With proud friends and family looking on, 492 Sachse High School seniors turned their tassels and made history Friday, May 23, as the school’s largest graduating class.

The Class of 2025 celebrated their achievements during a commencement ceremony at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.

The processional began with students carrying flags—each representing a nation from which members of the Class of 2025 hail. Each flag was carried by the highest-ranking student from that nation.

The Sachse High School Wind Ensemble performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” featuring senior Savannah Michelle Mullins as the vocal soloist. Student Council President Connie Duong led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge.

Senior Class President Ahmari Riddick and Garland ISD Superintendent Ricardo López welcomed graduates, guests and administrators with brief remarks. The ceremony continued with a joint performance of “From Sea to Shining Sea” by the Wind Ensemble and A Cappella Choir.

Principal Creel’s address reflected on the milestones and memories shared with the graduating class.

“The world is yours now, and your greatest days are still ahead,” Creel said. “Thank you, Class of 2025, for letting me be a part of something truly special.”

Salutatorian Claudia Velasco took the stage next, speaking about the sacrifices her immigrant parents made to give her “a future filled with opportunity.”

“Dreams don’t come easy,” Velasco said. “They require vision, commitment and, above all, hard work. My parents are proof of that.”

Valedictorian Ella Lamb followed with words of encouragement, sharing how her original plans shifted from attending an out-of-state college to staying in Texas.

“Once I realized that my people were my new dream, it was easy to decide my next steps, and I was able to regain my spark for school,” she said.

Garland ISD Trustee Linda Griffin delivered a motivating speech before the presentation of diplomas, earning cheers from the crowd.

“You have faced challenges that no generation before you have ever had to face. You are not only survivors…but you thrived,” Griffin said.

In addition to receiving their high school diplomas, 38 students were recognized as Early College graduates.

The ceremony concluded with a performance of the school’s Alma Mater, led by soloist Juliann Nguyen, followed by the traditional cap toss. The Wind Ensemble closed the event with John Williams’ “Coronation March” as the recessional.