In a heartwarming testament to student dedication and community support, Hamilton Southeastern Schools is celebrating an unprecedented milestone: the highest graduation rate in district history. The Class of 2025 has proven that when students, educators, and families work together, extraordinary things happen.

The numbers tell an inspiring story. Across the district, 98.8 percent of seniors crossed the graduation stage to receive their diplomas, marking a historic achievement that reflects years of hard work and unwavering commitment. At Fishers High School, the success was particularly remarkable, with 878 of 880 students—an astounding 99.66 percent—earning their diplomas and stepping confidently into their futures.

Hamilton Southeastern High School also shined brightly, achieving a 97.99 percent graduation rate as 879 of 897 students successfully completed their high school journey. Both schools now stand proudly among Central Indiana's highest-performing institutions, well surpassing the state's overall graduation rate.

"Graduation is a milestone that reflects years of effort, support, and growth," said Superintendent Patrick Mapes, his words capturing the pride felt throughout the district. "These outcomes speak to the commitment of our students and the work of our educators to ensure students are supported and prepared for what comes next."

What makes this achievement even more meaningful is its inclusivity. The graduation success wasn't limited to any single group—it extended across the entire student body. English Language Learners, Exceptional Learners, and students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals all experienced strong outcomes, demonstrating that Hamilton Southeastern Schools truly leaves no student behind.

District leaders credit this record-breaking success to a comprehensive approach that puts students first. Strong academic programming provides the foundation, while robust student support systems ensure that every learner has someone in their corner. The district's focus on meaningful postsecondary pathways—whether college, career training, military service, or workforce readiness—means students aren't just earning diplomas; they're launching into futures they're genuinely prepared for.

Behind each of these nearly 1,800 graduates is a unique story of perseverance, growth, and achievement. Some students overcame language barriers, others navigated learning differences, and many balanced schoolwork with family responsibilities or part-time jobs. Yet they all reached the same triumphant finish line, thanks in no small part to educators who refused to give up on them.

As these graduates move forward—some to college campuses, others to career training programs, military service, or directly into the workforce—they carry with them not just a diploma, but the confidence that comes from being truly supported and prepared. Hamilton Southeastern Schools has given them more than an education; it has given them a launching pad for their dreams.

This remarkable achievement reminds us all of what's possible when communities invest in their young people and refuse to accept anything less than success for every student.