Some traditions grow more meaningful with time—and for the Class of 2025 at Sleepy Hollow High School, the annual Rose Ceremony brought their journey full circle.
Back in 2013, these seniors were just beginning their path in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns. As young scholars, they were welcomed with a rose from the graduating Class of 2014. On May 22, it was finally their turn to receive a rose during the 34th annual Rose Ceremony.
In a moving celebration, Sleepy Hollow’s seniors were joined by first-graders from W.L. Morse. SHHS Principal Dr. Deborah Brand opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the symbolic power of the rose before sending the students off with warm wishes.
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“We hope that your journey will bring you the same level of joy that you brought this community,” said Dr. Brand.
The first-graders then paid tribute to the seniors with a touching song before presenting each of them with a rose—a symbol of growth, dreams, and the journey ahead.
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Rose Ceremony is always a bittersweet tradition—one filled with pride, gratitude, and the anticipation of what’s to come. As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, we send them off with love, hope, and unwavering support.
“The Rose Ceremony is a beautiful tradition that captures how special our students are—not just as individuals, but to one another,” said Dr. Brand. “The spirit of giving is at the heart of everything they do, and this ceremony is a reflection of that.”
