The Shadow
BATH COUNTY, Va, (VR) Bath County High School honored its graduating class of 2025 during a weekend of celebration that included a Capping Ceremony Friday evening and commencement exercises Saturday morning. The events highlighted academic excellence, community support, and the
bright futures awaiting the graduates as they received diplomas and numerous scholarships from local organizations. During Friday’s Capping ceremony, over twenty scholarships were awarded to deserving seniors where each graduate was met mid stage to have a loved one place their graduation cap on their head. The generosity of Bath County High School’s community supporters and organizations, as in previous years stepped up to ease the financial burden of college tuition for many graduates.
Principal John Taylor and distinguished Educator Mrs. Jeannie Rooklyn presided over the presentations, which highlighted the community’s investment in its youth. Bayley Gardzinski was named valedictorian, and Kelsey Eaton earned salutatorian honors, with both graduates earning a host of cords and awards.
The Keswick Phillips Memorial Scholarship, presented by Keswick’ s family awarded three $2,000 scholarships to Kelsey Eaton, Bayley Gardzinski, and Allana Black. The scholarship honors Keswick Phillips, a 1991 BCHS graduate known for his community support.
Other awards included the Darren Nicely Memorial Scholarship presented to Mason Phillips, and the Steven M. Greer and Emily K. Greer Star Scholarship, which provided an impressive $5,000 a year for four years award to Mason Phillips.
The Bolar Ruritan Scholarship Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary by awarding two scholarships. The first was worth$5000 and went to Emily Thompson, the second was their inaugural technology education scholarship worth $2,000 and it went to Sierra Gardner. “The spirit of generosity is what makes this place truly special, and we hope that you remember that we believe in you,” said the foundation’s representative Mrs. Deborah Mills.
Saturday’s graduation ceremony began with the processional of the class of 2025. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the class president “Adrianna Essex” offered a prayer thanking parents, faculty, and guests for their support throughout the graduates’ educational journey. Special guests in attendance
included members of the Bath County School Board and Bath County Board of Supervisors, demonstrating the community-wide support for the graduates.
Salutatorian Kelsey Eaton delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on her high school experience and expressing gratitude to teachers and family members who supported her educational journey. “I want to thank my family, particularly my parents, for their unconditional support and
guidance,” Eaton said. She encouraged her classmates to reflect on the lessons learned and the people who shaped their high school years.
Valedictorian Bailey Gardzinski began her speech with humor before transitioning to more serious reflections on the memories and challenges shared with classmates. She specifically thanked her best friend Sierra Gardner and numerous teachers and coaches. “My mom has made countless sacrifices
for our family, and at times, even sacrificed the things she wanted or needed to give my brothers and me what we wanted or needed,” Gardzinski said, fighting back tears. “I’m so blessed to call this extraordinary woman my mom.”
Principal Taylor honored retiring teachers Adeline Hodge and John Hubert for their years of dedicated service before highlighting the graduating class’s achievements in sports and extracurricular activities. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas to all graduates, arranged in rows, as family and friends cheered their accomplishments.
Throughout both ceremonies, speakers emphasized the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and community support. Many scholarship presenters noted the rigorous selection process and the exceptional qualities demonstrated by the entire class. The weekend’s events highlighted Bath County’s commitment to supporting its youth and the promising futures awaiting the class of 2025 as they embark on their next chapters in education and life.
Salutatorian Kelsey Eaton
Valedictorian Bailey Gardzinski
