On May 17, seniors will walk across the stage at Mayer Family Field to commemorate their last four years at Archbishop Riordan High School. If there is one word that should come to mind when describing this particular class, it is adaptable.

The class of 2025 began their high school careers in a time unlike any other, as they returned to school as freshmen amid COVID with masks, social distancing, and a lack of traditional high school experiences.

The graduating class of 2025 has been through many new changes in their four years at this school, and has broken many unspoken traditions as well. Notably, over the last several years, Riordan has alternated male and female valedictorians.

However, with Breanna Dizon ’24 and now Ava Bowles ’25, two young women have earned the title back-to-back, marking a new era for Riordan’s students.

This year, Riordan has seen a large number of college acceptances from schools like UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Barnard, and many more.

Leading the class are Valedictorian Ava Bowles ’25, and Salutatorian Riley Alfonso ’25, who not only excelled academically, but have also done their part to support their fellow classmates.

Becoming valedictorian is much more than a title or accomplishment. For Bowles, this achievement is an active reflection of the years of determination that have gone into everything she sets her mind to.

“To me, being valedictorian is a recognition of my hard work these past four years,” she said.

“It means a lot to me because the Class of 2025 is so talented. I am honored to be chosen to represent this class at graduation.”

In addition to her academic achievements, Bowles has also dedicated four years to the Riordan soccer team and has co- founded the Book Club. She is also a co-president of the Wellness Club and a member of the CORE team.

Bowles credits much of her success to the support of her older sister, India Bowles ’23, the 2023 Riordan Salutatorian.

She described, “The fact that my sister earned this honor too is a testament to the guidance and encouragement I’ve had every step of the way.”

The seniors were able to navigate both a variety of changing schedules and the ups and downs of building friendships during a global pandemic. Despite this, this group of students has built long-lasting connections, adapted quickly, and made the most of every opportunity that followed.

Alfonso is equally as excited for this upcoming accomplishment. Alfonso owes much of his success to his teachers and fellow classmates who have shaped his experience at Riordan.

“I think that my time at Riordan has been amazing and was especially driven by the amazing teachers. There hasn’t been a single class that I would change if given the opportunity to relive my experience.”

Alongside his hard work, Alfonso also serves on Riordan’s senior committee and up-and-coming Climbing Club.

Together, Bowles, Alfonso, and the rest of the class of 2025 will soar to new heights after they graduate from Archbishop Riordan High School. While the new experiences that their future colleges or careers will offer them will transport them to the next steps of their lives, they will never forget the experience that Riordanhas forged for them