LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Spartan Pride filled Spartan Stadium on Saturday as more than 190 Lima Senior High School students received their diplomas, ready to take on the world.
“Wherever you are, you will always be a Spartan and that means that you are family,” said Superintendent Jill Ackerman. The Lima Senior Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate years of hard work, growth, and achievement.
"It’s 13 years of hard work for these kids that have been through, some of them have been through lots in their lives."
“It’s 13 years of hard work for these kids that have been through, some of them have been through lots in their lives. They've a lot of them have they've done some amazing, great things. Their parents have worked hard. Their caregivers have worked hard to get them here. So, this day means everything. It's the culmination of all that hard work that they have done for 13 solid years,” Ackerman added.
Salutatorian Natalie Quintero reflected on the unique experiences she gained at Lima Senior.
“I’ve had a lot of growth here over the four years, which I'm thankful for. I had a lot of experiences and opportunities that I wouldn't have had at other schools, so I'm really grateful for that.,” said Quintero.
Her message to classmates was simple:
“Just soak it all in while we're here today, just enjoy the day, celebrate. That's what it's about,” she added.
“Have pride in your school, pride in your education, and pride in where you've come from, and carry that pride with you wherever you go."
Valedictorian Jonah Sheets encouraged his fellow graduates to take pride in their roots.
“Have pride in your school, pride in your education, and pride in where you've come from, and carry that pride with you wherever you go. Take what you've learned and use it. That's the best way to prove anyone who looks down on Lima Senior wrong,” said Sheets.
Ackerman’s pride in this class runs deep. She began her tenure as superintendent the same year this graduating class – including her own son, Christian – started kindergarten. As she prepares to retire this summer, the milestone feels especially meaningful.
“I'm speaking today as a proud parent and a proud superintendent. So it's a double blessing to be able to have experienced this school district as not only a parent, but as a superintendent for as long as I have so I feel very blessed today,” Ackerman said.
