DEL NORTE - The Del Norte High School Class of 2025 was surrounded by family and friends on Friday, May 23, as they gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and to set the stage for their future. The gym in the Upper Rio Grande School District (URGSD) was packed to the brim with those who came to celebrate the new graduates, filling the air with excitement and laughter. 

The DNHS Class of 2025 strolled into the gymnasium, some hand in hand as they made their way to the front of the room, stopping to pose for pictures. Once the students settled into their seats, fellow student Kaylee DuPont sang the National Anthem and finished to the cheers from the crowd. 

High school Principal Annie Hardy took to the stage to welcome everyone to the 2025 graduation celebration and introduce the school’s administration and board of education members in attendance. “It is tradition at graduations to honor the students who have achieved the highest-grade point averages over four years with the titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian. This year we have the honor of recognizing Kaitlyn Kaufman Brigham as our Salutatorian.” 

Kaufman Brigham came to the stage to applause from her fellow students and the attending crowd. “I guess we should have believed everyone who told us it would be over before we knew it. We have almost everything checked off the list. We worked so hard to get here and even though it went by so fast, we are here to enjoy our accomplishments.” 

Kaufman Brigham went on to share her thanks to all the people who helped the Class of 2025 and herself get to graduation. “Thank you to all of the parents, teachers, and staff. We wouldn’t be here without you.” 

After the Salutatorian Address, various presenters presented scholarships to students throughout the Class of 2025. The ceremony continued with an address to teachers and parents followed by the annual flower ceremony where students filed through the crowd handing out flowers to their family and friends, thanking them for their part in the student’s journey. 

The crowd cheered as each student walked across the stage to accept their high school diplomas, bringing them to the last moments of their high school careers. Congratulations Class of 2025.