As the school year winds down and graduation nears, the spotlight is on the Class of 2025, but it’s not just about GPAs and college acceptances. For some of this year’s standout seniors, success has meant pushing through challenges, shifting mindsets, and believing in something bigger than a report card. At this year’s ceremony, several students will take the stage not just to reflect on the past, but to offer something deeper: perspective, purpose, and inspiration.
Among them are two featured student speakers, Zoe Golden and Brady “Xavier” Sutherlin, whose voices bring distinct but equally powerful messages to the ceremony.
Zoe Golden, currently serving as the city’s youth poet laureate, is known on campus for her creative voice and wide-reaching involvement. From the moment the year began, she knew she wanted to speak. “I emailed at the start of the year because I knew I wanted to speak,” she recalled. “There was an audition process, and I attended an interest meeting, but I was already determined.”
Rather than give a traditional speech, Golden will deliver an original poem that’s been evolving throughout her senior year. “Poetry lets people feel their own meaning,” she said. “My poem is about tomorrow, about what comes next. It’s open to interpretation, but the heart of it is hope, hope for our generation, and for all the ways we’re ready to shape the world.”
She intends to capture the emotional complexity of the moment. “I want people to feel excited about what lies ahead, but also to feel the bittersweetness of leaving this part of life behind,” she said. “That mix of joy and sadness feels honest.”
For fellow graduation speaker Brady “Xavier” Sutherlin, the goal is also to inspire, but his approach is grounded in mindset and motivation. “I wanted to inspire others to believe in themselves and realize that the only limiting factor is their mindset,” Sutherlin said. “To push themselves beyond what they think is possible. Shoot for the stars, and if you land on the moon, that’s alright.”
Xavier’s message resonates deeply with many students, especially those navigating challenges not always reflected on transcripts. “I think it represents the kids who are first-generation graduates and people who are willing to take risks,” he said. And for him, writing the speech wasn’t a struggle. “It was not difficult because I truly believe in what I’m saying,” he explained. “It’s hard to tell a consistent lie. The truth is always better.”
Both students expressed gratitude and excitement at being chosen. “Some people will blow it off, and others will have an epiphany,” Sutherlin said. “Regardless, the speech is meant to inspire people of all ages.”
In addition to the student speakers, several other seniors will play vital roles in making the graduation ceremony accessible and inclusive for all families and community members. Benji Rodriguez and Fiona Chandler will serve as Spanish and Diné translators, helping ensure that every guest can fully experience and understand this milestone event. Their contributions highlight the multilingual and multicultural spirit of the DHS community.
Graduation wouldn’t be complete without the ceremonial moment of walking across the stage, and for that, we also recognize the student name readers, who will read each graduate’s name aloud. Though their voices may not deliver full speeches, their role is just as meaningful, giving each student a moment of personal recognition.
Together, these students represent the depth, diversity, and dedication of the Class of 2025. Whether through poetry, heartfelt speeches, language access, or ceremonial roles, their efforts remind us that graduation isn’t just a conclusion; it’s a collective celebration of resilience, identity, and the journey ahead.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to walk the stage, the voices that guide the ceremony offer more than celebration, they offer connection, legacy, and inspiration for the classes to come.
