Beverly Hills High School celebrated the class of 2025 at a commencement service on the school’s Nickoll Field on May 30. This year’s theme, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground,” reminds students to dream big while staying grounded in their values as they prepare to embark on this next chapter of their lives.
As the nearly 310 graduating students walked onto the football field sporting their college of choice on their graduation caps, they enthusiastically waved to a sea of BHHS friends and family. The BHHS Band performed a rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” as students took their seats.
BHHS Principal Drew Stewart opened the commencement ceremony by welcoming attendees and the graduating class. Stewart, who joined the BHHS community nearly eight years ago as a teacher, announced his departure as principal in early May. He celebrated the class of 2025’s hard work, dedication, and commitment, and recognized the BHUSD staff and board members for their support.
“These students represent everything we hope for in our graduates,” said Stewart. “You, Beverly, are very fortunate to have the support of the entire community. Graduates, there are many here who believe in you and advocate on your behalf.”
Attendees at the ceremony included BHUSD board members and President Rachelle Marcus, BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Beverly Hills City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.
In alignment with the commencement’s theme, Marcus celebrated the class of 2025 as “the stars of our future” in her address. Entitled “The Stars, the Ground and the Tent,” Marcus’ speech equated the stars with the students’ goals, the ground with their beliefs and the tent with the people who have supported their futures.
Graduating seniors faced challenges during their time at BHHS. As freshmen, the class of 2025 adjusted to a new campus and various bell schedule changes during the middle of the pandemic. Additionally, a demonstration that took place in the wake of the 2024 presidential election became a source of controversy, resulting in litigation and allegations of racial harassment. This past semester, the district underwent several leadership and staff changes.
Nonetheless, BHHS seniors applauded their classmates for persisting and making it to graduation day.
“We dream big,” said Student Body President Sabrina Niku. “But we’ve also had to stay grounded, adapt and figure things out. No matter what came our way, we landed on our feet, and we did it together.”
In between speeches delivered by seniors Sarah Zhang, Aunaleah Ellis and Ruby Matenko-Lowenstein, attendees enjoyed live musical performances by the BHHS Symphony Orchestra and BHHS Madrigals.
“It’s clear to me that no matter what we do, we’ve embraced this idea of being noble. And now, we have become our own unique set of stars to navigate by. And the ground is what keeps us steady—the foundation built by our family, friends, and community,” said Zhang.
“The greatest gift we can give to each other is each other,” Ellis told students.
Matenko-Lowenstein reflected on the bells students would hear throughout the school day indicating a moment of transition. “Up until now, we, the class of 2025, have been a collective unit, all hearing the same bell at the same times—bells that were helping us along to where we were supposed to go next, up until our very last day at Beverly. As we officially leave this era of our life behind, we will not hear these bells together anymore. Each of us will be on our own individual paths moving forward.”
