Rota Middle High School Celebrates the Class of 2025
On the evening of June 6, Rota Middle High School hosted a heartfelt and spirited graduation ceremony honoring the Class of 2025. Friends, family members, faculty, and distinguished guests gathered in the school gymnasium to celebrate the achievements of 32 graduates preparing to embark on their next chapter. Thanks to a Facebook Live stream, loved ones from around the world were also able to join in the celebration from afar.
The evening began with a warm welcome from class sponsor Pamela Dannels. As the graduates processed in to the classic strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the audience rose to their feet. Principal Dr. Courtney Schonffeldt then invited everyone to stand for the presentation of colors by the Rota MHS JROTC Color Guard, followed by musical tributes to both host and home nations. The Spanish national anthem was performed by the school band, and senior Olivia Bussey delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The moment reflected the school’s unique setting on an international U.S. Naval base and honored the unity of its American and Spanish community.
Dr. Schonffeldt then addressed the graduates with a thoughtful and reflective message, surprising each student with a gold envelope tucked beneath their seat—containing a personal note and a five-dollar bill.
“Five dollars isn’t much,” she said with a smile. “It probably won’t even buy you lunch at the Dive In.” But she encouraged students to consider how they choose to spend what they’re given—not just money, but time, energy, attention, and kindness. “The five dollars is just a symbol… of how you spend your life.”
Vice Principal Daniel Gostkowski followed with a spirited and proud look at “the Class of 2025 by the numbers.” Among the 32 graduates, 24 are heading to four-year universities, while others are pursuing community college, trade school, or military service—including one each joining the Coast Guard and Navy, and four entering the U.S. Air Force. Collectively, the class earned nearly $924,000 in scholarships. “You’ve set the bar incredibly high for what I should expect from a senior class,” Gostkowski said. “You will always have a special place in my heart.”
Salutatorian Lila Cypers shared a moving reflection on her personal journey since moving to Rota.
“When my parents told me we were moving to Rota, I was scared,” she admitted. “I thought it would break me. But what I found was that it fixed something I hadn’t known was broken.” She credited the Rota community for helping her grow in confidence and encouraged her classmates to embrace change with courage. “Let the world surprise you,” she said. “And don’t be afraid to start over—because sometimes the thing that feels like it might break you might just be the thing that puts you back together.”
Valedictorian Camille Siguenza brought both laughter and insight with her creative take on the children’s book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, reimagined as If You Give a Grad a Diploma. Her witty reflection highlighted the unpredictable and exciting road ahead.
“Our lives can sway in any direction,” she said. “If I can impart any encouragement this evening, I hope it is this: Be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself, and never cease getting to know who you are.”
Senior Class President Quenette Kirconnell looked back fondly on shared memories—from beach sunsets and craft nights to a senior prank that “admin so kindly cleaned up before everyone could really appreciate it.” She praised her classmates as scholars, athletes, and “wonderful people,” adding, “Rota Middle High School will always be part of who we are.”
The ceremony also featured two distinguished guest speakers who offered words of encouragement and inspiration. Captain Teague J. Suarez, Commander of U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Commanding Officer of Naval Station Rota, spoke with pride about the graduates’ accomplishments and the boundless potential ahead.
“With the knowledge that you gain and earn over the rest of your life have the potential to bend the world in ways that even Einstein could barely imagine. Your ideas have gravity and that gravity imparts movement. Builds momentum and becomes a force unto itself and acts on the world around you,” he told the class.
Following him, Mr. Luke Spencer, a beloved social studies teacher at Rota MHS, took the stage with a heartfelt and reflective message that resonated deeply with students.
“Sweat the small stuff,” he advised. “Because the small stuff ends up defining us.”
His words served as a reminder of the power of everyday moments and personal character.
Other highlights included touching musical performances, a flower ceremony honoring the people who supported each graduate, and the traditional cap toss after Dr. Schonffeldt’s official declaration of graduation.
As tassels were turned and caps soared into the air, the sense of pride and possibility was unmistakable. The Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of resilience, heart, and community.
Congratulations, Admirals—you’ve made your mark, and your next adventure begins now.
Photos can be found here. (Photos by Dr. S. Bond & Student, Jadon)
Photos by Mr. Lopez here. (link expires July 14)
