113th Central Class Holds Spectaculor Graduation at LSU’s Pete Maravich Center

The Central High School Class of 2025 walked across the stage at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center Wednesday night, May 14, 2025.  With 402 eligible to walk, it was the largest graduating class since the Central Community School System was founded in 2007.

More than 8,000 people packed into the Assembly Center on the campus of LSU and for a few hours Central dominated the campus.

The highlights of the event were the Valedictory Address by Mia Ackoury and the Salutatory Address by Kelsie Myrick and of course the presentation of diplomas to the graduates by principle Brandon LaGroue.

Central High’s Symphonic Band set the tone for the event with  a brilliant performance of Pomp and Circumstance as graduates marched onto the floor.

In his hospice bed in Baton Rouge, Bill Lewis, 94, was cheering them on.  One of only three remaining members of the Central High Class of 1948, Bill said he wishes the graduates great happiness and success.

In the Assembly Center, attendees were welcomed by Parker Allen and Kierra Taylor, co-presidents of the Central High Executive Committee.

The audience stood for the invocation led by Central High Student of the Year Ava Nehling.

They remained standing as the Central High Concert Choir sang the National Anthem, led by director Mary Ann Russell.

Brylleigh Erickson, Kaitlyn LaMonte, and Kaitlyn Moulin led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests were introduced by Chloe Chaney, Maycee McKnight, and Maddox Myers.

Principal Brandon LaGroue took the floor and told graduates they are a very special group who survived many serious challenges and survived and prospered. Christina Faulk made special recognitions.

Kelsie Myrick was next with her address, followed by the Concert Choir singing “I Lived.”

Mia Ackoury then presented her remarks, which are reprinted in part on Page 33.

Michelle Lato assisted Mr. LaGroue in the presentation of diplomas. One by one, the graduates crossed the stage, received their diplomas, and stepped into the future.

Grace Kinberger and Hallea LaCroix led the graduates in moving their tassels.

The audience stood as Sophia Sullivan gave the Benediction.

Coach LaGroue gave his closing remarks. The Concert Choir and the Symphonic Band played the Central High Alma Mater.

Excitement was building as graduates prepared to celebrate and toss their caps into the air.  J’Kaia Claiborne and Ainsley Vallere gave the signal, and the seniors went wild!

As the Symphonic Band played Fanfare and Recessional, the graduates filed from the hall, as the faculty lined the way and congratulated the graduates.

Outside the Assembly Center, an impromptu party was underway, as graduates hugged family and friends and took lots of photos.

A giant lighted LSU sign was atop Tiger Stadium facing the Assembly Center, and attendees peaked into Mike the Tiger’s cage hoping to get a last look at him.

Across Stadium Drive across from the Assembly Center, graduate Gabrielle Hill had quickly changed out of her cap and gown and joined a Mardi Indian band and dancers who were celebrating graduation and her own possible career in show business. It was an engaging and colorful performance that left everyone wondering what was going on but agreeing it was very cool!

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On Monday, principal Brandon LaGroue reflected on the Class of 2025. He said, “The Class of 2025 was extraordinary and had a variety of talents.” He mentioned: 

•A National Merit Finalist and two Semifinalists

•The Louisiana 5A High School Football Champions

•Runnerup for the Louisiana 5A Basketball Championship.

•A talented artist, Ashland Rogers, who has won awards and sold her work.

•Pockets of talent in many diverse areas.

Coach LaGroue himself has been honored this year. The State Department of Education named him as Louisiana’s High School Principal of the Year.  Last year, Central schools Supt. Jason Fountain was named Louisiana’s Superintendent of the Year.