Rogers High School celebrated the graduation of 127 seniors during a ceremony held at Toppa Field in Newport on Thursday (June 12). The Class of 2025 marked this milestone under clear skies as family, friends, and school officials gathered to honor their achievements.

The evening’s ceremony began with the procession of faculty to “Air for Band” by Frank Erickson, followed by the graduates entering to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar as attendees stand in recognition.

Principal Jared B. Vance, M.Ed., welcomed guests and introduces a series of speakers offering congratulations to the graduates. Assistant Principal Evelyn Folcarelli, Superintendent Dr. Colleen Burns Jermain, School Committee Chairman James Dring, and Newport Mayor Charles Holder all delivered greetings to the Class of 2025.

Mason Choice, a 2008 Rogers High School graduate, serves as the ceremony’s guest speaker. Choice currently works as the Restorative Justice & Building Culture Coordinator at Rogers High School, where he focuses on creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment through positive relationship building and constructive conflict resolution.

Choice’s role involves implementing restorative justice practices such as circles, conferences, and mediations to address conflicts and disciplinary issues. He supports students and staff in repairing harm, restoring relationships, and reintegrating students after disciplinary actions.

His professional philosophy centers on ensuring every student feels “seen, heard, and valued.” Outside of his work at Rogers, Choice is a father of three who enjoys basketball, exercise, and spending time with family.

The ceremony also featured addresses from the class’s top academic achievers. Salutatorian Madeline Murphy delivers remarks, followed by Valedictorian Grace Rochelle, who also serves as Senior Class President.

Following the speeches, Principal Vance presented diplomas to the graduates. The ceremony included a special moment when graduates recognized faculty members, led by Senior Class Advisor Grainne Phelps.

The celebration concluded with a recessional to Pharrell Williams’ upbeat hit “Happy” as attendees remain standing for the faculty and graduates’ exit.

Among the 127 graduates, several receive special recognition for their academic and extracurricular achievements. Gold cords and stoles identify National Honor Society members, while gold tassels designate Rhode Island Honor Society members. Pink cords represent Tri-M Music Honor Society membership, and red and white cords indicate NACTC Industry Credential recipients. Students who completed JROTC academic requirements wear black and gold cords with white stoles, while red, white, and blue cords signify JROTC patriotism.

The following is a photo of the program listing the Class of 2025 graduates.

All photos by Justin Walker for What’sUpNewp.

Justin Walker is a Newport County native who specializes in sports, portraits, weddings and events as a freelance photographer around New England. Justin has over a decade of experience starting in college covering high profile events, collegiate and professional sports in Washington, D.C. His photojournalism and freelance work can be seen in various local and national publications. Check out his work at justinlwalkerphotography.com!