Dowagiac Union High School celebrates Class of 2025
Published 1:35 pm Monday, May 19, 2025
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DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac community packed the Chris Taylor Alumni Field stands to see the Dowagiac High School Class of 2025 together for one last time.
101 Dowagiac Union High School seniors – decked out in caps and gowns – entered the stadium for the last time as high school students as the DUHS Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony began.
Dowagiac Union High School principal Kelly Millin opened the ceremony with an introductory speech and Board of Education president Robert Ickes and DUS superintendent Greg Blomgren each congratulated the graduates on their special day.
“On behalf of our board, we’d like to congratulate you on your accomplishments” Ickes said. “We’re all proud to call you Dowagiac graduates. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and success. As you look back on your time at Dowagiac, you’ll realize some days are long and the years go by faster than you expect. Stand tall, be proud of yourself and enjoy your adventures. Life is good – don’t let the hard days win.”
Following the performance of “For Good” by Stephen Lawrence Schwartz by the Union High School Choir, Dowagiac‘s Salutatorian Markus Ottinger and seven Valedictorians — Guadalupe Brito, Rebecca Guernsey, Nevaeh Hemminger, Emerson Kruger, Brenna Mott, Carlee Spagnoli and Emma Stanger — delivered on what were their final assignments as high school students and looked back on their time as Chieftains.
First to take the stage was Ottinger, who thanked friends, family, teachers and coaches for making his high school experience enjoyable.
“It’s been a good four years, well, mostly,” he said. “I went to games, participated in events, hung out with friends. It really has been fun. But with all great things, they come to an end. And today is that end for us. I made lots of great friends and made many great memories. I’m gonna miss many of you guys.”
Next up to the podium was Brito, who encouraged underclassmen to chase their dreams.
“Whether it be college, trade school, or even a full-time job, make sure to never let go of that dream and stick with it because anything can be achieved with the right mindset,” she said. “The time has come for us to part ways, but I want you guys to remember that once a Chieftain, always a Chieftain.”
Following Brito was Guernsey, who expressed that she believes the fond memories of high school will have a positive impact on her class’ future.
Remember that this is not just the ending of a chapter, but the beginning of a new one, she said. “So let’s celebrate today, not just as the end of high school, but as a start of something even greater.”
After Guernsey, Hemminger capped her speech with a quote from Grammy Award-winning pop artist Pitbull.
“It still feels incredibly surreal and now that it’s here, I’m sorry it is because it means leaving friends who’ve inspired me, teachers who have guided me and so many people who have helped shape my and my classmates’ lives forever,” she said. “Now, as we stand on the edge of what’s next, we celebrate not just surviving high school, but living it. The struggles, the growth, the chaos, and the unforgettable moments. They’ve all brought us to this moment. By being here today, we’ve achieved something big. So, to the class of 2025, congratulations.
“In this moment, we are infinite. And as Pitbull once said, ‘every day above ground is a great day.’ Remember that.”
Emerson Kruger was the next valedictorian to take the podium and she encouraged her classmates to embrace the changes to come in their lives.
“Living means taking chances, failing, making hard decisions, doing what you’re passionate about and most importantly, being you,” she said. “So take a moment to look around once in a while. Remember, these memories, start living. One of my favorite phrases is YOLO – you only live life once – so live it life to the fullest.”
The next valedictorian was Mott, who encouraged underclassmen to make the most of the high school experience.
“My biggest piece of advice to all those in high school is to participate,” “she said. Participate in the silly dress-up days, the mock rock dances, clubs and sports. Infiltrate yourself wherever you can because the memories you make will be the ones that you talk about and bond over for the next 20 years. Be embarrassed. High School is supposed to be fun but you yourself have to make it fun. So go for it and don’t worry about others’ opinions.”
The penultimate valedictorian was Spagnoli, who thanked her teachers and students for embracing her for four years.
“When I first came to this school, I thought it would be the worst thing to happen in my life,” she said. “I’m not originally from Dowagiac and it was a big change for a kid. Looking back at all the memories I’ve made and all the people that I’ve met, I can confidently say it was the opposite. No matter where we go or how far we get in life, these people and this place will always be a part of me, and I’m proud to be a Chieftain.”
The final valedictorian to take the stage was Stanger, who thanked her classmates for the memories as she looks forward to what is to come.
“Class of 2025, we did it. As one window closes and another one opens, I hope we can always remember the memories we made together and the time we shared with one another. Today is a Bittersweet day – it is a day of reflecting on our journeys, a day of embracing change and most importantly, a day of celebrating our achievements. As Dr. Seuss once said, ‘you’re off to great places, today’s your day, your mountain is waiting, go get on your way.’”
The Union High School Band’s performance of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” was followed by the presentation of diplomas and the movement of tassels.
