Photo courtesy of ACPS
ACPS graduation May 28, 2025
Cheers and pride filled the air Wednesday, May 28 for the 984 Alexandria City High School (ACHS) graduates— known as the Visionaries of Tomorrow, as Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) staff, leaders, School Board members, families, City Council members, dignitaries and community participants celebrated the Class of 2025 as they walked across the stage and received their diplomas.
"The class of 2025 has undoubtedly left an unforgettable impression on ACHS,” said ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan III. “They have been innovative, creative and inspiring. Their ability to advocate for themselves and speak truth to power is a trait that will serve them well as they move forward into what's next. They inspire me and make me want to work hard to be the best educator and school leader possible."
In addition to Duncan, the commencement ceremony included remarks from Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Class of 2025 President Scott Price and Vice President Djibril Wone, Student Government Association (SGA) President James Libresco and senior student speakers Sana Kawoon and Katie Bwenal Barrera. The Titan Choir seniors sang the national anthem and in attendance were Alexandria City School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief and other School Board members, as well as Alexandria City Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City Council members and Virginia House of Delegates Members Alfonzo Lopez and Charniele Herring.
"As our graduates step forward today, they carry with them more than a diploma—they carry HOPE. It is not just optimism, it is a call to action: to Harness their potential, Overcome obstacles, Pursue purpose and Elevate others,” said ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. I am inspired by their strength, resilience and commitment to making a difference, and I cannot wait to see the impact they will have on the world.
Alexandria City High School Class of 2025 Facts:
518 members of this class have reported pursuing a bachelor’s degree and 102 are planning on pursuing an associate’s degree (As of May 20, 2025).
They will attend 134 colleges and universities (As of May 20, 2025).
20 Titan athletes signed letters of intent to compete in collegiate athletics in nine sports.
444 seniors (37% of the class) graduated with an Advanced Studies Diploma, the highest percentage of ACHS students to earn an Advanced Studies Diploma.
They are receiving at least $2 million in merit scholarships awarded, including from the following organizations: HBCU Week Foundation, Inc., Questbridge College Match, POSSE Foundation, Gates Foundation, Akerson Family Foundation, Beat the Odds Program (BTO), Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Navy ROTC, Alexandria Sportsman Club, Educational Opportunities for Alexandrians (EOA), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Dell Scholars Program, Amazon Future Engineers, Harry F. Byrd Scholarship Foundation, Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) Foundation, Cooley-Moore Scholarship, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), as well as many of the schools they will be attending.
215 students received scholarships from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria totaling $700,400 for their first year of college, to be renewed throughout their four years of study, totaling $2,611,850 in value.
At this time, 30 students have indicated a commitment to serve in the U.S. military.
23 seniors have planned gap years through the following organizations: Year Up, Americorps, employment/internships (as of May 20, 2025)
55 students will attend trade schools to start careers in field such HVAC, dentistry, electrical, cosmetology, automotive mechanics, and more (as of May 20, 2025)
Class diversity of the 984 graduates:
Asian (non-Hispanic): 7%
Black/African American (non-Hispanic): 24.69%
Hispanic all races: 36%
White/non-Hispanic: 28.8%
Multi (non-Hispanic): 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native (non-Hispanic): 1%
Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025!
