'Be the light': Mainland High School Class of 2025 celebrates graduation

Mainland principal Melissa Fraine said her first graduating class as principal holds a special place in her heart.

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 12:00 p.m. June 2, 2025
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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Mainland principal Melissa Fraine beamed as she approached the podium during the Buccaneers’ commencement on Friday, May 30 at the Ocean Center. 

Fraine said she was deeply honored to stand before the graduates, their families, friends, faculty and staff, not only as the school's principal, but also as a fellow Buccaneer of the class of 1985.

Fraine assumed the helm of her alma mater in January.

“Students you will always hold a very special place in my heart because you were my first graduating class and, interesting enough, this summer marks my 40th class reunion,” She said. “To me, this is a beautiful reminder that the bonds that we built and the memories and the friendships that we have here can last a lifetime. We’re here to celebrate your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead of you.”

The class of 2025 has set a high standard of achievement for underclassmen to strive for, Fraine said. There were 365 graduates and each member, she said, has made a special contribution to Mainland High School during his or her career.

Forty-four scholars earned a 3.5 GPA cum laude, 25 earned magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA and 61 scholars earned summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA. Seniors have worked over 17,000 community service hours and received close to $200,000 in scholarships.

Industry scholar designations require students to attain a high school diploma and also earn an industry certification. Students who desire to achieve scholar designation must successfully complete challenging academic courses and pass end-of-course exams, proving they are college-ready. Mainland had 305 students earn industry scholar designations and 103 who earned scholar designations. 

Eighteen seniors earned the Florida Seal of Biliteracy and 13 students will be entering the military following graduation. Students also signed up for dual enrollment, with 27 receiving their associates degrees at Daytona State College on May 13.

Valedictorian Abigail Grove earned her AA at DSC and will be attending the University of Florida to major in finance. She addressed the graduates.  

“We have made it to this monumental moment, not because of our achievements but because of our ability to rise back up after failure,” she said. “… Success that comes without hardship is meaningless but success that comes after multiple setbacks and countless hours of work can be the reward.”

Salutatorian Gabriella Stinson will also be attending the UF to major in biology with a pre-med track. She said giving the graduation speech gave her flashbacks of the speech class she took at DSC, but she wanted to share important information with her fellow graduates.

“Setbacks and moments of doubt shape how we think, how we grow and how we respond when things become hard,” she said. "Growth does not come from perfection — it comes from pushing through imperfection. Your strength is not built upon easy and laid back moments but (built) when you push through those that are hard, frustrating and even embarrassing, at times. A phrase that always stuck with is ‘a setback is just a setup for the comeback’.”  

Fraine said every choice you make is like lighting a candle and implored her graduates to let that light be their compass, which will lead to decisions that align with their values and dreams.

“As you prepare to step out into the world, I want to share a simple but powerful message — be the light,” she said. “As you leave the familiar halls and you take your next steps, remember the decisions that you make both big and small — they are going to shape your journey. Life will offer you choices. Some will be clear and others will test your resolve. Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your triumphs and trust yourself to navigate the path that feels right for you. In those moments of uncertainty, remember that you are the light.”

 

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