English High’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony in Pictures

On Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, English High graduates, faculty, friends, family and alumni gathered at the Boston College High School to celegrate English High’s 201st Graduating Class.

English High Alumnus Alva Mitchem ’66 Inspires the Class of 2025

At this year’s English High School graduation, the Class of 2025 was treated to more than just applause and diplomas—they received a masterclass in life and financial wisdom from fellow alumnus Alva Mitchem, A graduate of English High nearly 60 years ago, Alva stood where today’s seniors now stand—ready to take on the world. He began by acknowledging the faculty, staff, and alumni who helped shape the students’ high school experience, before sharing five life-changing rules for success.

Here are a few highlights from his address to the class of 2025:

“Be informed. Register to vote. Start saving early. Delay gratification. Avoid drugs, alcohol—and crazy people,” Alva said with clarity, humor, and conviction.

Alva’s message was both practical and deeply personal. He shared how a mentor, Mr. Fusco, once pulled him aside the morning after graduation to offer advice that changed his life. The cornerstone of that advice? Financial independence.

Using real numbers and relatable examples, Alva laid out a simple but powerful long-term savings strategy. If a young adult started saving just $36 a week at age 17, that habit could grow into a nest egg of $2.6 million by retirement at age 65. The secret isn’t luck or inheritance, he explained—it’s consistency, persistence, and time.

He cautioned graduates to avoid credit card debt, impulsive decisions, and influences that could derail their futures. “Make the right choices between the ages of 17 and 25,” he urged, “and you’ll set yourself up for a lifetime of stability.”

Alva also encouraged students to watch the first 10 minutes of Saving Private Ryan to understand grit, responsibility, and personal sacrifice—qualities he believes are essential to succeed.

His message, while rooted in financial advice, reached far beyond money. It was a challenge to this year’s graduates to take control of their futures, value their time, and stay focused on their goals.