Butler students complete journey to graduation
Butler’s class of 2025 head to commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
BUTLER TWP — In the sweltering heat of a gymnasium packed at least to capacity, Butler’s class of 2025 members marked the end of their time at their hometown school.
“13 years, you’ve been waiting for this, you finally made it,” John Wyllie, assistant to the superintendent, said to the students as they entered commencement.
Despite the weather trying its best to get in the way of commencement, Butler’s 2025 Golden Tornado united to celebrate the life milestone they achieved. Students and their families walked up the hill from the parking lot over a mile away and filtered into a crammed gymnasium.
Hundreds of parents used their commencement programs as fans while teachers and younger students volunteering passed out water bottles in the crowded bleachers. Other faculty rushed around to help accommodate guests, getting extra chairs for people to sit in the back of the gym.
Over 500 students departed from the homerooms they started school days in, with the boys clad in golden caps and gowns and the girls in white, and walked into their adult lives.
“It went super fast, very very fast” Amy Bocci, mother of graduating senior Andrew Bocci, said. “We’re very happy him, for all of them.”
The Butler students came together as their time in Butler Senior High School came to a close.
Zachary Slear, one of the student speakers, led a moment of silence in memory of their classmate Levi Deal, who died in June 2024. Deal would have been part of this year’s graduating class.
In their speeches, Slear and senior Braden Bergbigler both encouraged fellow classmates to never give up on their goals and dreams. Slear invoked basketball legend Michael Jordan who got cut from his high school team before a hall of fame career.
“Do not let inaction consume you. Strive to achieve your goals and do not let anyone else stop you,” Slear said during his speech.
The Butler students’ journeys will continue onto college, trade school and wherever life takes them. Bergbigler encouraged them to always keep their heads up and persevere.
“I encourage you all to continue and persevere through your hardships,” Bergbigler told his classmates during his speech.
At the end of the day, the students not only came together with each other, but with the teachers and staff that have been with them since day one.
“I think I can speak for my classmates here that we are all very thankful for all the time our teachers, family and friends have dedicated and sacrificed to help us reach this point,” senior Silvio Andreassi said.
Nevaeh Maga, left, gets her hair straightened by Arella Mackalica before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Eli Shay, left, and Kase Chopp great each other before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Liliana Kish and Paige Ponteous look at photos they had just taken before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Students hurry to homeroom to get ready to receive their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Grayden Brown moves his tassel to the left to signify his graduation as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Speaker Silvio Andreassi wipes sweat form his forehead as the gymnasium temperature rise as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Luke Frazier receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Luke Frazier receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Collin Miller receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Jasmine Roman dances before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Nevaeh Maga, left, gets her hair straightened by Arella Mackalica before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Eli Shay, left, and Kase Chopp great each other before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Liliana Kish and Paige Ponteous look at photos they had just taken before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Students hurry to homeroom to get ready to receive their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 head to commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Grayden Brown moves his tassel to the left to signify his graduation as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Speaker Silvia Andreassi wipes sweat form his forehead as the gymnasium temperature rise as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Class president Zachary Slear drinks his second bottle of water as the gymnasium temperature rise as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Luke Frazier receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Luke Frazier receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Collin Miller receives a cord from math teacher Alicia Golder in homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Jasmine Roman dances before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Nevaeh Maga, left, gets her hair straightened by Arella Mackalica before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Eli Shay, left, and Kase Chopp great each other before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Liliana Kish and Paige Ponteous look at photos they had just taken before heading to homeroom to prepare for Butler’s graduation ceremony at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Students hurry to homeroom to get ready to receive their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Members of Butler’s Class of 2025 prepare for commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 head to commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 walk into the gymnasium before commencement at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s Class of 2025 applaud during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Grayden Brown moves his tassel to the left to signify his graduation as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler Senior High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert Mcgraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Speaker Silvia Andreassi wipes sweat form his forehead as the gymnasium temperature rise as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Class president Zachary Slear drinks his second bottle of water as the gymnasium temperature rise as Butler’s class of 2025 receives their diplomas during graduation in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler’s class of 2025 receive their diplomas during commencement in the gymnasium at Butler High School on Friday, June 6, 2025. Robert McGraw/Butler Eagle
