With graduation just weeks away, seniors at Kempsville High School are preparing to walk across the stage and into the next chapter of their lives. For many, the days leading up to the milestone have been filled with excitement, reflection, and uncertainty about what comes next.
Olivia Vick, a senior at Kempsville, plans to attend the University of Virginia to study business. She says the thought of graduation brings a mix of emotions.
“As graduation approaches, I feel a variety of emotions, some being nervous but also really excited for the future,” Vick says.
While she’s looking ahead to college life, Vick said she’ll always carry the friendships she made in the school’s Entrepreneurship and Business Academy.
“We were exposed to diverse people that built great relationships,” she says.
Fellow senior Jackson Vevoda plans to attend Tidewater Community College before transferring to a four-year university. As the end of high school approaches, he admits to having some regrets but remains hopeful.
“I’ve begun to feel as if I didn’t take advantage of opportunities that were given to me, but I also am excited to start a new chapter of my life,” Vevoda says.
Like Vick, he says the friendships he formed in high school will stay with him. The thought of transitioning to life after graduation is a little daunting, but he’s looking forward to what lies ahead.
“Change is always scary; but at the same time I’m excited to learn new things and meet new people,” he says.
For Kempsville math teacher and senior class advisor Lauren Sexton, this class is one she’ll never forget.
“This is my fourth year teaching at Kempsville and my 13th year teaching,” Sexton says. “The Class of 2025 holds a special place in my heart because I taught some of them as freshmen during my first year here. I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow into amazing individuals.”
Sexton says the senior class has shown strong leadership in clubs and organizations, helping shape the school culture.
“I believe the Class of 2025 has demonstrated exceptional leadership, leaving a lasting impact on our school,” she says. “I hope students who follow in their footsteps will recognize the value of forming meaningful relationships with classmates and teachers through involvement in different organizations.”
As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, their teachers, families, and peers will be cheering them on, proud of what they have accomplished and excited for what they will do next.
