HADLEY — Describing the 2025 Hopkins Academy senior class as one that persevered, innovated and always gave back, those who spoke during Friday evening’s graduation ceremony recognized the support received from their families, their teachers and the community.

“If you ever get lost in life, you’ll always have a home in Hadley,” valedictorian Maggie Potter said during her address before a packed Hopkins gymnasium.

Owing much to those in town, Potter said the 42 graduates were united in leaving the community better than they found it and becoming role models for others.

“Hadley has created a unique environment for us to prosper and learn, serving as a starting point for our future endeavors,” Potter said.

Potter also offered advice from her father “’Have fun, stay focused,’” a saying I believe holds true to our class,” Potter said.

“Sprouting from Hadley I want to recognize the good we have created and will continue to create in the world,” Potter added. “We serve as the forefront of a new generation of innovative, persevering people.”

The ceremony began as graduates proceeded single file into the Hopkins gymnasium to their seats set up on the floor, with gold balloons reading “2025” set up behind the main podium.

Principal April Camuso said her observation is that the students in the school’s 361st graduating class are always there for each other in their times of need and have made a clear commitment to care for and support each other.

“The class of 2025 is best described as giving, thoughtful and delightful,” Camuso said.

This giving also was referenced by Sadie Cyr, the class president since seventh grade. After coming out of the pandemic, the class has been able to offer wisdom and tips to underclassmen and an always positive outlook.

“Our class has often been described as role models, due to our kindness and generosity,” Cyr said. “We are so proud of all we’ve given back to the community.”

Hanna Gilpin-Falk, the salutatorian who is graduating a year early, joined the class more recently, but nonetheless praised these attributes. “Keep showing up for your communities: it matters,” Gilpin-Falk said.

The main address was given by Lynn Hersey, Smith College’s basketball coach and a Hadley resident, who echoed the sentiments of other speakers.

“Do hard well, dream boldly and trust that your best will shine,” Hersey said. “Show up for others always.”

Hersey said the graduates shouldn’t run from adversity, but rise to it and learn to fight back, facing the challenges of life’s journey, even when things are not fair or don’t make sense. Hersey reflected on how she had to show up, along with others, for a Smith player who lost her father during the 2023-2024 season.

During the ceremony, William Dwyer, on behalf of the Hopkins Academy trustees, presented $30,800 in scholarships to several members of the class, ranging in value from $1,000 to $3,600. Numerous other awards were also presented by Camuso.

The distinguished alumni speaker was resident Jack Czajkowski, middle school science teacher at Greater Commonwealth Virtual School who also chairs the town’s Climate Change Committee chairman.

Czajkowski, who grew up in Hadley, asked the graduates to remember the most important thing they have learned in life and who taught them, suggesting that they appreciate the master teachers, who are like Yoda, the master teacher in Star Wars.

“Keep looking for your Yodas along the way,” Czajkowski said.

As has been customary in recent years, prior to the ceremony graduates gathered in front of the school for a class picture, taken by Kelley Dunphy of Devine Photography, with some of the students posing for photographs with their families on the front lawn.

Among those assembling before the ceremony was Derek Osborne, who will be pursuing multimedia studies at Springfield Technical Community College, and continuing his passion for music.

Osborne said his time in the Hadley schools has been enjoyable. “I mean, it’s been quite exciting, getting to meet new people,” Osborne said.

Andrew Jekanowski will be heading to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study mechanical engineering.

“It’s a great school,” Jekanowski said of Hopkins, noting its small size forces students to get to know each other well. “I’ve fostered a lot of good friendships and lots of things I won’t forget.”

Class of 2025

Eric Eduardo Amaya, Aisha Anjum, Logan Joseph Bye, Lucas Cabral Silva, Melissa Cabrera, Nicholas Samuel Cain, Jackson Alexander Campbell, Elena Rose Conklin, Eric David Cruz Perez, Priscilla Marie Cruz Colonm Sadie Elizabeth Cyr, Austin James Dizek, Rory Raymond Dowd, John Anthony Dyjach, Liedson Ricardo Fernandes Miranda, Hanna Thea Gilpin-Falk, Ava Taylor Hentnick, Ri Abigail Horgan, Dillon William Hughes, Andrew James Jekanowski, Eli Joseph Jekanowski, Benajim Armand Kosciusko, Madeleine Grace Labrie, Joseph Jack LaForte, Abel Antonio Martinez Ortiz, Aden Vivian Mayer, Neil Antonio McFarlane, James Kirk McPherson, Aurora Marie Moynihan, Derek Holden Osborne, Anthony Dominic Palmisano, Link Damien Perry, Margaret Elizabeth Potter, Tallon Frederick Salgado, Chase Martin Simonich, Ella Grayce Sypek, Nicholas Brendan Uchneat, Helen Kalliope Vissas, Alex Chapin West, Beatrix King Williamson, Max Raymond Wojtowicz, Addison Evan Wright