Pictured are the eight top-ranking academic students of the Jackson High School Class of 2025 who graduated during a Commencement Program held last Friday evening at Alumni Stadium. From the left are Easton McGraw, Emma Malone, Ian Rinehart, McKinley Riley, Nolan Johnson, David Ephlin, Ryan Stewart and Tucker Williams. For complete coverage of the 2025 Jackson High School Commencement Ceremony, see pages 6 and 7 in today’s edition. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
Working hard, overcoming adversity, sharing life lessons, and having a profound sense of gratitude to others were among the main themes in the messages delivered by the eight valedictorians during the 2025 Jackson High School (JHS) Commencement Ceremony conducted on Friday evening, May 23, before a huge crowd at Alumni Stadium.
The speeches by the top-ranking students were the main part of the program which ended with a total of 159 JHS seniors receiving their diplomas from members of the Jackson City Board of Education: President Brian Moore, Vice President Kim Harless, and members Pat McDonald, Kyle Hickey and Kim White. A short time later, the seniors were officially proclaimed as graduates by JHS Principal Tyler Swackhammer. Tassels were turned in unison and caps were thrown into the air and another teenage rite of passage was completed.
JHS Assistant Principal Doug Wooten introduced the guests on the platform as well as members of the JHS faculty. JHS Band members, under the direction of Ryan Hurd, provided instrumental music and six senior choir members sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Jackson High School Alma Mater,” under the direction of Choir Director Ash Culbertson.
The 159 members of the Jackson High School (JHS) Class of 2025 assembled for this group photo prior to last Friday evening’s Commencement Ceremony at Alumni Stadium. (Photo Courtesy of Seth Fain Photography)
Jackson Superintendent of Schools Phil Howard had the honor of introducing each of the valedictorians — David Ephlin, Nolan Johnson, Emma Malone, Easton McGraw, McKinley Riley, Ian Rinehart, Ryan Stewart and Tucker Williams — who all achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in their high school careers while also meeting the additional qualifications to become a valedictorian.
Following are brief excerpts of the speeches delivered by each of the valedictorians:
David Eplin shared his inspirational story of how he overcame dyslexia and its ill effects to become one of the valedictorians of his class in spite of a belated diagnosis.
“I never really thought much of my hardships with reading and spelling, I just thought it was something that I was just lacking in, skills-wise,” David recounted. “ My parents and I did outside programs in elementary school to assist in my hard times with English, so from a young age I found ways to counteract my undiscovered dyslexia. Because of how late my dyslexia was diagnosed, I take so much pride in my title of valedictorian because I always felt like I started behind the line in a race and had to fight my way to make the podium alongside my fellow valedictorians.”
David concluded, “To my family in the audience, I would not be here today without your support that you drowned me in. And to those in the audience, if you feel that the words on the pages never stay in place or the sentences seem to blend together, please speak out and talk to someone about it, because it is better to receive help now before it is too late in your life.”
Jackson Superintendent of Schools Phil Howard introduced each of the valedictorians prior to their speeches and the five members of the Jackson City Board of Education had the honor of presenting diplomas to all the graduating seniors. Pictured in the front row of the platform guests are (from the left) District Treasurer Teresa McGinniss, Board of Education members Kim White, Kyle Hickey and Pat McDonald, Board Vice President Kim Harless, Board President Brian Moore and Superintendent of Schools Howard. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
In his speech, Nolan Johnson reflected on the positive transformation he feels has taken place during his high school years and that it’s part of the process of moving ahead in your life.
“Graduating isn’t just about completing school, it’s about solidifying the changes that have been made within yourself over the last four years,” Nolan reflected. “And whether you were quiet or loud, confident or unsure, certain or completely lost — you’ve changed. And you should be proud of that. Because change is something we don’t talk about enough — not the flashy kind, but the kind that happens slowly. The kind that looks like resilience when no one’s watching. The kind that feels like standing up for someone else when it would’ve been easier to stay silent. The kind that’s invisible to the world, but transformative to you.
“If I am able to give my fellow graduates any advice as an 18-year-old with minimal life experience, I would tell all of you to not be afraid to chase something that doesn’t make sense to anyone else. Don’t shrink to fit expectations that were never meant for you. Most importantly, don’t wait to become the person you’re proud of. Be humble. Be kind. Be honest. And be relentless with your dreams.”
Emma Malone shared that her own senior-year experience of some disappointments and a consequent change in course can test and strengthen a person and simply lead to a different opportunity.
Senior Class President and valedictorian Nolan Johnson (right) had the distinction of receiving the first diploma of the JHS Commencement Program from Board of Education President Brian Moore (left). A total of 159 diplomas were presented. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
Emma testified, “I’ve learned something far more valuable than any scholarship could offer: It’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to start over. I’m entering the next chapter of my life with a new major and a new perspective. The road ahead is uncertain, but I’m no longer afraid of that. This year reminded me that success isn’t always about perfection or prizes — it’s about growth and resilience. Even if I didn’t get everything I expected, I achieved something I set out to do when I was five years old: I became valedictorian. And more than that, I found friendships, mentors, and memories that will continue to shape who I am.”
Her experience led her to offer this advice: “To my classmates — don’t fear the unknown. Embrace it. Even if we fall short of our first dreams, we might just find something even better along the way. Trust the process of life, and trust God to lead you through it.”
Gratitude was the main theme of the speech delivered by Easton McGraw, who also shared with the audience that he had to overcome the challenges of dealing with chronic kidney disease since early childhood. To achieved the title of valedictorian, he recited a long list of thank-yous, starting with “my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because without Him, this would not be possible.”
McGraw also offered a blanket thank-you to “my family, my friends, my teachers, the administration and the entire Jackson City Schools community,” who he says, “have shaped me into the person I am today.” In addition to his father, Josh, and his mother, Teri, he also singled out high school teacher Betty Miller telling her that her “encouragement and genuine happiness for your students’ success is world-changing.”
Valedictorian Easton McGraw (right) was presented his diploma by his father, Josh McGraw (left), who in addition to being a Jackson City School District teacher, is also Easton’s baseball coach. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
McGraw’s praise was also extended to the entire school district and community.
“My dad has always said that Jackson is different, it is cool to be smart in Jackson, and he is right,” Easton shared. “I am grateful to be graduating from Jackson High School, the high school that is second to none.”
Turning to his classmates, Easton offered some encouragement: “The path is not always easy, but I promise you, the rewards are worth it.”
A self-proclaimed “nervous nelly,” McKinley Riley shared how she overcame constant anxieties in her drive to achieve academic perfection. Her personal challenge was to keep joy in her life while also realizing that it also takes a great effort and some sacrifices to achieve goals such as maintaining a perfect grade-point average.
“I won’t say that my journey to this podium wasn’t worth it,” McKinley reflected. “When you have big dreams and big goals, it takes more than just average or mediocre effort to achieve those dreams and goals. If we only set goals that require minimal effort and no risk of failure, we won’t be able to achieve the big goals that build confidence.”
Based on her own experience, McKinley offered some advice for her fellow graduates. “The message to all my peers from me is to never let anything steal your joy. It’s going to get tough along the way. There will be times that you might find yourself humming, ‘My anxiety, it keeps tryin’ me’,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy those moments. Although I remember stressing so much about the little things throughout high school, all of you were the joy that was never taken. I will miss you guys.”
Get more involved in life outside yourself. That was the advice that Ian Rinehart offered to his classmates — based on his own high school experience. While Ian was obviously an outstanding student who graduated at the top of his class, he also came to realize some of the simple things in life were important as well.
Valedictorian Tucker Williams (right) was presented his diploma by his father, Jackson High School teacher Morgan Williams, who also coaches Tucker as the assistant baseball coach. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
“So instead of obsessing over homework all of the time, take a break, go hang out with your friends, watch a movie or whatever else you like doing,” Ian advised. “Part of the reason why I believe it’s important to explore new interests and do what you enjoy is because I didn’t take that opportunity myself. Up until this past year, I had only ever been in one or two clubs which I didn’t even do much in. Looking back, I regret not being more involved.”
Ian’s parting words to his classmates were to make time to enjoy life and experience new things.
“While high school and college make it easy to be involved in school and in the community, everywhere you go you will have opportunities to do what you wholeheartedly enjoy. So, maybe just spend some more time doing what you enjoy and trying new things.”
Ryan Stewart admitted to working very hard in the classroom to become a valedictorian and also be the best athlete he could be while competing in sports. However he also credited both of his parents for pushing him to excel in both areas.
Ryan’s mother, Wendy, was a valedictorian herself and Ryan noted her example and experience helped him to match her accomplishment.
“As a valedictorian herself, she always emphasized the importance of academics,” Ryan noted. “She told me that I had what it took to achieve the same status, and I’m glad I listened. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Graduating senior Liam Milliken (right) received both his diploma and a hug from his mother, Jackson High School teacher Candice Milliken (left). (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
On the other hand, Ryan’s father, Dustin, knew that being involved in athletics could also be beneficial.
“Even if I wasn’t the star player, he expected maximum effort and great sportsmanship — on and off the field,” Ryan said of his father’s influence. “My dad never held back with his feedback. He was honest, sometimes brutally so, and it taught me to accept constructive criticism early on. That made me a more coachable athlete — and a more teachable student.”
Ryan concluded, “As we move into wherever adulthood takes us — college, careers, or just figuring it out — I hope we all keep working hard… even when there’s no coach, no test, and no mom reminding us it’s due tomorrow.”
Tucker Williams certainly has a right to be proud of “the multitude of awards” he has received as both a student and athlete at Jackson High School, but his speech was dedicated to those who supported him along the way — including the community.
Tucker credited his coaches for “recognizing my potential and pushing me to reach limits I didn’t know I had.” As for his teachers, he said, “Your selflessness often goes unnoticed. You pour your valuable time and energy into us ungrateful kids like we’re your own children.” Addressing his parents, he said, “You have dedicated your entire lives and sacrificed anything necessary for the betterment of your children. I hope to be half as good a parent as you two have been to us.” He also saluted his sister, Tayler, calling her his “best friend.”
Tucker also tipped his hat to a supportive community.
Graduating senior Ryan Taylor (right) was presented his diploma by his father Jake Taylor, who is a Jackson High School teacher and an assistant football coach. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
“It’s easy to talk about community like it’s just a word on a banner, but here, it’s real,” he offered. “I’ve seen people give even when they don’t have much to spare. I’ve seen people sacrifice their very own health for the simple happiness of others. I’ve seen kindness passed around like it’s part of the culture — which, around here, it is.”
Just before his proclamation of graduation, Principal Swackhammer recognized the five JHS graduates who plan to join the U.S. Armed Forces: Matthew Gibson, Army National Guard; William Hay, Army National Guard; Nolan Johnson, U.S. Army at West Point; Phillip Palmer, U.S. Army; and David Schumacher, U.S. Army.
Swackhammer also announced that members of the JHS Class of 2025 were graduating with over 800 community-service hours, 34 honors diplomas, three associate degrees, over 750 college credit hours, 47 industry credentials and financial support of over $2 million.
The weather was not perfect, a bit cool with intermittent light rain. At one point when the rain picked up a bit, Superintendent Howard harkened back to the deluge which drenched the 2021 Commencement.
“We are Ironmen, we can get through this,” Howard implored. We did.
Jackson Director of Bands Ryan Hurd is directing the Jackson High School Band in the pre-program music which was presented prior to the start of the Jackson High School Commencement Program on Friday evening at Alumni Stadium. (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
Jackson High School Choir Director Ash Culbertson directs six senior choir members in the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the beginning of the Commencement Program for the Jackson High School Class of 2025. The singers (from the left) are Jacey Hively, Marcus Naugle, Reed Rosler, Brice Edwards, Olivia Taylor, and Alexis Sibley (Telegram Photo by Pete Wilson)
Longtime Jackson High School Drama Club Director Cathy Lord poses for pre-graduation photos with the senior-class members of the Drama Club. The numbers indicate the growth and popularity of being involved in high school plays during Lord’s tenure. (Photo Courtesy of Cathy Lord)
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