Graduating seniors celebrated a triumphant sendoff at Coral Shores on May 30, capping off four years of achievement for one of the most academically and athletically successful classes in the school’s recent history.
Alongside proud families, friends and teachers, the Class of ’25 took the stage at Coral Shores’ gymnasium for an evening ceremony that recognized their individual and collective accomplishments.
Diplomas were handed out by Principal Laura Lietaert and Superintendent Teresa Axford. For both Lietaert and Axford, the 2025 graduation was a particularly meaningful occasion. Much like her graduating class, Lietaert joined the Coral Shores community four years ago. The 2025 class, therefore, is the first she’s worked and grown with from freshman year onward.
“All of you have left a lasting impression on me, your peers and your school,” said Lietaert. “I am blessed to be your principal.”
For Axford, who will soon be retiring from the role of superintendent, the ceremony was “especially poignant.”
“I’m proud to end my tenure alongside such an exceptional class,” Axford said.
This year’s senior class holds an exceptionally high average GPA of 3.63, with well over a dozen of its students graduating summa cum laude, or maintaining GPAs above 4.5. Thirteen of its students were nominated for the prestigious Silver Knight awards, which recognize achievements in community service and academics by South Florida students. Senior Connor Dixon was awarded the first Silver Knight for a Monroe County student, for having launched Coral Shores’ Special Olympics program and becoming the youngest coach and school director in Special Olympics history.
Class salutatorians and valedictorians gave rousing speeches to inspire fellow graduates in the next stages of their lives. In her speech, salutatorian Rachel Rusch touched upon the importance of a healthy balance between relationships and academics.
“In the pursuit of higher achievement I often found myself forgetting what was (truly important),” said Rusch. “Don’t let life rush by.”
Corbin Dean, the class valedictorian, spoke on the subjective nature of success and his own experiences with the fear of failure.
“Success is not a one-size-fits-all classification. Success is about what you find fulfilling,” Dean explained.
Axford’s speech, which provided an overview of student achievements, paralleled his comments. “…But the most meaningful achievement is this: you are all graduates. You’ve completed a journey through late nights, early morning obstacles and breakthroughs, and today you walk on this stage, ready to take on the world.”
The awards ceremony also provided special recognition to seniors planning to join the military. Students received scholarships and awards in excess of $415,000 from the generous support of the community, with a total of about $3.4 million in scholarships overall. The night included a moment of silence, and concluded with the ceremonial tossing of graduation caps.
PHOTOS by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
