With heartfelt speeches, proud families, and applause, the Santa Ynez Valley Union High Schoo l Class of 2025 marched across the stage Friday afternoon in a ceremony honoring academic achievement and the spirit of community and perseverance that defines the Pirate legacy.

Held on campus under blue skies, the 4 p.m. commencement ceremony brought together hundreds of friends, relatives, educators, and local leaders to honor the graduates — a journey that began in the shadows of a pandemic and concluded with the celebration of resilience and success.

Superintendent and Principal Kim Sheehan opened the event with a warm greeting, praising the students for their strength, growth, and leadership.

The ceremony began with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by the Pledge of Alle

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