TYLER — The end of their years at school had come, but for the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton class of 2025, it was a milestone to celebrate.

“Class of 2025, you’ve reached the finish line,” said RTR High School principal Rick Gossen. Gossen was one of the speakers at RTR’s commencement ceremonies in Tyler on Sunday.

A total of 48 RTR graduates received their diplomas at the ceremony. During the program, graduates heard words of encouragement from classmates – including salutatorian Trinity Bloom and valedictorian Adalia Matzner – as well as school staff.

“Before we send you off into the world, whether it be college, work, the military or whatever you choose, I want to leave you with a few thoughts,” Gossen told graduates.

Gossen said some of his advice was the same for graduates every year. Graduates should remember that they can’t have too many friends, or too many people who will say something good about them, he said. He also encouraged graduates to always ask themselves each day what they need to do to make the day go the way they want.

Gossen’s advice for the class of 2025 was to be proactive and take chances. The world graduates were entering didn’t give opportunities for extra credit, he said. “You have to make your own way. You are going to need to learn how to raise your hand and ask questions.”

“Second, chase your dreams,” Gossen said. He emphasized that new grads should pursue their own dreams, and not someone else’s. “Don’t let someone else tell you what those dreams are,” he said. Gossen referenced the lyrics of the Cody Johnson song ‘Til You Can’t.” “The lyrics go like this: If you have a dream, chase it, because a dream won’t chase you back,” Gossen said.

“Most importantly, don’t ever forget where you came from,” Gossen said. “Don’t forget the teachers who pushed you, the friends who stuck by you, and the family members that guided and supported you. Carry the memories with you.”

“That is your foundation,” Gossen told graduates. “It’s a part of you, and an important part of your story, a story that’s just getting started.”