New London's 2025 graduates tell the story of their class
By David Jacobs
Three student speakers took the stage at New London High School's 2025 graduation ceremony, using the microphone not to celebrate themselves, but to recognize the people and moments that made their journey possible.
Class president Hayley Spoerr, who also served as FFA president and National Honor Society president, will attend the University of Findlay to study agriculture business and political science.
“We have finally made it after years of early alarms, late-night cramming, Taco Fridays in the cafeteria," and more. "Here we are," she said at the June 2 event in the new on-campus football stadium/track facility.
When she thinks about everything the class has experienced together, it's "not just the big milestones that come to mind," she said.
Spoerr thanked the school district's teachers for their patience and passion.
"You've taught us more than equations and essays," she said. "You've taught us how to show up, think for ourselves, and, maybe most importantly, how to survive Monday morning."
She also thanked families for their support through uncertainty and shifting plans.
"You believed in us even when we weren't ready to believe in ourselves," she said.
Spoerr noted that the new graduates grew up together.
"We've made mistakes, learned from them, laughed a lot, maybe cried a little, but we kept going," she said. "We showed up. We didn't give up, and we did it together. The truth is, life after this won't always have a syllabus."
Someone won't always be there to tell you what to do, she noted.
"But the good news is we've been given the tools to figure it out," added Spoerr, the daughter of Jeremy and Teresa Spoerr.
The school salutatorian, Tate Landis, focused on the journey shared by the entire class and the foundation that helped them reach the finish line over the span of 13 years.
"While today is meant to celebrate the ending of a chapter in our lives, it's important to remember where we're heading and how we got here," he said. "The best 13 years of our lives, we've been preparing for this new beginning. We faced obstacles, celebrated victories, and learned from our mistakes."
Graduation is not the end of the graduates' stories, but the end of a chapter, he said.
"Now, the pages are in front of us, and we each have the power to choose where we want to go, who we want to be, and how we want to shape the future," Landis said. "As we all sit together, it's important to recognize that we didn't get here alone. We've been shaped by families, friends, mentors, and, of course, our teachers."
Landis added: "As we go our separate ways and chase those new goals, let's not forget to carry the support of this community with us, because no matter where life takes us, we're stronger together."
The son of Keith and Tiffani Landis, he will be attending Ashland University, majoring in finance and business analytics. Tate is a multisport athlete and member of the National Honor Society.
The valedictorian, Ashlyn Mitterling, delivered a wide-ranging message at the ceremony.
She thanked friends and family, then turned to the school's teachers, coaches, administrators, directors and staff.
"I can genuinely say I would not be standing here and delivering this speech if it weren't for our amazing staff who care so deeply about the quality of our education," Mitterling said, noting newly retiring educators, as well.
Reflecting on a graduating group of 56 students, Mitterling described the class as close-knit.
"We're more like a big family," she said. "We haven't just spent the last 13 years of our lives attending school together, but forming bonds that we will hold close to our hearts for the rest of our lives."
She said that 3.8 million U.S. students are graduating from high school this year, a record.
Mitterling detailed what made the New London Class of 2025 special, recognizing individual students. She went on to say: "...We're not special in that we are graduating. We are special because what sets us apart from every other school is the 56 outstanding students seated before me today."
The new graduates shared more than a building, she noted. “We've shared a life."
Mitterling will be attending Ashland University in the fall, studying biochemistry, and has been involved in multiple activities, from cheerleading to band and National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Terin and Pamela Mitterling.
She closed with a message.
"Some of us know exactly what is next. Some of us are still figuring it out — and that's OK. The future isn't a race nor a checklist. It's a blank page."
It's one that she said could lead to a college campus, a military base, a job site "or a place we haven't even imagined yet."
Mitterling spoke of the Class of 2025 "being part of something small but mighty."
"As one of our own, Mrs. (Victoria) Trask reminded us at the beginning of the year, it's our sunset year. But sunsets don't mean the light is gone," Mitterling said. "They mean it's time for a new day to begin. So let's carry this light with us wherever we go."
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
New London's 2025 graduation one to remember
Video: New London band at graduation ceremony
LIST: 2025 New London High School graduates (click here and scroll down)
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
