Into every life, rain will fall. It is how a person weathers the storm that shows true character. Westlake High School’s graduation ceremony set for Thursday, May 29, at Regency Furniture Stadium, was delayed by an hour due to field conditions brought on by Wednesday’s rain.

At 10 a.m., the Wolverines entered the stadium for graduation, led by valedictorian Maddox Cypress and Gesselle Treminio Reyes, the salutatorian. Both Cypress and Reyes earned full ride scholarships and will attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in the fall. Maddox plans to major in aerospace engineering, while Reyes intends to double major in economics and political science.

Maddox and Cypress spoke of sacrifice. Thanking the people who believed in them, expressing gratitude to the community that supported them. Cypress thanked the educators who helped he and his classmates get where they are today, ready to take the next step.

“We’re standing here today because you stood with us,” Cypress said. He shared advice with his classmates and asked them to remember they don’t have to have all the answers now, or ever. “Success isn’t reserved for those with a dramatic past or perfect plan,” he said. “You don’t have it all figured out. You just need to show up and work harder and believe you have something to give to this world.”

Reyes, a first generation American born to Latino parents, also talked about success and what she believes it looks like.

“What success really means in life. Success isn’t a medal or a title. It’s quiet decisions to keep going when no one else is watching you. It’s believing in a future you can’t see. It’s carrying your family, your heritage and your community in your heart even when the world tries to silence you,” she said. “We are not self-made. We were raised by the hands of our community. Shaped by stories at our dinner tables, family traditions and the sacrifices made in silence so we could speak louder here today.”

The Class of 2025 was the first who started high school as freshmen after Covid-19 restrictions allowed for in-person learning to resume, and when asked to describe the Westlake seniors, most of the school’s staff agreed.

“You gave us hope,” Principal Dana Fenwick said. “Let me tell you something real about hope. Hope is not just wishful thinking. Hope is hustle, hope is showing up even when life gets heavy. Hope is believing there’s more ahead even when the road gets rough. Hope isn’t soft. Hope is like hip-hop. It’s struggle turned into rhythm. Pain turned into poetry; dreams dropped over a beat that never quits. Just like all of you.”

“The world needs your voice, your leadership and your light,” Fenwick said. “You are the author of your story, and you are just getting started. … Walk with a purpose, move with pride and own your future. Class of 2025, you are proof that greatness comes from 3300 Middletown Road. So go out there, level up and don’t just make moves – make history.”

Westlake conferred more than 310 diplomas and certificates at Thursday’s ceremony. The class earned more than $28.1 million in scholarship offers. Westlake students recently shared their memories and thoughts about their education and what the school means to them.  To view the feature, visit the CCPS YouTube channel.

CCPS graduations continue Thursday at the stadium. Thomas Stone’s ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m., with La Plata’s graduation set for 5 p.m. Maurice J. McDonough High School will round out the CCPS graduation schedule with a 9 a.m. ceremony Friday, May 30, at Regency Furniture Stadium.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).