PHOTOS: The First Academy Commencement Ceremony 2025

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The First Academy’s graduating seniors were honored and recognized for their accomplishments throughout their time at the school before walking across the stage and receiving their high school diplomas at TFA’s 32nd commencement ceremony May 16 at First Orlando.

Along with the presentation of diplomas, graduates and their invited guests heard speeches from both the Class of 2025’s Valedictorian, Sophia Hong and Salutatorian, Haven Schrimsher, sang worship songs, experienced a candle-light ceremony — in which the senior class pass the fire from its candle to a member of the Class of 2026 — and honored First Orlando Senior Pastor David Uth for 20 years of service.

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Sam Albuquerque

A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.