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Dear School District of Philadelphia Parents, Families and the Class of 2025,

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025! Graduating with a high school diploma is an extraordinary achievement, especially in times like these and in a place like Philadelphia. Not only must our high schoolers overcome rigorous graduation requirements in order to graduate, many of them must also overcome imposing personal hurdles as well. As the world around them rapidly changes and barriers they do not deserve are placed in their way – opportunities being restricted, identities called into question – they have continued to persevere. They have continued to strive. And their grit, combined with the hard and strategic work of our educators and central office staff, has positioned the School District of Philadelphia to continue becoming the fastest improving, large urban public school district in the nation.

Indeed, the Class of 2025 is impressive. As of June 1, 88% of our seniors were on track to graduate. And there are additional exciting statistics about our graduating seniors that I look forward to sharing with you later this summer. Congratulations and well done Class of 2025 – you should be extremely proud!

As you walk across the graduation stage, I urge you to dream big. Follow those dreams, start your careers, or perhaps continue your education. Whatever you do, remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. Do it so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” In doing so, you have the power to help your family, community, or nation thrive. I cannot wait to see you realize any future you desire!

In partnership,

Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia