ACHS Celebrates 425 Graduates with Memorable Ceremony at Boardwalk Hall

ATLANTIC CITY — The echo of “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” filled the vaulted ceiling of Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Monday, June 23, 2025, as 425 Atlantic City High School seniors, dressed in blue and white caps and gowns, processed into the iconic arena.

Family members and friends — some waving banners, others holding signs and oversized cutouts — filled the historic hall with cheers and applause, marking a milestone day for the Class of 2025. The ceremony blended longstanding traditions with meaningful departures from the norm, reflecting the diversity and aspirations of this year’s graduates.

Tradition with a Touch of Distinction

The afternoon began with a dignified presentation of the American flag by the Atlantic City High School NJROTC Color Guard. Clad in crisp uniforms, the cadets set a formal tone for the event during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Words of Wisdom: Inspiration from the Podium

Students Khajuan Roseborough and Griselda Zuniga followed with readings of inspirational quotes. Drawing on the wisdom of historical and contemporary figures, their selections encouraged peers to aim higher, persevere through adversity and stay true to themselves.

A Family First: Salutatorian’s Address Breaks the Mold

Breaking from tradition, Salutatorian Ishtiak Hossain delivered his speech alongside his brother. His remarks, reflective and heartfelt, reframed the milestone moment not as a chapter’s end or a new beginning — but simply as the next step.

“Books have outlines. Life has coincidence. Books start and end in clean chapters,” Hossain said. “Life never tells you which one you're on.”

He continued, “Today, we are not closing any chapters nor are we opening new ones. We're moving. Still ourselves. Still becoming. And today, together — we take the next step.”

Hossain also paid tribute to his parents. “Mom, Dad — Amu, Abu — we're sorry for the trouble we’ve caused, and thank you for believing in us even when we didn't believe in ourselves.”

Guiding the Way: Leadership and Gratitude

Director of Secondary Education Donald Harris delivered a motivational address urging students to embrace life’s opportunities with courage and humility.

“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” Harris declared, asking the crowd to repeat the phrase.

“This is not a harsh ultimatum,” he explained. “To lead is to uplift. To follow is to support and trust in a shared vision. And sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do is recognize when to step aside, so others can shine.”

Harris reminded students that the world needs all three: strong leaders, engaged supporters and those who know when to make room for growth and new ideas.

A Message of Belonging from the Valedictorian

Valedictorian Faizah Faroque delivered an emotional and empowering speech centered on gratitude and resilience. She opened by asking her parents to stand.

“Ammu and Abbu, I want to say thank you,” she said. “You had a life in Bangladesh and you left it all behind for your children. Thank you for every sacrifice and every hardship you encountered.”

Faroque applauded her classmates for their perseverance.

“You took care of your siblings while juggling school. You worked late night shifts to help pay the bills. You got scholarships to pay for college,” she said. “You did things no one saw — things you may never get credit for. And when people question your place, please remember that you belong in every room you step into.”

She concluded, “You are more than enough. And you have what it takes. Don’t let anyone dim your light. Be good. Do good. Go Vikings!”

You Can Do It: Superintendent La’Quetta S. Small

Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta S. Small continued the theme of possibility and resilience, reminding students of how far they had come — and how far they could go.

“About 13 years ago, many of you were in kindergarten,” Dr. Small said. “For those who don’t know, ‘kindergarten’ is a German word that means ‘children’s garden.’ Back then, you were like small flowers exploring the garden of life. But with the help of your families and your friends, you’ve blossomed into the young adults we see today.”

She encouraged the Class of 2025 to stay focused and determined despite the challenges they may face.

“Throughout life's journey, you’ll encounter obstacles, roadblocks, detours and stop signs,” she said. “And sometimes, there won’t be any signs at all. So what do you do? You press forward. Remain steadfast towards your goals. And remember — there is nothing you cannot achieve if you truly believe in it.”

A Voice of Experience: Mayor Marty Small Sr.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. delivered a speech marked by personal reflection and civic pride. He emphasized his commitment to young people, pointing out that his administration has distributed $3 million in educational scholarships over the past three years. Small also said there would be opportunities for those who pursue education and come home prepared to serve.

“You can be exactly what you want to be,” he said. “My challenge to you is: go away, explore, but come back and make a difference here — in this city, in this community.”

Passing the Torch: The Gift of the Class of 2025

In a gesture of generosity, students Brooke Swift, Bridget Roach and Eileen Roach presented the “Gift of the Class of 2025” to next year’s seniors, accompanied by the school’s Viking mascot. Rather than a physical object, this year’s class donated the remaining funds from this year's senior class fundraiser to help cover prom expenses for the Class of 2026, helping ensure that every student has an opportunity to celebrate in style.

A Day to Remember

As graduates turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air, the atmosphere in Boardwalk Hall was filled with pride, hope and excitement. Families snapped photos, friends embraced, and students spilled onto the Boardwalk for one last round of pictures and memories.

The Class of 2025 left with more than diplomas — they carried forward lessons of tradition, gratitude, resilience and community. Atlantic City High School’s 2025 graduation was more than a ceremony. It was a celebration of dreams realized and futures just beginning.

To view an extensive gallery from Atlantic City High School Graduation 2025, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Rj2uZR8ArcNuuVM6

The following is a list of the Top 10 Atlantic City High School Seniors (Photo Credit: Atlantic City High School Photography Teacher Randee Rosenfeld)

1. Faizah Faroque

      Yale University   

2. Ishtiak Hossain

      Princeton University

3. Tanzia Choudhury

         Boston University 

4. Ishrak Hasan

        New York University 

5. Tasnova Tayeba

        Johns Hopkins University 

6. Amera Mozammel

        Rutgers University 

7. John Nghia Tran

        Rutgers University

8. Alexis Rose Gormley

        Stanford University

9. Isabella Gravely

Rutgers University

10. Nadera Mannan

        Rutgers University

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