Preserving What Matters, Not Just What’s Seen

By Sean Openshaw

I've been photographing graduations for decades—first as a photojournalist for newspapers, now as a professional photographer hired by schools to capture ceremonies, diploma presentations, and formal portraits. But during Friday's Coconino High School Class of 2025 graduation, I had a moment of clarity that solidified how I see these events.

As I positioned my team and a dozen strobes around NAU's Skydome, I looked up into the stands and saw what I always see: hundreds of phones and cameras flashing, capturing every angle of this milestone moment. On the stadium floor, multiple amateur and professional photographers hustled to document what this ceremony looked like. Everyone focused on the visual story.

But I'd bet money that—aside from maybe a lone reporter—almost no one was putting pen to paper about what was being said on that stage.

No one was writing words about what this moment meant because they were so focused on capturing what it looked like.

We've become obsessed with the visuals while ignoring the meaning—how we got here and what we hope for the future.

My camera caught Logan Weidinger's composed tribute to fallen classmate April Singer, but it couldn't capture the collective intake of breath from 300 graduates remembering their lost friend. It documented Senior Class President Micah Rhon's confident delivery of his "thermostat" metaphor. Still, it missed the proud tears in his parents' eyes as they watched their son articulate wisdom beyond his years.

When Dedicatee teacher Doug McGlothlin spoke about choosing "human intelligence over artificial intelligence," I captured his intense expression—but not the profound nods from students who felt deeply seen. As a coach and Graduation Dedicatee, Molly Johnson encouraged authenticity, saying, "The world doesn't need a copy of someone else." My lens focused on her gestures while missing the graduates' faces, lighting up with recognition of lessons lived rather than just taught.

The cameras captured hundreds of graduates handing Principal Ragan what appeared to be small gifts during the diploma ceremony. Without the words, no one would know these were reading glasses—a playful acknowledgment of his frequent need for "readers" during daily school operations. The photos show the exchange; only the spoken explanation reveals the inside joke.

These moments remind me why I encourage everyone to pair images with words.

Write down the conversations that happen driving home from ceremonies like this. Document the dinner table discussions about dreams and plans. These stories don't need to be perfect—just real. Journal them, voice record them, and type them into your notes app. It's the words that will help families remember how it felt when revisiting the moment years later.

Sure, "graduation speeches" are often dismissed as cliché—a necessary attendance tax. But what I witnessed Friday was real wisdom and heartfelt insight. These students and educators didn't just show up—they showed up honestly, and that deserves to be preserved.

Photography preserves how moments look. Words preserve what they mean.

What follows is graduation coverage done differently—comprehensive documentation of the wisdom, insights, and deeply human moments that cameras alone can't capture. More importantly, it demonstrates why your family milestones deserve the same kind of intentional preservation.

This same thinking influenced how I approached this year's graduation portraits. Instead of cropping tightly to hide the setup, I included the lights and the backdrop edges—even the cords—in the frame. To some, it might look unfinished or unconventional. That's OK. We're all entitled to our artistic tastes. But I did it to make a point: the memory isn't just in the perfectly composed pose, genuine smile, or the ideal crop—it's also in the effort, structure, and intention behind the moment. By widening the frame, I wanted to show what is usually hidden: that capturing meaning takes work. There's so much more to a moment than what it looks like or what we work so hard to curate. It's a reminder that behind every polished image is meaning—and that meaning is worth capturing, too.

Opening Ceremony

Friday, May 23, 2025 – Northern Arizona University Skydome

The Coconino High School Class of 2025 culminated their educational journey Friday morning in a ceremony filled with reflection, inspiration, and celebration at Northern Arizona University's Skydome. The 9 a.m. ceremony honored a class that collectively earned over $4 million in scholarships and demonstrated exceptional academic and community leadership throughout their high school careers.

The graduation ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by JROTC, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Coconino High School Choir. Then, graduates entered the stadium to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the CHS Band & Orchestra.

Student Speakers

Following recognition of active-duty service members and veterans, student Logan Weidinger opened the student addresses with a heartfelt tribute to fallen classmate April Singer. "Before I begin, I wanted to take a moment to honor one of our classmates, April Singer, who we lost recently with a moment of silence," Weidinger said.

After the silence, Weidinger delivered profound words about presence and mindfulness. "This moment that we all share together is a moment that we're never going to get back. So, I want us all to take a deep breath and look around. Look at who is with you today: the people you've had classes with for the past four years and your family sitting in the stands. Enjoy this moment. Fully embrace it. Don't think about what is going to happen after this because if you do, you'll miss out on what is happening now."

Drawing inspiration from cinema, Weidinger said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in a while, you can miss it. Enjoy today. Live in this moment. Choose to breathe every breath, and remember the best is yet to come. Congratulations, everyone. We did it."

Multicultural Addresses

The ceremony featured welcome addresses in three languages, reflecting Northern Arizona's rich culture. Aranxa Resendez delivered an eloquent address in Spanish, expressing deep gratitude to the community that supported their journey.

"Today, we are united to celebrate this day that marks the end of a very important stage and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. It is a personal achievement that we accomplished thanks to the effort and work that each of us dedicated over the years," Resendez said in her translated remarks.

She acknowledged the mixed emotions of graduation while emphasizing joy. "I know that today is full of mixed feelings as we say goodbye to four years of memories, friendships, and unforgettable moments, but more than anything, it is full of joy. Our perseverance and desire to complete this academic journey were greater than the challenges we faced."

Resendez thanked the support system that made her success possible.

"We are very pleased that you are present, as you - parents, family, friends, and faculty - contributed to our success. Your guidance and advice were fundamental during the journey of this achievement. For us, your support and contributions were the wind beneath our wings, which allowed and inspired us to travel the path until now."

She concluded with contemporary wisdom from Bad Bunny, encouraging her classmates to "start worrying less and enjoying more because life goes by fast, too fast."

Elena Klopfenstein and Luvelle Lomahoyourna provided welcome addresses in Navajo and Hopi, honoring the significant Native American heritage within the graduating Class and the broader Northern Arizona community.

Principal's Address

Principal Tadd Ragan delivered extensive remarks highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

"Good morning again, and welcome friends, families, faculty, staff, community members, alumni, and graduates. My name is Tadd Ragan. I'm the proud principal of Coconino High School. It is an exceptional honor to stand here before you to recognize our graduating Class of 2025 and award the diplomas."

Ragan painted a picture of exceptional students who had transformed their school.

"Today, the students seated here, the Class of 2025, are celebrating their many accomplishments, their completion of 13 years of education, and their walk across the threshold to their shining future. These students are unstoppable and have left an indelible mark on Coconino High School. Their unwavering spirit, determination, commitment to excellence, and pride in scholarship have been evident in everything they have achieved."

He described their character and impact. "One shining example and a point of pride for me is how these students are thriving and vibing. They continue to demonstrate what it means to show Panther pride. They have demonstrated to their peers what it means to be a Panther in the classroom, in the hallways, during assemblies and performances, on the field, court, or track, and as spectators."

Ragan reflected on his connection to many graduates. "As I was preparing these opening remarks, I found myself both emotional and reflective. This is truly a remarkable group of students, and I love them all. Many of these young adults I have known since sixth grade. It has been an honor and a point of pride to watch them grow over the last seven years."

The principal detailed their comprehensive excellence. "They have excelled academically. Many of them have earned scholarships, academic awards, recognitions, and prestigious accolades, setting a high standard for future generations. Beyond their academic and athletic prowess, the Class of 2025 has also demonstrated exceptional leadership. They have shown a commitment to service, dedicating their time and efforts to various community projects, making a positive impact on the lives of those around them."

He continued cataloging their achievements. "They have energized school pride and spirit, organized school-wide events, competed athletically, excelled academically, volunteered at local organizations, built strong relationships with their teachers, and actively participated in initiatives to improve school culture and build a stronger community. The Class of 2025 has showcased their talents and passions through various extracurricular activities, whether it be in sports, performing arts, robotics, chess, scholarship, as well as other fields, these students have excelled and brought tremendous pride and spirit to Coconino High School."

Ragan then presented an impressive array of specific accomplishments. "In the class of 2025, we have 135 students who received honor roll recognition and many others received scholarships based on their academic merit, Poetry Out Loud regional finalists and represented CHS at the state level, nine AP scholar candidates, five of whom got honors recognition, CHS international baccalaureate IB diploma candidates, career and technical education scholarship recipients."

The academic achievements continued. "Several students graduating from high school with college credits earned through the dual enrollment and the caveat program. Over half the graduates completed at least one career or technical education program—students who are graduating from Coconino High School and from Coconino Community College. Seventeen students have earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas. This seal signifies that the students can read, write, communicate, and think critically in two languages."

Ragan highlighted scholarship recipients and recognition programs. "We have Hispanic Convocation Honorees, Native American Convocation Honorees, a national recognition by the College Board for National Indigenous Recognition Program, Chief Manuelito Scholarship, six candidates, QuestBridge National Match, two recipients, Gates Scholarship, two recipients, a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar recipient, 43 NAU Lumberjack recipients, 31 U of A Wildcat Excellence Scholarship recipients, 19 ASU New American Scholarship recipients, one award-winning artist, one GCU Colangelo Scholarship recipient, two College Knowing & Going Ambassadors."

Athletic and service achievements rounded out the impressive list.

"Several athletes have athletic-based scholarships and universities at universities and colleges. JROTC candidates who will be serving our country in the military. A full scholarship to the Naval Academy recipients. A published poet. City Championship football team for the eighth year in a row. A four-time regional champion softball team. A 4A state champion softball team. Track and field sectional gold and bronze winners. Coconino Institute of Technology and Career and Technical Education completers. Golden yearbook program of excellence. Members of student government. Links, mentor leaders. Students have volunteered endless hours to give back to their community. Members of the World Hall of Fame robotics team and the FIRST Championship and Impact Award recipients. JROTC Cyber Patriot team was placed at the top in the state."

The culminating achievement drew enthusiastic applause.

"And this is what I'm most proud of. Collectively, this Class has earned over $4 million in scholarships. You can see why I introduce myself as the proud principal of Coconino High School."

Ragan offered guidance for the future.

"To the graduating Class of 2025, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for your individual and collective achievements. You have worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles and embrace the challenges along the way. Today, as you walk, skip, across this stage to receive diplomas and embark on your future endeavors, I hope you let the lessons and values you've learned at Coconino High School guide you towards positively impacting the world."

He continued with life advice.

"Pursue your passions with determination, continue to face adversity with resilience, and always strive for excellence. Find your person or people to support you on your journey, or be that support for someone else. Be kind to all as we collectively navigate the complexities of Life."

Ragan concluded with gratitude and inspiration.

"Thank you for showing us that anything is possible with hard work, the right attitude, and the never-quit mindset. This Panther pride and the legacy of the CHS graduating class of 2025 will always bind us together. I'll wrap it up with one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin, 'The U.S. Constitution does not guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself.' This graduation ceremony marks the passage into your future. You are the Coconino High School class of 2025. The tassel was worth the hassle. Press on, and together, we will always be Panther Strong."

Senior Gift

Yadira Ortiz Soto presented the Class of 2025's senior gift with heartfelt remarks about tradition and legacy.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Yadira Ortiz, and I am truly honored to stand before you today to present the Class of 2025 senior gift. It means so much to be part of this special moment as we leave behind something meaningful for our school and future students."

She explained the significance of the tradition.

"For those who may not know, a senior gift is a tradition where the graduating Class donates something to the school to say thank you and leave a lasting legacy. It's our way of giving back and making a positive impact for the students who come after us."

Ortiz Soto revealed their choice with pride.

"This year, our Class chose something we felt would truly represent school pride and spirit, something bold, lasting, and full of Panther energy. We are proud to present a new Panther mascot to the school. This mascot will stand as a symbol of who we are: strong, united, and proud to be Panthers. We hope it reminds future students to take pride in their school, to support one another, and to carry on the traditions that make Coconino such a special place."

She concluded with gratitude.

"Thank you to everyone who helped make this gift possible, and thank you, Coconino High School, for the memories, the lessons, and the community we built here. Go Panthers, and congratulations to the Class of 2025."

Honor Address

Honor student Kate Garrison delivered a thoughtful address about personal growth and the value of self-reflection. She opened with memorable family wisdom.

"My dad once told me that if you look back on the past and don't cringe, you're doing something wrong. Good morning, everyone. My name is Kate Garrison, and I am the honors student for the Coconino High School class 2025."

Garrison challenged her audience to examine their journey.

"As you all sit in your seats, I want you to consider the events that landed you in this room today. To my fellow graduates specifically, think back to who you were as a freshman, how you acted, what you said, and what you wore. If you could go back and do it differently, would you?"

She shared her vulnerable reflection.

"I'll be honest, there's parts I probably would redo. I had a short, pixie haircut and hadn't quite figured out how to be confident in my style. I either spoke too much or not at all. I remember looking at the seniors and being jealous because they had it all figured out. But I'm sure I'm not the only one with this experience. I was doing my best then, but now, looking back, I do cringe, and that's the point."

Garrison reframed discomfort as positive growth.

"Cringing at your past self isn't something to be ashamed of. It's actually a sign of growth. If you're proud of every single moment, action, and interaction that you've ever had, chances are you haven't really changed. Growth means learning from your mistakes, evolving your thinking, and often, laughing about how you used to be."

She expanded the message to include everyone.

"And it's not just about our individual journeys. Look around. Every single person here has changed in some way. We've grown more confident. We've learned to speak and when to listen. We figured out who we are, or at the very least, who we aren't, and that matters just as much."

Garrison offered wisdom for the future.

"As we move forward into this next chapter, whether it's college, work, travel, or something completely unknown, remember this. You carry every moment, every awkward interaction, every mistake, every win, and every loss with you. It all builds you. It all moves you forward."

Her conclusion tied together past, present, and future.

"So don't be afraid if you look back and cringe at your past. It means you've come a long way. And more importantly, it means you're not done growing yet. As you walk out of this room today to your future, always remember to keep learning, keep trying, and keep cringing. And most importantly, take time to reflect on the past. If you look back and you're still cringing, you're doing something right."

Senior Address

Senior Class President Micah Rhon delivered an engaging address that distinguished their Class while offering practical wisdom.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Micah Rhon, and I am your senior class president for 2025. And with that title, I have the utmost honor of presenting you with the senior address. And I was kind of confused because it's been the same address for the past four years. So I didn't really know what to say. No, I'm just kidding. I'm very honored to be selected for this."

Rhon positioned their Class uniquely in recent history.

"I feel like the past four years of graduates have all talked about COVID to some extent. But since we didn't really experience that in all four years of our high school, I actually don't want to mention it at all. Instead, I think we're defined as the first high school class since 2020 to experience all four years in person. And I think we maximize that. We had a blank slate, and we didn't have to focus on remote learning or a global illness spreading around the world. Instead, we can pour our attention and focus entirely into academics, extracurriculars, athletics, or a combination of all of them. We had an incredible opportunity to live it to the fullest."

He honestly described the evolution from freshman uncertainty.

"Freshman year, though, I know I didn't, as many of you didn't as well. I was scared to get out there. We couldn't drive, weren't the best athletes, and knew school would only get more difficult. But we learned a valuable lesson. Things aren't just going to happen to us. If we want to make the most of these four years, we have to make the decisions that will impact our lives consciously."

Rhon traced their growth through each year.

"So sophomore year was better. We got better at sports, made more friends, and we knew the campus really well, well, still kind of well. And senior year felt miles away. Sophomore year is when I decided to put that practice of activism into play. If we didn't start making the most of these high school years, we were going to regret it. And everything was just fine, perfect even, for the rest of sophomore year."

He acknowledged the challenges of junior year.

"And then the terror struck, junior year. The classes, the anxiety, all of the scholarships, everything went way up in intensity. Lots of us got early onset senioritis. But we stuck with what we said. This year will not be defined by drowning in schoolwork and staying home. Instead, we're going to live it to the fullest. We'll go to football games and school assemblies and school dances, whatever it is, get out there and do stuff."

Rhon reflected on their final year.

"And all of a sudden, after escaping that chokehold of 11th grade, we stepped foot into Coconino High School as seniors. And the last year has by far been the fastest of them all. And throughout it, if I were to sum up everything I've learned and everything I'm going to take with me, it would be this. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer."

He explained his central metaphor with humor.

"You may be asking me, what does that mean? I can't be a wall appliance. But here's what I'm saying. A thermostat changes the temperature in the room. And a thermometer only reflects it. This is the most important thing I can share with you all. And it's the thing I've seen the most from you guys."

Rhon encouraged bold action.

"If you have an opportunity to do something great, pour everything you can into it, whether that's putting a slip and slide on the field in the middle of the third hour, starting a Brawl Stars club, or potentially walking across the stage in four years at a university after accepting your bachelor's. The point is, pour your heart, your soul, your strength into things, and people will follow you."

He concluded with gratitude and love.

"I'm so proud of this Class for showing that throughout the past four years. I'm grateful for all the memories I made with you all, and I hope to keep in touch. Thank you so much for choosing me as your class president, and I love you all."

Teacher Dedicatee Doug McGlothlin Exemplifies Excellence Through Imperfection

Kendall Dunlap introduced the first teacher dedicatee with heartfelt appreciation: "Good morning. My name is Kendall Dunlap, and on behalf of the senior Class, I have the great honor to introduce one of our teacher dedicatees for the Class of 2025. Our senior Class has decided on two excellent teachers for teacher dedicatees who have made the most impact in our lives and in our high school experience."

Dunlap described McGlothlin's multifaceted impact: "First, we would like to present Mr. Doug McGlothlin, also known as Mr. McG. Mr. McGlothlin isn't just a teacher in the classroom but a teacher in Life. He shows us he cares for us in our future, he shows kindness, he shows patience and understanding, and he teaches us that giving up is never an option, but instead, hard work pays off and will help you achieve your goals and dreams."

She highlighted his high expectations. "One of the biggest lessons he has taught the Class of 2025 is to keep the bar high and never settle. Continue to reach high, strive to be better, and keep going in everything you do."

Dunlap fondly recalled his teaching style. "Some of the parts that make Mr. McG him is how well he can balance learning and fun. He makes time for Jeopardy days, letting us throw classroom parties for no specific reason, celebratory gritty, hacky and lastly, cabin-building videos. I'll be shocked if none of us know how to build a cabin after the amount of videos we've watched."

McGlothlin began his response with humility and gratitude. "Graduates, thank you for the honor and opportunity you've given Coach Johnson and me. Every little honest effort I've given this community has been returned in great dividends. I stand before you in this moment as someone highly blessed and abundantly imperfect."

He credited his support system. "Any success I've had over the years has been a result of support and opportunities given to me by good people. There are too many to name, as well as a simple truth I've learned. There is no substitute for getting up early and doing an honest day's work without doing anyone wrong, the work ethic I was raised with."

McGlothlin expressed appreciation for the community. "Parents and guardians, thank you for your support. The encouraging words, the invitations to barbecues, the handshakes at Sunnyside Market, where I get my Coke Zero and chili mangoes. Also, thank you for the tough questions and the hard conversations. On that note, thank you, Steve Hernandez, for always warning me when you were about to eject me from the gym during my early years as a wrestling coach."

He acknowledged various supporters. "Thank you, colleagues, for being in the trenches of public education. It's been an honor serving with you. And, of course, I'd be a fool not to thank my wife, Debbie, for her unwavering support. Thank God she gets me."

McGlothlin shared formative experiences from his youth. "As a kid growing up in Yuma in the 1970s, I was occasionally asked the question, boy, what is wrong with you? It was my introduction to a rhetorical question. If this sounds harsh, keep in mind that it was standard 70s parenting, and it was more concerned with actions causing consequences than creating delicate self-esteem. I'm grateful for growing up during that era of tough love."

He articulated his philosophy of imperfection. "Thankfully, I've never lived with any illusion or expectation of being perfect. In the course of trying to get things right, I've come to understand imperfection as part of the deal. Not an excuse to quit, but a reason to get up earlier, to press forward and to keep stepping toward excellence."

He quoted author Anne Lamont on the writing process. "Best-selling author Anne Lamont expresses, in colorful language, the value of writing crappy first drafts. This is what she says about highly successful writers... Not one of them writes elegant first drafts."

McGlothlin connected this to personal growth. "Terrible first drafts, Lamont explains, are a value in their flawed nature because they lead to better second drafts. And if there's something worth saying, excellent third drafts. Occasionally, they can lead to a masterpiece."

He described what he's learned about his students. "I know the gratitude list you wrote for Melo Monday writing prompts, expressing love and appreciation for your parents' sacrifices, your grandparents' wisdom, your faith in God, your friends that get you through the day, your teachers, coaches, and counselors, your dogs, cats, and horses."

He addressed their deepest questions. "Why does it all matter? It matters first and foremost because to get here right now, you had to show up day after day and think your way through situations."

He concluded with advice. "Concern yourself more with contribution than recognition, more with being of service than being liked. Humility comes before honor."

He ended with flair and affection. "Your next draft is in front of you, waiting to be written. In closing... What's done is done. And now, Panthers, I give you my final salute as I take the long way back to my seat, and I graduate with you this time."

Molly Johnson Champions Authenticity and Joy

Estrella Ortiz Soto introduced the second teacher dedicatee with moving words.

"Today, I have an honor speaking about someone who has left a lasting mark on all of us, not just as a teacher, not just as a coach, but a role model of strength, compassion, and affinity."

Ortiz Soto praised Johnson's genuine nature.

"She doesn't wear a mask or pretend to be something she's not. She shows up every single day as herself, honest, real, and true. And that is one of the greatest gifts she gives to us."

Johnson began by connecting with graduates.

"When I graduated high school nine years ago, I sat in a chair just like yours... I had plans, and I had ideas. But what I didn't have was the perspective and experience that I now have."

Her first lesson addressed change.

"Expect change. The dreams you have today will shift, and that is OK... I changed my major again, again, and just one more time for good measure."

Her second lesson focused on authenticity.

"Be your own person. Comparison will control you if you let it... Life isn't a race, so take your time to become your own person."

Her third lesson emphasized joy.

"Don't forget to have fun. Life will get busy but don't forget to schedule some fun... Even if it's just 15 minutes, make space for what brings you joy."

She ended with encouragement.

"Congratulations, Class of 2025. There are very few moments in Life as iconic as the one you're in. So remember it. Cherish it... Now go take on the world, be kind and trust yourself. You've got this."

Closing Moments

Student Body President Michaela Sims delivered the closing remarks.

"It's hard to believe that we're really here, standing at the finish line of a journey that's taken 12 years to complete. It really doesn't feel real."

Sims reflected on their shared story.

"One minute we were lining up for recess... and the next we were counting down the days until graduation... These moments built a story we'll carry with us forever."

She expressed gratitude.

"To our teachers, thank you for believing in us. To our families, thank you for your love, your patience, and your sacrifices. And to our friends, thank you for the memories."

Her final message to classmates was clear.

"My biggest piece of advice is simple. Don't lose yourself... Remember who you are right now. Stay true to your values, your heart, your dreams."

Together, Principal Ragan and Sims led the final countdown:

"One, two, three. We now present the Coconino High School graduating Class of 2025."