Oskaloosa High School Graduates 132 Students in Class of 2025
Oskaloosa High School Class of 2025. (photo provided)
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Oskaloosa High School held its commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, graduating 132 students in the Class of 2025.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem and a welcome from school administrators. Principal Jeff Kirby and Superintendent Dr. Mike Fisher addressed the audience, acknowledging the class’s persistence and performance over the past four years, including through pandemic-related disruptions and shifting educational expectations.
Student speakers included Molly Prendergast, Hannah Nelson, Madelyne Vernooy, and Rees Campbell, who spoke on shared experiences and the transition ahead. Each offered brief reflections on the class’s time at Oskaloosa High School, highlighting academic challenges, personal growth, and the importance of community support.
This year’s class included two valedictorians: Campbell and Prendergast. Several students earned recognition for academic achievements, including Merek Padgett, who received an Associate of Arts degree from Indian Hills Community College while completing high school.
Graduates crossed the stage one by one as their names were read aloud, receiving their diplomas from school board president Kathy Butler. Many will move on to college, trade programs, the military, or the workforce. This year’s graduates were involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities during their time at OHS, including athletics, music, theater, student government, and career and technical education programs. The diversity of involvement reflected a class engaged across many parts of school and community life.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of tassels and a final announcement of the Class of 2025’s graduation. The moment marked the close of the students’ high school experience and the beginning of their next chapters.
