Milestones | PHS Class of 2025 celebrated at Witter Field

Family and friends made the trek from points in Piedmont and beyond to the Witter Field bleachers on the evening of June 5 for a joyous celebration of the Piedmont and Millennium High School Class of 2025. Two hundred and twenty-three graduates took to the field under a warm (or hot, depending on where you were sitting) afternoon sun for the ceremony.

Valedictorian Gus von Metzsch and salutatorian Ellen Gudiksen delivered remarks that highlighted some of the special talents and accomplishments of their peers, and senior speaker Ella Hughes encouraged her classmates to lean into “chalance” — to be passionate and engaged in their pursuits going forward. Senior Class President Dean Olliphant announced the class gift, a living trellis to be placed on the high school campus. Their remarks were followed by a traditional Highlander bagpipe interlude.

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Let your values guide you in uncertain times

Piedmont parent and Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, who retires this year after 29 years in law enforcement, delivered the commencement address, excerpted below.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the elephant in the room, something we talked about– Your next steps, whether they be to college, a gap year, the work force, the military, some mixture, or none of those, are happening at a time marked by extraordinary uncertainty and rapid transformation. The political climate is turbulent, social dynamics are shifting, the environment is under immense pressure, and technological advances are reshaping how we live, work, and connect. These changes are not abstract—they are happening in real time, and they are shaping the world you are inhabiting.

To add to that, many of you may soon find yourselves in places very different from the Bay Area. You may encounter perspectives, cultures, and values that challenge what you’ve known. That can feel disorienting. It’s natural to have doubts, to feel apprehensive about what lies ahead.

But here’s what I want to say to you: Uncertainty is not just a challenge, it’s also an invitation. An invitation to be curious, to grow, to lead with empathy, and to adapt. And as you do, hold tightly to the values that define you. Let them be your compass, not your anchor, guiding you without limiting your ability to engage with others, particularly others with different views.

Values rooted in integrity, compassion, equity, and respect—these are not to be sacrificed for the sake of fitting in or going along. They are the foundation on which you will build meaningful relationships and a purposeful life.

You’ve been educated in one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking regions in the country. You are equipped with the tools to think critically, to ask bold questions, and to build bridges where others see divides.

So — as you enter this next chapter, don’t back away from the unknown. Face it with courage to explore, humility to learn, and a steady commitment to growing, without losing sight of the values that define you.

The future is uncertain by nature, but that’s your call to step forward, stay grounded in your values, and meet it with the resilience it requires. Carry forward the lessons you’ve learned here, both in and outside the classroom. And don’t hesitate to lean on your support systems, your family, your friends, your teachers, as you navigate what comes next.

Give yourself room to stumble. Be willing to take detours. Redefine success as you go because life is rarely a straight path, and it’s often in the unexpected twists and turns that you discover who you really are.

And finally, lead with kindness. Let empathy and service guide your actions. The world needs your talents, your perspective, and your heart. Use what you’ve learned not just to succeed— but to uplift others and build stronger communities.

(Read the full text of Bowers’ remarks HERE and/or hear his remarks and view the ceremony on the Piedmont High School YouTube channel HERE)

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After the ceremony, the new graduates changed out of their caps and gowns and left the field to board buses for a Grad Night party at a secret location, which was revealed en route as the newly opened bowling and event venue Pinstripes in Walnut Creek. There students were treated to a host of entertainments organized by the senior parents committee, including food, magic and fortune-telling, poker tables, bowling, and more before the night concluded at 12:30 a.m. and they boarded buses back home.

And just like that … the PHS/MHS Class of 2025 is now ready for what comes next.

A special tip of the cap from the Piedmont Exedra Editorial team to grads Juliana Thornborrow, our Good Dog reporter, and Jake Hanke, our original newsboy.

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