John C. Schiffer Graduation 2025

The John C. Schiffer collaborative school graduated seventeen students on Friday, May 23 at Kinnison Hall at Sheridan College.

Molly Magera sang the National Anthem and J.C. Schiffer Principal Mike Swan gave the welcome speech.

He said that the students didn’t get here alone, but they should thank their teachers, who challenged them; and their parents and guardians, who supported and encouraged them. He added that they have learned how to think critically, how to ask for help, and how to lead. He said the world needs problem solvers and dreamers. “It needs you. Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Valedictorian was Molly Magera, and she had this advice to her fellow graduates. Every failure is a lays a foundation for success, and every fall helps to strengthen the foundation.

Salutatorian Sydney Herrigel had some advice for parents as well as for her fellow graduates.

Guest speaker was Josh Hanson, Language Arts Teacher at Schiffer said that he has dedicated his adult life to reading, writing, studying and teaching of stories. He said that some days that seems useless, but he added that stories matter. He said that he read a horrible statistic that said basically one-third of all Americans never read another book after they leave high school.

He said he wanted to use the time to make one last pitch to the graduates to read books.

Hanson said that we must carve out safe spaces, not to lie to ourselves but to protect our hearts and minds. We need places where good guys win, and we can identify the good guys. We need this. Books require one to be an active participant in building that world. This is a very particular type of magic.

“I can’t wait to see what kind of stories you will build, through your thinking and acting in the world. Your story begins today.”

There was a memory slide show about the graduates, and diplomas were presented by Lexus Orozco, Anne Travis and SCSD#2 Trustee Doug Moore.