The Columbia Public Schools Class of 2025 had "a year of lasts" but are "standing on the edge of the future."

Those were the sentiments of student speakers, particularly from Muriel Williams Battle High School, at graduation ceremonies throughout Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25.

CPS celebrated more than 1,400 seniors from the district's four high schools — Battle, Frederick Douglass, Rock Bridge and David H. Hickman — where these students earned more than $14.1 million collectively in scholarships and grants.

For Battle High School, its Class of 2025 is a class of advocates, said Principal Aly Galbreath. She encouraged the class to never stop learning.

"Immerse yourself in every opportunity to learn. You will face challenges, so take time to do what is hard. Fail and try again," she said.

Three students were recognized as class valedictorians. They were Emily Lee, Precious Nicole Ignacio and Jack Putnam. Several other students were recognized with academic other honors, including a President's Excellence Award and George Washington Carver Award.

There ceremony recognized these honored students and also welcomed student guest speakers, including Finley Polacek, Zaylie Jones and Cedric Lakes II.

"This moment is not just a celebration of surviving high school, but is a testament to the journey we have all taken," Jones said in her address, adding the class has adapted to difficulties it has faced, alluding to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We might feel a little unsure, and that is OK. No one has a road map for life."

Within the next six months CPS will have data on how many of this year's graduates went on to a university, college or trade school or those who went directly into the work force.