As the afternoon of June 6, 2025 arrives, Trinity seniors prepare for their walk down the school’s hallowed path. Gowns will be donned and caps will be straightened in preparation for a ceremony that has been observed for centuries.
The first graduation in the U.S. was held at Harvard College, the first college in America, in 1636. This ceremony was a humble affair, a contrast to the grandiose celebrations of modern ones. Until the 18th century, graduation was only attended by students and professors, and spectators were rare.
Since then, the ceremony has grown. Most traditions graduates observe today have been around for many years. Grad caps are frequently thrown into the air at the end of commencement, a celebratory act started in 1912 in the U.S. Naval Academy. Activities like senior picnics were common in the early 1930s, and have since persisted.
Cap decorating, a common practice in schools across the nation, started in the 1960s, when student activism was prominent with issues like civil rights and the Vietnam War. Grad caps were decorated as a way to showcase a student’s beliefs and values. The trend has since evolved to include humorous predictions about the future, sentimental quotes and celebrations of identity and success.
Trinity has many of its own traditions for this graduation. The school’s bell tower, an iconic symbol of the district, rings loud and proud before and after every ceremony. The manicured path seniors follow has existed since the school’s inception, and has since been added to and renovated with donations from many graduating classes.
In honor of Trinity’s 100th year, the Trinity Community was able to purchase personalized bricks with short phrases to add on to the walkway.
One Trinity tradition that is frequently a meaningful experience for students, teachers and parents, is the trip back to elementary school. Seniors walk back through the school they attended as children in a full-circle moment that is often nostalgic and emotional.
First-grade teacher Mrs. Susan Crawford says, “When our former students walk through the halls of Trinity North as graduating seniors, we look at each of you with such pride. You have grown so much, you have the world ahead, and we hope you feel our support and love.”
The graduation ceremony for the class of 2025 will take place at 5:15 p.m. on June 6, 2025. Tickets and parking passes for guests will be given directly to seniors for them to distribute.
The staff speakers at Trinity’s graduation include superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas and building principal Dr. Zachary Zebrasky. The group of student speakers include the school’s valedictorians, salutatorian(s), honor grad and class officers.
Graduation is an incredibly anticipated date, but it doesn’t come without some bittersweet feelings. Many seniors expect to be filled with nostalgia as they say goodbye to friends they’ve seen consistently for years.
This renowned ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate success and hope for the future. It is a milestone that marks the ending of one phase of life and a passing into the next, and one that is memorable and powerful for all involved.
