After a long, full, arduous, and rewarding four years of attending MHS, the Class of 2025 is ready to graduate and go out into the world. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 8 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the Alliant Energy Center. However, before our MHS seniors walk across the stage and leave as alumni, there will be three amazing commencement speeches given by MHS seniors Haley Klatt, Rosaneli Montes Adame, and Aydin Rosas. I had the honor of interviewing all three of them.
When first asked about their biggest accomplishments these past four years, they were all very proud of their leadership roles and the impacts they had on individuals. Klatt was most proud of her position as president of the MHS Student Council, especially her role in organizing the free hot cocoa handout at the beginning of second semester. She also mentioned playing doubles in tennis and how her and her partner, Sam Pomroy, were undefeated except for one match!
For Adame, “still being here” and “pushing through and graduating soon” are her highlights from high school. She’s proud of leaving her comfort zone with all of the experiences and opportunities she took hold of, which I’m sure is a sentiment many seniors relate to.
Rosas listed both his amazing awards, such as taking first place in the National NASA Hunch Video Editing Competition, receiving 7th place in the National FBLA Digital Video Production event, or being named Optimist Club’s Person of the Month in January 2025, and the thing he deemed his true accomplishment: making social connections in multiple positive communities in theatre, clubs, tennis, etc., including through the infamous Hall Pass episodes. They all brought up that though they’ll miss the people here, including other students as well as staff, they are excited to graduate!
On the other hand, though they experienced many positive events in these past four years, there are some things that they regret not doing. For instance, Klatt wished she took more challenging classes and Adame regretted not reaching out for help more. Interestingly, Rosas’ answer to this question was immediate, concise, and a bit different: “nothing”. He states that “playing the what-if game is unhealthy if you live with regrets […] everything builds off of everything else.”
In terms of their speeches, Klatt’s motivation for writing one was unique: as the President of the MHS Student Council, she is obligated to deliver one. However, she views it in a very positive manner.
“Because I have the opportunity to, being able to write a speech is not something that I should just pass up.” For Rosas, writing the speech was a method of closure and a way to change the mindsets of those in the audience.
Finally, when asked about her inspiration for writing her speech, Adame simply, but profoundly, states that it was to “be a voice for the Hispanic community” in which she passionately mentions the lack of cultural representation in Middleton events and news. Her speech will be reflecting this huge part of her identity and experiences.
My last question about their speeches was a tough one: “If you could sum up your speech in one word, what would it be?”
“Reflective,” Rosas replied.
“Community,” Klatt stated.
Adame decided on “diverse”.
Their reflective, community and diversity-oriented speeches will be one of the highlights of graduation day.
My final question for the three was what they are most proud of for the MHS Class of 2025. Amazingly, they had the same answer.
“This class is filled with people who are passionate about things and who do things that they are passionate about,” Rosas said.
So, to find their passions and make the most of these four years, Klatt, Adame, and Rosas urges future high school students and seniors to “not let closed doors stop you from trying”, “advocate for yourself, “don’t waste your time, do what you love”, and, last but not least, “get good nights of sleep”.
The three speakers are wonderful representatives of the MHS Class of 2025 because they encompass the culture that the seniors have embraced: a culture of incredible scholarship, teamwork, leadership, community presence, and diversity.
To hear the last words that these seniors want to impart on their peers and the community and to celebrate all of our amazing Class of 2025, please attend the commencement ceremony to congratulate and cheer them on!
