Soaring Into the Future: Celebrating the Class of 2025

Spring 2025 Edition

By Samantha Pope

As graduation approaches, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the halls of Klamath Union High School. For the class of 2025, this moment marks the culmination of four years defined by academic rigor, personal growth, and enduring community ties. Among these graduates, four exceptional valedictorians—Jack Jensen, Wyatt Jensen, Elliott Huntoon-DeRoche, and Bryce Petersen—stand as exemplars of dedication and achievement. Under the leadership of Principal Rod Heyen, the ceremony will honor not only academic accomplishments but also the resilience, perseverance, and character that have shaped this graduating class.

Each valedictorian’s path to success is distinct, yet all are bound by a shared commitment to hard work and perseverance. Elliott Huntoon-DeRoche offers a candid perspective on his journey, emphasizing the power of consistency over perfection.

"I wouldn't say it was too challenging—really, all you have to do is get your work done," Elliott shared. He credits his achievements to disciplined habits: completing assignments on time, dedicating extra effort to challenging subjects, and maximizing class time. "You don’t really have to be super smart," he added. "Just study extra for a test if you don't get the subject. Take notes, and get your work done in class."

Fellow valedictorian Jack Jensen echoes this sentiment. “Being a valedictorian is all about hard work and dedication… with all these classes you must learn time management or you can easily fall behind and get crushed under the weight of all these hard challenging classes. Being a valedictorian is a great honor because it means you survived the ‘apocalypse,’ and not just survived but succeeded.”

Graduation, then, is not merely a conclusion but a moment of reflection—an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments while acknowledging the journey still to come. Heyen captures this duality, noting, "I like the culmination of the end of one thing, but also the beginning of the next." For Heyen, commencement represents a vital landmark rather than a final destination, as he says, "Our high school graduation is a stepping stone, but it’s not the end all be all," he emphasized. His long perspective lends additional meaning to the occasion: "I've been doing this a long time. It’s neat to see what that stepping stone has done to propel them in life."

Heyen also envisions graduation as an expression of KU’s broader mission. "I want KU kids to have a competitive advantage," he said, underscoring a commitment not just to academic excellence but to professional readiness and technical skill. His hope is for students to leave KU prepared to thrive—whether in higher education, the workforce, or beyond. As he anticipates his first KU graduation, his enthusiasm is unmistakable. "I can’t say it will be anything but a very happy time," he said. "I'm delighted to be here. I love our mission, I love our people, the students have been fantastic, the community is fantastic — it’s a great place to be.”

As the class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, they stand at a threshold shaped by effort, perseverance, and profound personal growth. Their years at Klamath Union High School have forged not only academic achievement but also strength, identity, and community. Graduation is both an ending and a beginning—a recognition of all they have accomplished, and an invitation to the possibilities ahead. As the graduates take their final steps across the stage, each student carries with them the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that will continue to shape their journey, wherever it may lead.