M-A’s Class of 2025 bids farewell with uniquely personal send-offs

Outgoing seniors shared heartfelt stories — tied to current hot button issues — before they walked across the stage with nearly 500 other graduates to accept their diplomas Friday, June 6, at Menlo-Atherton High School. The ceremony, held on Coach Parks Field, marked the Atherton high school’s 74th commencement. 

One student speaker, Rose Klingsporn, talked about their personal growth from freshman to senior year, including coming out as transgender. 

“I didn’t really know anything about myself, and with the turbulent political and social climate around trans people at the time, I tended to keep to myself,” said the graduate. “I allowed myself to morph from a scared freshman to one of the cool seniors I had so admired. This year, I was the drummer for the spring musical, ‘Hadestown,’ and I made real, tangible connections to other students at every grade level.”

Another graduate, Wilder Perez Sanchez, detailed his 26-day journey to East Palo Alto from Guatemala at age 16 to pursue a better education. He also spoke about working 48 hours between two restaurant jobs while in high school to support his family. He said he never imagined graduating from high school in the U.S. 

“When I had to learn English, I wasn’t really sure if I was smart,” he said. “I didn’t know if I could actually learn a different language. But I did it with a lot of practice, effort and support. If you have come to this country recently and you still feel lonely, my advice is to ask for help. This friendly M-A community will support you. Be kind to others, especially while you’re getting used to your life here.”

During the ceremony, Principal Karl Losekoot presented an honorary diploma to the sister of Dylan Scirpo. Dylan, 17, was an M-A student and water polo player who died shortly before the start of his senior year in 2024. Losekoot also presented the family with Dylan’s framed water polo cap.

Losekoot encouraged students to “dream of a problem you want to solve, or dream of something you want to learn.” 

“Perhaps you want to learn how to use artificial intelligence, or figure out how artificial intelligence can improve education. Perhaps you want to learn how to write, or use your writing to help people. Our world needs big dreams now,” he said.

Graduates Isabel Zohar and William Knox performed “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson.

Superintendent Crystal Leach and Sathvik Nori, president of the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees, were also in attendance. 

Check out this year’s list of Menlo-Atherton High School graduates and read our interview with Yandel Hernandez, one of the graduating seniors.

For all of our graduation coverage, go to our central graduation page.

Watch a video of the ceremony here: