Students take part in the processional at Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Students take part in the processional at Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Students take their seats during Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Students take their seats during Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

The Johnstown High School chorus performs at Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Students laugh during Johnstown High School’s 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, at Knox Field.

Valedictorian Diya Patel speaks at Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Salutatorian Julia Moses speaks at Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

The stands at Knox Field were filled to capacity for Johnstown High School's 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27.

Students toss their caps into the air as fireworks explode in the background at the conclusion of Johnstown High School’s 144th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at Knox Field.

Overcoming obstacles and challenges was a running theme for Johnstown’s High School’s 144th commencement ceremony Friday at Knox Field.

Mother Nature threw one last challenge at the graduates as rain delayed the start of the ceremony.

In his final speech before retiring, Greater Johnstown School District superintendent William Crankshaw said that the Class of 2025 has faced and overcome several challenges.

“Your class had faced challenges that no generation before you has faced,” he said. “Five years ago, the district was facing budget challenges and a pandemic. We rebuilt, weathered the storms and emerged stronger.”

Crankshaw, a Johnstown graduate, is stepping down after serving the district as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

During his remarks, school board president David D’Amore pointed out that this year’s class should take the time to limit the many distractions they are faced with on a daily basis and focus on personal growth.

“You’re not just free to go, you’re free to grow,” he said.

Johnstown High School principal Scott Hale, who will be the district’s assistant superintendent next year, commended the Class of 2025 in a speech that featured parts of several Billboard hits.

This year’s class was headed by valedictorian Diya Patel and salutuatorian Julia Moses. Patel also was the Class of 2025 president.

The ceremony featured several speeches by both administrators and students.

During her speech, Patel, who plans to attend Boston College next fall, talked about the sacrifices her family made to get her to this point and the importance of living in the moment.

“Living in the present is the greatest fit you can give yourself,” she said.

Moses, who moved to Johnstown before her junior year, talked about overcoming the challenges of adapting to a new school.

“We can do difficult things and we can overcome challenges,” she said. “You have to keep going so you can see how far you can run and how high you will fly.”

Prior to the ceremony, there was a moment of silence for Corbin Baker, a member of the Class of 2025 who passed away earlier this year.

A total of 113 students were awarded their diplomas during the graduation ceremony, which was closed by a fireworks display.

The Northville Class of 2025 tosses their mortar boards in celebration at graduation on Friday.

There’s no going back

98-year-old Ronald Gibbons is presented his high school diploma by Gloversville Enlarged School District Superintendent of David Halloran during the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Friday. Gibbons was called for duty in World War II at the age of 18 and a week before his graduation with the Class of 1945.

Gloversville school board member Ed Sturgess presents his daughter LilyAna with her high school diploma during the 148th Gloversville High School commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Members of the Gloversville High School Class of 2025 celebrate at the conclusion of the 148th Gloversville High School commencement ceremony at Robert E. Gould Stadium at Husky Field on Friday.

Members of the Gloversville High School Class of 2025 prepare to walk to Robert E. Gould Stadium at Husky Field for the 148th Gloversville High School commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Members of the Gloversville High School Class of 2025 seek shelter from a rain shower that passed over the area prior to 148th Gloversville High School commencement ceremony at Robert E. Gould Stadium at Husky Field on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Friday night, after a short delay for a passing rain shower, the 141-student graduating class of 2025 marched into Robert E. Gould Stadium at Husky........

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