2025 Graduations: The Highlight Reel

The last week has been full of festivities, as District 401 celebrated our 12th, 8th, 5th, and Kindergarten classes of 2025! Keep an eye out for photo galleries of the festivities, which will be published next week at the link below!

401 SmugMug Galleries

12th Grade Graduation

EPHS class of 2025 celebrates

Congratulations to the Elmwood Park High School Class of 2025! Sunday was truly a day to remember as 250 EPHS seniors marked the end of their high school careers in a graduation ceremony held at EPHS Stadium.

The ceremony was presided over by Principal Dr. Amanda Brode-Rico. Speakers included Student Council vice president Livia Sina, Ameerah Jaradat of the Senior Class Council, salutatorian Mary Katherine Medrano, valedictorian Natalia Ciura, Superintendent Dr. Leah Gauthier, Board Member (and father of graduate Olivia Shipinski) Jason Shipinski, and diplomas were handed out by Board President Mr. Frank J. Parisi. Musical selections were performed by the EPHS Band, directed by Mr. Kyle Rhoades, and the EPHS Choir, directed by Mr. Grant McEachern. 

Great job, Class of 2025! Good luck as you begin the next chapter in your lives! Go Tigers! To watch the whole ceremony and a recap video of the graduates, click the buttons below:

Ceremony Recording Highlight Reel

8th Grade Graduation

2025 Elm Grad Jayden Arroyo

Congratulations to Elm Middle School’s Class of 2025! Some 215 new Cougar graduates celebrated with family members, friends and the Elm community as Sunday’s 8th-grade graduation ceremony at EPHS Stadium marked the end of one era and the beginning of another in their educational careers.

As part of the celebration, engineering teacher Mrs. Lisa Berkery announced the winners of this year’s Cougar Pride Award, Madison Collins and Thomas Golz, speaking about each winner’s dedication to service and excellence. Speakers also included Superintendent Dr. Leah Gauthier and Board of Education member Jennifer Ranallo (parent of 8th grader Brooklyn Ranallo). Principal Ashley Groeneveld then presented the class, followed by the Board of Education’s presentation of diplomas to each graduating student.

Great job, Cougars! Good luck as you begin your high school careers. To watch the whole ceremony, a recap video, and portraits of the graduates, click the buttons below:

Student Portraits Ceremony Recording Highlight Reel

5th Grade Graduation

5th Grade Elmwood graduate Marian Medrano and her sister, EPHS 2025 salutatorian Mary Katherine Medrano

Congratulations to our 5th-grade class at John Mills and Elmwood Elementary for completing this chapter of their education! 

Festivities took place across both schools on Tuesday, June 3, as students and their families enjoyed recognition ceremonies, clap-outs, and social gatherings to honor the students' hard work!  

Great Job Panthers and Trojans! Good luck as you begin middle school! 

 

Kindergarten Graduation

Families celebrate John Mills Kindergarten Graduates

Congratulations to our John Mills and Elmwood Elementary Kindergarteners for finishing their first year of school! 

On Tuesday, June 3rd, students enjoyed celebrations in their classroom, certificate presentations, and celebrations with their families as they look forward to first grade. 

Great job Panthers and Trojans! Good luck as you go into 1st grade!