HATS OFF TO KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL’S CLASS OF 2025

a large group of people in graduation caps and gowns
Key West High School’s Class of 2025 graduates with traditional Conch Pride on May 30 at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium. RALPH De PALMA/Contributed

Key West High School’s Class of 2025 packed the bleachers at the new and improved Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium for the May 30 graduation ceremony.

The class finished eighth grade online in the throes of the COVID pandemic, then started high school in person but in still-uncertain times. On May 30, a sea of red and white mortar boards filled the air, as more than 200 graduating seniors celebrated the bittersweet end of their high school careers.

In Conch tradition, the young men processed into the ceremony from one side of the football field wearing red graduation caps and gowns, while the young women, in white caps and gowns, mirrored them from the other side, the class meeting in the bleachers while the marching band played the traditional “Pomp & Circumstance.”

Valedictorian Matthew Robertson and salutatorian Neslihan “Neslo” Atilla addressed their classmates before the 200-plus diplomas were distributed.

a man in a red graduation gown holding up two peace signs
a group of women in white graduation gowns
a group of people standing on top of a field
a large group of people in graduation caps and gowns
Key West High School’s Class of 2025 graduates with traditional Conch Pride on May 30 at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium. RALPH De PALMA/Contributed
a group of people that are standing in front of a band
a group of graduates throwing their caps in the air
Mandy Miles
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.