Under hot, humid skies and the looming threat of a thunderstorm, 646 graduating seniors from Vineland High School gathered on June 19 for the school’s 147th annual Commencement Ceremony. Though the event was shortened due to weather conditions, it remained a proud and memorable milestone for the Class of 2025.
The ceremony took place at the historic Gittone Stadium, where the stands were filled with cheering family members, friends, and faculty. Applause rang out as the graduates processed onto the field, a sea of red and grey robes moving across the turf. Many students wore decorated caps offering glimpses into their personalities, their challenges, and their dreams for the future.
Adding a special note to the evening, members of the Vineland High School Class of 1975 were in attendance, celebrating their 50th reunion and showing their support for the next generation of alumni.
The program began with a welcome from Interim Principal Debra Quinn, who congratulated the Class of 2025 and thanked the families, faculty, and community members who helped guide them to this moment. The Vineland High School Select Choir followed, performing a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
Class President Michaela Giuliani was then presented with a ceremonial diploma in recognition of her leadership and service on behalf of her classmates. Presenting the diploma were Board of Education president Kimberly Codispoti and Superintendent Alfonso Llano.
With a storm approaching, the traditional schedule of speeches and performances was adjusted. Administrators prioritized the diploma presentation, allowing each senior to walk across the stage and receive their diploma in front of their loved ones before the weather worsened.
In one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments, Quinn offered a tribute to senior Anastasia Brunson, who passed away earlier this year. Her diploma was presented to her family by Quinn and VHS Tanner Principal Justin Adams, honoring her place in the Class of 2025.
The ceremony concluded shortly afterward, just before the storm reached the stadium.
Even with its shortened length, the evening marked a meaningful close to the Class of 2025’s high school journey. As students walked across the field, cheered on by their families and teachers, they celebrated not only their individual accomplishments but the support that carried them through. Though the ceremony ended earlier than planned, it still honored years of hard work, growth, and resilience—closing one chapter and opening the next, whether in college, the workforce, the military, or wherever the future leads.
The Commencement Exercises were recorded by VPS TV and can be viewed on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/J8s-Q8IevTw?si=BeICZf_bbHAbDh8D
Click below to view still photos from the 2025 Commencement:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14WEGbPkAl9XkgzFGWjlVizud5Din977W?usp=drive_link
T&F Camera also took individual photos of graduates receiving their diplomas. Use the links below based on seating location:
East side of the stadium (scoreboard side):
https://tfcamera.gotphoto.com/kunden/subscribe/QJ9WJLJAtG9zBXlZ8VwdWest side of the stadium (video board side):
https://tfcamera.gotphoto.com/kunden/subscribe/etkIRYLYL9iN2nWhfGsh