I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the graduation ceremony of my alma mater, Leavenworth High School! I volunteered my time and effort to give back to my friends and community, and it was a lot of fun!

Graduation ceremony podium with wooden lectern and blue diploma covers arranged in front of dark backdrop.
A graduate in blue cap and gown stands at a podium during an outdoor commencement ceremony.
Graduate in blue cap and gown stands at wooden podium during outdoor commencement ceremony.
Graduate in bright blue cap and gown sings passionately into microphone during outdoor ceremony.
Student in blue graduation cap and gown speaks at podium with Leavenworth High School seal during ceremony.
Student in blue graduation cap and gown delivers speech at podium during commencement ceremony.
A row of graduates in blue caps and gowns smile and celebrate during a commencement ceremony.

It was great to see so many familiar faces, as I crossed the same stage just a year ago. I was thrilled to be able to photograph the event from the field level, thanks to the support of some amazing people within the school and district administration.


While the photos you see of the speakers and performers during the ceremony are great, I'm particularly proud that I was able to capture at least one photo of every single graduate who crossed the stage. (Rather, at least I'm not aware of any I happened to miss!)

Graduate student in royal blue regalia shaking hands with faculty member during graduation ceremony.
Two graduates in bright blue commencement robes share a celebratory hug during graduation ceremony outdoors.
A graduate wearing blue academic regalia and honors cords stands smiling on stage during graduation day.
A graduate in royal blue regalia receives their diploma while shaking hands with faculty during outdoor graduation.
Graduate in blue cap and gown receives diploma during outdoor commencement ceremony on cloudy day.
A graduate in bright blue cap and gown shakes hands with faculty member in red and black regalia during commencement ceremony.
Graduate in blue cap and gown reaches to receive diploma from faculty members at outdoor ceremony.
A graduate in blue cap and gown shares a warm embrace during commencement ceremonies on an outdoor stage.
Graduate in blue cap and gown receives diploma during outdoor commencement ceremony.
Graduate student in blue cap and gown receiving diploma during outdoor commencement ceremony.

After many long hours of culling and editing, I was able to share a complete gallery of the event with the school district and the broader community within just two days of the event.


This was a challenge, but one made entirely worthwhile by the reactions from loving family members who could share a free, high-quality photo of their graduate concluding the biggest accomplishment of their life.


Overall, I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities and challenges this event presented. It was great to capture high-quality memories for some of my closest friends and their families, and I look forward to doing the same for others in the future.


Congratulations, Leavenworth class of 2025!