River Rouge High School Class of 2025 Commencement: A Day of Pride, Perseverance, and Purpose

By April Christian-Davis

DETROIT, MI – June 5, 2025 — The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater was filled with joy, tears, and triumphant cheers as the River Rouge High School Class of 2025 crossed the graduation stage in a moving commencement ceremony that captured the heart of a community and the resilience of a generation.

For the graduating Class of 2025, this day is more than a ceremony—it’s the culmination of 13 years of perseverance, growth, and unwavering determination. These students have weathered challenges unlike any class before them, including the lasting impact of a global pandemic that disrupted classrooms and distanced friends. 

They worked tirelessly to recover academically, rebuilding reading, math, and social skills while navigating the emotional toll of isolation. Alongside homework and tests, many juggled the demands of home life—caring for siblings, working jobs, or supporting their families in times of need. 

Despite it all, they stayed focused, leaned into the guidance of their teachers, counselors, and mentors, and showed up—day after day—with courage and hope. Their journey was not walked alone. This milestone reflects the strength of an entire community: proud parents, dedicated educators, compassionate healthcare workers, and local business supporters who believed in their success every step of the way. Today, River Rouge doesn’t just celebrate its graduates—we celebrate everyone who helped them rise.

The keynote address was delivered by none other than Dr. Eddie Connor—author, educator, and founder of the Boys 2 Books Mentorship. Known for his dynamic presence and authentic voice, Dr. Connor captivated the graduating class with a message rooted in empowerment, self-worth, and the power of resilience.

Dr. Eddie Connor

“Resilience,” he said, “isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about rising up. You’ve all risen, not just above the books and tests, but above doubt, distractions, and discouragement. And that makes you unstoppable.”

Dr. Connor connected deeply with the students, many of whom have faced socioeconomic challenges, family hardships, and personal loss. Yet through mentorship, community support, and their own determination, they walked proudly across that stage, diplomas in hand and heads held high and dreams awating to be fulfilled.

One of the most heartfelt moments came during the presentation of Cassandra Frederick Heritage Award, named in her honor and awarded this year 2025 to Ma'Kayla Grant of River Rouge High School.

For 36 incredible years, Mrs. Frederick poured her heart into the  students of River Rouge School District, shaping not just young minds—but whole lives. She wore many hats along the way: a mother-figure, a sister, a friend, a confidant, a coach, and always a dedicated teacher. Her unwavering work ethic, compassion, and belief in her students shined a guiding light, reflected in every achievement leading up to this unforgettable day. As she announced her retirement, the love in the amphitheater was overwhelming—an emotional standing ovation rose around her, lasting what felt like forever, honoring the legacy of a woman who gave her all and made dreams come true.

With emotion in her voice, she shared: “When I started teaching, I dreamed of seeing the day every student I taught walk across that stage. This year, in my final class, 100% of my students are graduating. You are my dream fulfilled.”

Photo by April Davis Cassandra Frederick

Mrs. Frederick’s legacy is etched in the lives of the students she nurtured, many of whom credit her for pushing them to believe in themselves when the world tried to convince them otherwise.

The ceremony was a living testimony to the power of unity and pride. Parents, siblings, neighbors, and teachers came together not just to witness a ceremony—but to honor a shared journey of gratitude.

Blonzay and Letitia Wesley with grandson Carloul Seegars

The spirit of the evening was amplified by special remarks from the River Rouge Board of Education, who encouraged students to move forward boldly, with pride in their roots and excitement for their future.

Superintendent Dr. Derrick R. Coleman, Deputy Superintendent Alisa Berry-Brown, Chief Academic Officer Nichole German, and Director of Business and Finance Imran Miza all shared words of support and hope, emphasizing the strength and potential of the graduating class.

Photo by April Davis Carloul Seegars

Photo by April Davis : Ma'Kyla Grant with Friend Danlyah Smith

On the school leadership side, Principal Dr. Roderick Wallace, Assistant Principals Marke Miller and Demond Thomas stood with pride as each student crossed the stage—symbols of the teamwork, mentorship, and unwavering support that helped shape this milestone.

Below the skyline and caps filled the air, the amphitheater echoed with celebration, not just for the end of a chapter, but for the beginning of many new ones.

Congratulations, River Rouge Class of 2025—your story is just beginning.

Students preparing to walk accross the stage to receive diploma

Carloul Seegars greeted by Principal as he receives diploma

Students ready to walk on stage to receive diploma

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