While as a writer I acknowledge I am particularly partial considering I am apart of this class, it would be a disservice not to recognize the remarkable achievements, resilience, and spirit that define the AHS Class of 2025. From navigating the tail end of a global pandemic to redefining what it means to lead, serve, and adapt in a rapidly changing world, this graduating class has left a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of Anna High School.

What truly defines a graduating class isn’t just the milestones — it’s the people. That’s why I spoke with fellow graduates, our valedictorian Keely McGrath, and some of our teachers to inform our community on the Anna High School Class of 2025!

Here is what they said!

Describe in your words the AHS Class of 2025

“If I were to describe Anna High School’s Class of 2025, I would say that we are hardworking, dedicated, and very talented. There are so many talented students in every sector of our school and their hard work shows off constantly. I think we have achieved so much and there is a lot of pride to be had in the amount of effort and time each student has put into what they enjoy doing, whatever it may be. I would also like to say that, as a whole, we are a very respectful and responsible class, and that the overwhelming majority of us are more than willing to put aside differences to work together and succeed.” – Keely Mcgrath, Class of 2025 Valedictorian

Keely’s story mirrors the experience of many in our class — quiet strength, persistence, and leaning on the people around us when it mattered most.

“The AHS class of 2025 are winners, we’ve won more than any class ever in football, cross country, and other fine arts and sports.” – Ethan Mcneary, Class of 2025

Ethan’s words aren’t just prideful — they’re accurate. We’ve taken home titles in cross country, theater, band, and more. But it’s the way we celebrate each other’s wins, not just our own, that has always set us apart.

Not all the answers I received were positive, for example Pablo Gutierrez wrote

“AHS Class of 2025 was an extremely cliquey and judgey group until you meet the right few bunches. There have been multiple class meetings in which CO’25 lacked school spirit (such as Principal Miller’s attempts to get us to cheer) and forming of separate friendships that all hate each other over childish things. When you find the right group, whom separate themselves from this trend your time at AHS will be filled with carefree fun moments with academic rigor and success. The right few bunches push each other to become better day in and out.” – Pablo Gutierrez, Class of 2025

Pablo’s take reminds us that no class — no community — is perfect. We’ve had moments of division, and not everyone’s high school journey was smooth. But even in the criticism, there’s hope. What shines through is the idea that when we found the right people — the ones who challenged us, laughed with us, stayed late after practice with us — that’s when high school felt like home. The Class of 2025 isn’t defined by its flaws, but by the way many of us worked to rise above them.

How does it feel to be valedictorian?

“It still feels very unreal to me. I’ve always wanted to keep straight A’s since I was in elementary, but the idea of striving to be top of my class hadn’t really come to mind until my sophomore year. I’ve struggled with a lot throughout each of my years in high school, so I’m very proud of all my hard work. However, I’m even more grateful to the people in my life who helped guide and support me through my worst and best moments because my achievement is also a reflection of their positive impact on my life and I truly would not have been able to call myself Anna High School’s Class of 2025 Valedictorian without them.” – Keely Mcgrath, Class of 2025 Valedictorian

Anna High School taught me _________.

“I think it taught me to advocate for myself cause no one’s gonna do it for you.” – Cole Ellis, Class of 2025

Cole’s words hit hard — because they’re true. High school didn’t hand us anything. The wins we earned came from speaking up, showing up, and pushing through, even when it felt like no one else was fighting for us.

“Anna High School, and namely the Speech & Debate team taught me the value of my words and the strength they can have. While the eyes are the gateway to the soul, the ears are a direct gateway to the mind. Speech & Debate helped shaped the way I think, lead, and speak, and I know I’m not alone. For so many of us, these programs weren’t just extracurriculars — they were turning points.” – Brayden R. Heath, Debate Captain 24-25

“Anna High School has taught me the importance of mental toughness, camaraderie, and relentlessness.” – Ethan Mcneary, Class of 2025

“Anna High School has taught me how to spot two-faced people and how to articulate my points clearly.” – Pablo Gutierrez, Class of 2025

Pablo’s answer is brutally honest — and it reflects the sharp edge of high school experience. Not every lesson we learn is pretty, but they shape us just the same.

What do you hope people will say about the Class of 2025 ten years from now?

“That we’ve matured well and have each found our ways.” – Chloe Wilson, Class of 2025

“I hope people will think of us as the class that makes a political and theological change in the US.” – Cole Ellis, Class of 2025

“The class of 2025 set a new standard for the modern era of education.” – Ethan Mcneary, Class of 2025

These hopes for how we’ll be remembered show just how varied and vibrant our class truly is. Some of us dream of quiet personal growth, others of national influence, and some simply hope we’ve left a mark that raised the bar. What unites these answers is ambition — not always loud, but always present. Whether through leadership, change, or simply choosing kindness, the Class of 2025 isn’t content to be forgotten. We’re aiming to be remembered — not for who we were, but for what we chose to become.

If you could relive one day of high school which would it be and why?

“The junior year art show, because I got to interact with lots of people, and got to help set everything up. Alongside looking at all the artworks, and getting complimented on mine.” – Chloe Wilson, Class of 2025

“UIL competition travel days. The travel days always consisted of back of the bus shenanigans and silly skits with little worry about my academic duties. They are memories me and many others will hold onto.” – Pablo Gutierrez, Class of 2025

These memories capture the joy and camaraderie that made high school more than just classes and tests. Whether it’s sharing creative moments at the art show or the laughter-filled bus rides during UIL trips, extracurriculars like these helped shape who we are—building friendships, confidence, and skills that will last well beyond graduation.

But what do the teachers say?

While we’ve shared our own stories and hopes, it’s equally important to hear from those who have guided us along the way. Our teachers and principal have witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that have defined the Class of 2025. They’ve seen us grow not only academically but personally — navigating everything from late-night study sessions to moments of self-doubt and breakthroughs. Their reflections offer a unique and heartfelt perspective on what this class truly represents, highlighting qualities like resilience, unity, and determination that sometimes go unnoticed amid the day-to-day hustle. As we prepare to graduate, their words remind us of the lasting impact we’ve made on our school community — and the bright futures that await us beyond these halls.

The Anna Progress 2025 Teacher Spotlight recipient Julie Kistler and Principal Jared Miller had this to say about the Class of 2025 —

“I believe the Class of 2025 is the best class I’ve ever taught in my entire life. (They are) wonderful, dynamic, and beautiful people.” – Julie Kistler, 2025 Teacher Spotlight Recipient

Describe in your words the AHS Class of 2025

“The Class of 2025 will always be special to me.  When I got here in February of 2022, this class was in the middle of their Freshman year.  This is the first class at AHS that I have been able to see from Freshman year to Graduation.” – Jared Miller, AHS Principal

Best/favorite moment with the class of 2025?

“This one is a tough one because there have been many special moments with them.  I would say, that as underclassmen, the Class of 2025 helped bring many recognitions to AHS, including our state medals in Band and Theatre.  Having a State Champion in Cross Country in this class was special as well.  I’ve enjoyed seeing how this class competes and continues to BE THE BEST.” – Jared Miller, AHS Principal

Hearing this from Mr. Miller — someone who’s been with us since our earliest days at AHS — reminds me just how much we’ve grown. Our wins didn’t happen overnight. We built them year by year.

What do you think is in store for the class of 2025?

“Anyone in the Class of 2025 will be able to do anything they set their mind to.  My advice is to maintain focus on your goals and achieve them.  Set small goals one by one to see the progress towards the bigger goal.  You will be able to excel in life by setting and reaching your goals.” – Jared Miller, AHS Principal

Looking back on the Class of 2025, what stands out most is the resilience, determination, and diversity of experiences that have shaped us. From students’ stories of perseverance and growth to the pride in our collective achievements across academics, arts, and athletics, this class has shown that success comes from hard work and community support. The honest reflections—both uplifting and critical—reveal a group that is self-aware and ready to learn from challenges as much as victories. Our teachers and principal add another layer, highlighting not just accomplishments but the character and spirit that make us memorable. Not every story is told out loud; some are found in who speaks and who chooses silence. Together, these perspectives paint a picture of a class that has left a lasting impact on Anna High School and is poised to carry that legacy forward. As we graduate, we stand united by shared dreams, ready to shape not just Anna but the world in our own unique ways.

Note From The Editor

To the Class of 2025, I was honored to graduate along side you. A special thanks to everyone of you who gave quotes for this article, shared moments with me throughout our time at Anna High School, and to all of my friends that graduated alongside me. This article is for you first then for the community of Anna and as always we are destined for great things and everyone can see it. Our graduating class is already (projected to be) historical as being the largest high school in United States history but beyond that it is up to us to use our passions to cement our true spot in history. Stick close to your dreams and ideals and find your place among the stars, never let others dictate your story.

To the community of Anna — it is an honor to be able to write for you, and it was an honor to represent you throughout my time at Anna High School throughout my various extracurriculars. Namely Speech & Debate, UIL Academics, and FFA. I thank the Anna Speech & Debate for developing my speaking skills, it was a honor to serve as your captain for the 24-25 School year and you are a wonderful group of individuals bound for success (beat Melissa for me). UIL Academics, you gave me the privilege to get 1st place at district for UIL Current Issues & Events. Academics is sadly an overlooked program that deserves so much more attention. And lastly, FFA — you taught me the value of my work and gave me the gift of friendship. It was a honor to represent the community and the high school at various events throughout my four years for each of these extracurriculars.

Written by Brayden R. Heath, Co-Founder of The Anna Progress