Students in Lindbergh High School’s 72nd graduating class celebrated the end of their Lindbergh Schools era, and began their post-high school chapters at the Class of 2025’s graduation ceremony held Wednesday, May 21, at Chaifetz Arena. Students in the class were awarded more than $24 million in scholarships this year, Principal Dr. Eric Cochran said during his remarks.

Of the 595 graduates, 75 percent plan to attend college, 6 percent plan to enroll in schools of advanced training, 2 percent plan to serve in the military, 11 percent plan to enter the workforce, and 6 percent are planning a gap year.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Lake noted that the Class of 2025 was the first class to enjoy a full year of school at the recently completed LHS campus. He ended his speech with this message for a generation that will enter the workforce alongside rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

“As you look to the future, I encourage you to embrace opportunities and engage with complex challenges. Do not be afraid to break barriers, ask questions, stay curious and lead with empathy,” Dr. Lake said. “AI won’t replace people in our workplace, but it will replace people who do not know how to use AI. Your teachers have prepared you to solve real-world problems, navigate this changing global landscape, and collaborate with your peers. These skills will be invaluable as you move on to your next chapter.”

In addition, senior speakers Hannah Arias Alba and Lara Pimentel each shared inspirational messages with the Class of 2025.

“Success isn’t only about the things that go on a résumé. It’s found in the small victories: showing up, pushing forward, and becoming the person you’re meant to be—not the one the world expects you to be,” Arias Alba said. “Titles or trophies don’t measure the value of who you are; it’s in the way you keep going, even when no one is watching. … We are stories still being written, and in our stories, we are never alone. The best part of our story is that so much is still ahead of us.”

Pimentel spoke of making noise after graduation and not sitting on the sidelines.

“As you begin to write the next chapter of your story—for each and every new opportunity that comes your way—give it your all. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t freeze up and run out of the room. And definitely—don’t be afraid to care,” Pimentel said. “You are the only person in your life who can decide what is important to you. Take pride in that! Life is too short to be nonchalant. So live boldly, take chances, and care deeply. Be chalant!”

In this year’s class, 402 students were awarded scholarships, among those 40 Missouri Bright Flight Scholarships; 31 athletic scholarships; 207 A+ scholarships and 15 music, theater and arts scholarships.

The Class of 2025 also includes four National Merit Finalists, six National Merit Semifinalists, four National Merit Commended Students, two students with a perfect ACT score, 34 AP Capstone candidates, and 29 early college students who are graduating high school with their Associate Degree already completed.

Lindbergh High School Class of 2025: By the Numbers

• Graduates: 595
  • Graduates attending college: 447 (75 percent)
  • Four-year colleges: 327
• Two-year colleges: 120
• Schools of advanced training: 34 (6 percent)
• Military service: 12 (2 percent)
• Employment: 69 (11 percent)
• Gap year: 33 (6 percent)