On the evening of Friday, May 30, 2025, Berkeley International High School (BIHS) held its senior graduation ceremony in the community theatre.
The ceremony was emceed by seniors Ariana Alharazy and Gaia Giliberti, and kicked off with senior Miyabi Schroth performing an original song titled “Horizon,” which encapsulated all of the nerves and excitement felt during this big life transition. Another graduate, Miriam Reichenberg, then gave a speech detailing funny moments and quirks of her past BIHS teachers.
Berkeley’s current Youth Poet Laureate Anita Marie Júlca was also a part of the BIHS graduating class, and she performed her original poem “Dandelions in the Spring,” detailing the treachery and beauty of the transition from childhood to adolescence. Senior Eostrix Garcia-Freedman then performed an original song called “Polaroid Memories.” Garcia-Freedman played electric guitar and sang about the importance of remembering small, joyful moments from high school. Then, all of the BIHS seniors had their names called and received their BIHS emblazoned sashes.
Athletic Director Ross Parker presented the Kalpna Mistry Scholarship Award, named after an BIHS teacher who passed away in 2016. This scholarship was awarded to graduates Emma Knisbacher and Chahd Othmane. Senior Tai Tachibana then spoke from the heart in a piece simply titled “Tai’s Graduation Speech.”
Seniors Lua Ginsberg-Portugal, Margot Johnson, Hairuo Zhang, Lea Williamson, and Taylor Sky Criswell then gave a touching tribute to former BIHS student Lillia Bartlow, who passed away during her sophomore year.
The evening ended with BIHS teachers Melissa Jimenez and Rebecca Villagran giving final appreciations to this year's seniors.