By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
The graduation of the Copperas Cove High School class of 2025 is now part of the history books, after a total of 530 students crossed the stage at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton to receive their diplomas and continue their journeys.
Of those 530, a total of 46 earned certifications or degrees from Central Texas College and received those prior to Friday night’s high school ceremony. 35 of the CTC grads received associate degrees, four earned their HVAC certifications, four earned robotics technology certifications, two earned diesel mechanic certifications, and one earned various network systems certifications.
The entire graduating class graduated at an estimated 94 percent for college, career, and military readiness as outlined in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability guidelines. Altogether, the class of 2025 has been awarded $2 million in scholarships for continued education.
Several of the graduates reflected on their high school days and looked ahead expectantly to what comes next.
Madison McPhail already crossed the Cadence Bank Center stage to receive her associate’s degree from Central Texas College. Now, she has her sights set on continuing her studies at the University of Houston in the fall.
“I’m looking forward to getting a new experience and learning to do things on my own without my parents,” she said. “The most exciting thing for me tonight is being with all my friends and walking the stage after 12 years here.”
Alslyn Northrop, like McPhail, also earned dual college credits at CCHS. However, she earned degrees in General Studies and Interdisciplinary Arts. She has a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and already has her certified medical assistant certification, so she can step right into a job while she continues her education.
“I’m super excited to have so much under my nails to belt already. I have so much experience already, and I think the school has helped me be prepared for the real world,” she said. “It feels cool, because I’m only 16.”
She credited Ms. Jost, her dual credit advisor, and Ms. Camese, her CMA teacher, as two who had a big impact on her.
Christian Ruskowitz was part of the National Honor Society and played varsity soccer. Christian plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in business and marketing.
“I made a lot of friends, I think that’s the part I will miss about high school,” he said. “Outside of high school, I was part of my local youth program at church, called Life Youth. I had a great time and I developed as a person, as a man. I’m very grateful for all of these opportunities and experiences of high school.”
Currently, he works for H-E-B and hopes to continue with the company after college in their marketing department.
Darius Milo said he was “absolutely ecstatic” to be there and graduate. He had been there to see his cousin graduate in 2022, and Friday night was his turn.
“I’m finally doing it…I’ve been waiting four years to do something I’ve been wanting to do with that for a long time,” he said. “It means the world to my mom to see me graduate across the stage. And it’s being an inspiration for my little brother, it helps him look for a goal to achieve.”
He looked back on the changes during his high school years, such as going from basketball to playing football.
“Mind you, I hadn’t played football since elementary. So junior year comes around, I’m promoted to starter. I went against Manor, got an interception, got a couple tackles, and it was just a very big moment for my junior year,” he said. “I’m trying to use that momentum. I got an offer going to Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, where I’m going to try and come back with a national ring. It just gives me a lot of hope for myself.”
The evening was bittersweet for him and a number of his classmates. Milo wore a pin with the photo of one of his best friends and classmates, Trysten Chaney, who passed away in January 2025. Also at the ceremony, a chair had been decorated in Chaney’s honor and memory.
“I still think of him to this day. It gives me a sense of me being watched over and to make sure I do the right things,” said Milo.
During the ceremony, the valedictorian and salutatorian also addressed their classmates.
Salutatorian Nathaniel Roberts assured them that no matter what, they would figure things out despite any uncertainties.
“You may not have everything figured out, you may not feel ready for this, but that’s okay. You’ll figure it out. I’m sure of it. Your friends may stick with you, they might not. You might have your college plans, your career planned out, you might not. You have your whole life to figure it out.”
He went on to say that high school is not their peak, and things eventually will get better, even if it does take some time.
“I want every single one of you guys out there to know that there is someone out there that is proud of you for making it this far, whether it be one of your teachers, your family, or even if you don’t have anyone. No, you don’t think there’s anybody proud of you? I want you to know that I am proud of you for making it this far. To make it here is so impressive, even if it doesn’t feel like it. I will miss so many of you, but I know you will do great things, so long as you’re willing to try. You might not change the world, but you will be great in all your own ways.”
Brenda Thomas also addressed her peers, one last time.
“As we turn this chapter and face the unknown, I want to leave us with one ideal that I believe can carry us further than any GPA class, rank, scholarship or resume ever could …kindness in this world.
“It’s easy to chase money, to chase titles, awards and applause, but the real power and the real legacy is in the way we treat people, the quiet way we show up, the way we listen, care, forgive and give, even when it’s not required. Kindness is not weakness. It is courage. It’s what turns pain into healing, strangers into family and chaos into calm. In a world that is divided by race, political standings, religion and any differences we can find to one another, we often forget the power of simply being kind and choosing grace when it’s easier to be indifferent and of reaching out when it’s easier to look away.”
Prior to the diplomas being awarded, CCHS principal Carlin Grammer addressed the students, and thanked them for letting him join them briefly on their journey.
“Where else does a group of students wrap your office in Barbie wrapping paper and then the next morning bring you breakfast?” he recalled. “You’ve done great things here, and I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished. You’ve set an example for future compass Copperas Cove High School students and established a high bar for your own futures. When addressing students at Liberty University, Jerry Falwell once said he made the following statement, and I think it applies to the class of 2025 as well. He said, ‘You have no right to be ordinary, because God has called you to be extraordinary.’ In closing, my charge to you, the Class of 2025, is to go be extraordinary.”
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