On Thursday night, 48 graduating seniors at Goshen High School turned the page on the next chapter in their life. 

GHS Principal Benny Shellhouse said the graduating seniors had left their mark at Goshen and were poised for success in whatever they chose to do. 

“Graduation is really the opportunity of a lifetime,” Shellhouse said. “Graduation opens doors to any pathway our students choose. We’re super excited for them to build on the academic success they achieved at Goshen High School.”

Shellhouse said 46 percent of the graduates received an Alabama High School Advanced Diploma and 31 percent of the graduating seniors were members of the National Honor Society. In addition he said 13 percent graduated cum laude with a GPA average of 90 to 92.9, 13 percent graduated magna cum laude with a GPA average of 93 to 97.9 and 10 percent graduated summa cum laude with a GPA average of above 98.

Shellhouse said 56 percent of the Class of 2025 had been offered scholarships totaling around $1.7 million. And, another 69% of the class earned at least one college credit while  at Goshen High School. Goshen had 10 students from Enterprise State Community College, four from Luirleen B. Wallace Community College and five students from Troy University that graduated with associate degrees.

Before receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2025 received some final words from the class salutatorian and valedictorian. 

“Tonight we walk across the stage for the last time together,” Salatutorian Katelyn Davis said. “But in this process, we also enter a new era of our lives. For some of us, this marks the beginning of our academic journey in college. For others, it’s the start of a career, military service, or something entirely different. 

“But regardless of the path we choose, one truth remains. Our education is only just beginning. For the past 13 years, we’ve attended school five days a week, 38 weeks a year, not because we choose to, but because we’re expected to. It was preparation, preparation for this moment, the moment we step into the real world. 

“But I would argue that our real education begins today. Whether it’s a university classroom, a job site, or basic training, we’re united by something greater than circumstance, a desire for purpose. And with that purpose comes a hunger for growth, a hunger for knowledge. So as we step forward into adulthood, I challenge each of us to stay curious, to never settle for what we already know. To keep asking questions, to strive each day to be better than the day before, and to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. 

“And just as it is important to learn new things, I challenge us to stay grounded in our values and the faith that has guided us this far. As we step into the world, we may be challenged to compromise what we believe, but true growth means standing firm in truth and living with integrity. Let our faith be the foundation that shapes who we become.”

Valedictorian Benjamin Taylor urged his classmates to find their passion in life. 

“As we gather here tonight, reminiscing about these last 13 years, we are also looking forward to the future,” Taylor said. “And as we look forward to the future, I would like to leave you with a couple of ideas to think about. First, when thinking about your future career, find something you’re passionate about, something you truly enjoy, and not only that, find people to share in your endeavors, whether that be your friends or your family. 

“Mark Twain once said, ‘The man that is passionate about his work will never work a day in his life.’ So once you’ve found your passion, run towards it. Don’t be afraid to fail in reaching your goals. Don’t let the fear of failure, rejection or defeat get in the way of, at the very least, trying. I believe if you can combine these two ideas, there’s not much that can stop you.”