Congratulations Co-Salutatorians Gavin Martino and JiaLe (Caleb) Yi, and Valedictorian Jonathan Habecker!
From Houghton Academy
Under a canopy of prayer, pride, and purpose, Houghton Academy hosted its 137th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 31, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025. With families and guests gathered in the Academy’s auditorium and many more tuning in via live stream, twenty-one graduates from seven countries and three continents were honored for their academic success, character, and contributions to the school community.
Head of School Dr. Toby A. Travis opened the ceremony by acknowledging the vital roles of faculty, staff, volunteers, and Board members, and welcoming families whose support made the graduates’ journey possible. He noted, “You are the reason the Academy was founded; your preparation has been the primary objective of our plans and prayers.”
The ceremony featured inspiring addresses from Co-Salutatorians Gavin Martino and JiaLe (Caleb) Yi, and Valedictorian Jonathan Habecker. Each speaker reflected on their personal growth and the unique community spirit at Houghton Academy. Martino praised the life-shaping relationships with teachers and peers, Yi spoke of navigating cultural adaptation and shared his hope-filled Christian perspective of being the light in the world, and Habecker called graduates to embrace faith-fueled courage over worry in the face of uncertainty.
An emotional highlight of the program was the traditional Rose Ceremony, where graduates honored mentors and loved ones by presenting them with roses, accompanied by a musical slideshow chronicling their time at the Academy.
The ceremony also included a wide range of academic and character-based awards:
- Isaiah 61:3 Award, the Academy’s highest honor, was awarded to Ming Sum (Summer) Lee for exemplifying the Academy’s mission and values of living authentically, learning deeply, loving boldly, and leading globally.
- Nicholas B. Merrill Memorial Scholarship went to Abigail Reitnour for excellence in academics, athletics, and Christian faith.
- Additional honors were presented for academic distinction in math, science, literature, history, athletics, and Christian studies, as well as New York State awards for achievement and character.
In his closing charge, Dr. Travis reminded students that their Houghton education is more than a diploma—it is a calling. “You are called to live, learn, love, and lead not for self, but for the glory of God,” he said. “Go light up the world.”
As caps were tossed and tassels turned, the Class of 2025 stepped forward as confident, compassionate, and globally minded graduates, ready to make an impact for Christ in every corner of the world.
About Houghton Academy:
Founded in 1883, Houghton Academy is a Christian college-preparatory boarding and day school in Western New York, offering a rigorous academic program within a nurturing, faith-filled community. The Academy proudly partners with Houghton University to provide dual-enrollment opportunities and global engagement for students from around the world.
