your potential, your capabilities, and your passion over the past four years,” Burns told her classmates. “Do not let memories become the ceiling of your ambition. Everyone here tonight is capable of something great. The chance to reach it lies within our ability to move onwards.”

Max Holby and Martaz Johnson gave the Steel Center for Career and Technical Excellence Address as the Outstanding Career and Technical Education Students. Holby praised the support system within Steel Center, including two head chefs who nurtured a love for culinary arts and who laid the groundwork for a future career in the kitchen. Johnson shared his experience in learning the value of a backup plan, as his love for football wasn’t a viable career path. Instead, he found a similar passion in working with tools and fixing HVAC systems. “I shifted my focus, locked in, and started building a future I can count on,” Johnson said. “Now I’m standing here with a diploma in one hand and a drill in the other, ready to fix someone’s AC when it breaks down in July.”

Superintendent Bryan M. Macuga celebrated the Class of 2025’s resiliency, determination, and dedication. He encouraged them to remember that their graduation is not the end of their journey. “As you embark on the next phase of your lives, I encourage you to embrace change, seize opportunities, and pursue your passions with enthusiasm,” he said. “As you venture forth into the world, remember the values that have guided you thus far – integrity, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

School board president James E. Bulger welcomed this year’s guest speaker, Gabriel Gerson of the Class of 2006. Gerson was the Class of 2006 Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society, and a letterwinner in three sports at Steel Valley. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 2010. After nearly a decade in engineering in the steel and aerospace industries, he returned to CMU and earned his MBA in 2019. He is now the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Execution at Citibank.

Gerson shared a few lessons he has learned since graduating from Steel Valley, including the value of hard work and perseverance. He cautioned the graduates that success does not come overnight, and that the glitz and glamour of awards and promotions can hide the late nights and moments of doubt. He also encouraged them to be willing to pivot, citing his own shift from engineering to business, and to make sure that they never stop learning.

“Continued learning is what will keep you growing, whether it happens in a classroom or at work. New technologies, new industries, and new ideas are emerging faster than ever, and the only way to stay ready is to stay curious,” he said. “Staying hungry for knowledge is the key to building a life full of discovery and purpose.”

Student representative to the school board Layla Rager presented Mr. Gerson with the traditional commemorative plaque for commencement speakers. A duplicate will be placed alongside other honorees in a display in the high school.   

Following the presentation of diplomas, co-salutatorian and senior class president Kylie Salopek formally accepted the presentation of diplomas on behalf of the Class of 2025 and closed the ceremony with a reminder for her classmates to make the most of every day.
“On our first day of high school, Mrs. (Michelle) Maddigan told us there are 1,460 days in the next four years. Only 720 of them will be spent in school,” she said. “Make the most of your days, and don’t take them for granted at the time.”

The Steel Valley School District extends a warm congratulations to the entire Class of 2025!

Check out this full gallery of photos from the festivities.