When members of FUFSD’s Class of 2025 arrived at their seats on the great lawn for their commencement ceremony, the crowd of parents, friends, family and community members remained standing and cheering, even when the processional music ended. 

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, underneath what many described as the most impressive tent they had ever seen, 53 seniors were celebrated as they received their diplomas, marking the end of their academic journey at S.S. Seward Institute. 

Principal Michael Maesano welcomed everyone, encouraging the crowd to continue cheering for the graduates and expressing how incredibly proud they were of the students! In his remarks, he encouraged the graduating seniors to set their priorities: “Let them be your guide in everything in your life.”

Board President Rob Andrade addressed the graduates in his passionate and thoughtful speech, urging them to continue living their lives as a Spartan should, embracing challenges and putting their all into everything they do.

“Since you are Spartans, you are also future leaders so I want to share a little advice to help prepare you for the hard times you may face some day,” he said. “I strongly encourage you to continue pursuing difficult, new challenges that will test you and further develop your grit, perseverance, and resilience because these are key traits that will help you get through the hard times in life."

Class secretary Malina Grove then addressed the graduating class and crowd, calling on all to express their gratitude for the custodial and support staff whose efforts resulted in such a beautiful set-up, staff ensuring safety during the ceremony, teachers, parents, and fellow students. 

Superintendent Dr. Lisamarie Spindler shared her immense pride in the graduates for being a class of leaders and changemakers and urged them not to change those values. 

“Keep that light burning. Keep that smile going. Keep showing up with the kindness, the grit, and the drive that brought you here today,” she said.

Salutatorian Elizabeth Scheuermann’s speech touched many in the crowd as she advised her peers to lead with kindness. She expressed immense gratitude to her parents and siblings, making many in the crowd emotional with her sentiments. 

Valedictorian Taylor Vogt shared some of her favorite moments with the crowd, stating that her time at S.S. Seward was fun and interesting enough to be turned into a sitcom. She shared the lessons and “plot-lines” each “character” unveiled to her. “Through it all we left each day with some new knowledge from our unforgettable teachers, and appreciation for different mindsets and personalities.”

Graduates were cheered on as they crossed the stage and received their diplomas. Friends and family could be seen calling out to their students while holding up signs and pictures of their graduates to celebrate this proud moment.

Congratulations to S.S. Seward’s Class of 2025, your community is so proud of you!