Confetti Caps Farhadullah’s Cross Graduation

Farhadullah Maiwand was showered in silly string, golden glitter, and confetti by his family — as he became one of 350 students to graduate from Wilbur Cross High School Monday in a ceremony filled with pride, joy, and reflections on family.

The ceremony took place on the East Rock high school’s athletic field, where loved ones packed bleachers, waving balloons and posters as each student crossed the stage. Many wore decorated caps and gowns, with stoles representing their cultural backgrounds.

Maiwand’s brother said that their festive display was their way of honoring his hard work. Maiwand plans to attend UConn Stamford to study cybersecurity after graduation. He said the most challenging part of high school was tackling his Advanced Placement courses such as AP Psychology, Chemistry, and Physics.

“Focus on what you’re doing, try your best, and as long as you give your best, that’s enough,” Maiwand said when asked what advice he had for incoming freshmen at Wilbur Cross, which is the city’s largest school.

Major Justin Elicker and Supt. Madeline Negrón offered words of encouragement, applauding the class for their resilience and growth. Principal Matt Brown also addressed the crowd, commending students for not only their academic achievements but also for their spirit of community and support for one another.

Class Salutatorian Christopher Van Tassel spoke about how this moment was years in the making. He said he dreamed of speaking at graduation ever since his older brother walked across the Cross stage years ago, and he thanked his family and teachers for helping him reach that goal. Van Tassel continued his speech by telling fellow graduates to pursue next opportunities with both feet in. 

“You don’t have to feel ready to do something great,” he said. ​“If you wait for the perfect moment when you feel confident and prepared, you might never move.”

Fellow newly minted Cross grad Erin Palmer then took to the stage to perform a rendition of ​“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson for attendees. 

Valedictorian Isabelle Brown grounded her speech in the theme of family. She highlighted the many ways loved ones carried students through their toughest moments and reminded her peers to never forget the people who made their success possible.

The keynote speaker, Camila DeChalus, delivered an address on finding one’s voice. A 2012 graduate of Wilbur Cross and current White House reporter for CNN, DeChalus began her journalism journey as a Cross student writing for the yearbook. She encouraged the class of 2025 to embrace their stories and lead with courage. 

“Most defining moments didn’t announce themselves. They happen quietly — in conversation, in a classroom, in a club you almost didn’t join,” she said. ​“They happen when you say yes to something new, or no to something that no longer fits you.”

Grad Noah Faitau beamed with pride as he posed for photos alongside his mom, covered in leis made of candy — a Hawaiian tradition he said felt ​“heavy.”

“The best memory I have from Cross is making a lot of good friends that helped me through a hard path.” Faitau said. ​“I’m thankful for the staff and Mr. Brown. He’s amazing, he’s the best principal.”