Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) has proudly celebrated the graduation of 829 students from its four high schools and career center, marking the end of a significant chapter in their academic journeys and the beginning of countless new ones. The 2025 commencement ceremonies were filled with pride, reflection, and a sense of purpose as students crossed the stage ready to take on the world.
Graduates from Bloomington High School South, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington Graduation School, and the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship were recognized during individual ceremonies held in late May. The events highlighted not just academic achievements but also the spirit of resilience and ambition that has come to define this year’s graduating class.
“As I celebrate my first commencement as superintendent, I am incredibly proud of what our Class of 2025 has accomplished,” said Superintendent Dr. Markay L. Winston. “The excellence of our teachers is directly reflected in how well-prepared our graduates are for their next chapters. As we remain committed to sustaining excellence in our schools, we look forward to seeing our students embark on their promising futures.”
This year’s graduating class represents a wide array of talents, experiences, and future goals. Here’s how the numbers break down across MCCSC schools:
• Bloomington High School South (BHSS): 413 graduates
• Bloomington High School North (BHSN): 368 graduates
• Bloomington Graduation School (BGS): 31 graduates
• Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship (ASE): 17 graduates
In addition to the diploma, many students walked away with well-earned distinctions. A remarkable 266 seniors were named to the honor roll, and over half of the graduating class—428 students—earned Academic Honors. Another 19 students received Technical Honors, showcasing the district’s emphasis on both college-prep and career readiness tracks.
MCCSC graduates leave high school not only with classroom knowledge but also with practical skills and credentials. Collectively, they have earned approximately $12.6 million in scholarships, reflecting both their hard work and their appeal to post-secondary institutions. They also completed 3,016 dual credits, giving them a significant head start in college.
Through programs offered at the Hoosier Hills Career Center, 148 students received industry-recognized certifications or certificates in fields ranging from medical care to skilled trades. Certifications include Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, SERVSafe, OSHA, Dementia Care, and career-focused tracks like EMT, Structural Welding, and Culinarian. Additionally, 144 graduates have chosen to enter the workforce directly, prepared with the training and credentials to succeed immediately.
The Class of 2025 has also brought home numerous awards and honors across academic, arts, and athletic disciplines. Among the standout achievements:
• BHSS students claimed first place nationally in a STEM competition, earning a $125,000 prize.
• Four MCCSC students earned national medals in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
• ASE students placed fifth in a state-level computer science competition.
• BHSS Choir ranked third in the state, while BHSN Band placed fifth in the Indiana State School Music Association finals.
• BHSN’s Scholastic Esports team finished as state runner-up, and their boys’ track and cross-country teams won state championships.
Many MCCSC graduates have their own remarkable stories of grit and passion. Among them is Danny Thomas, recipient of a 2025 Superintendent’s Excellence Award. Thomas managed a full academic load at both Bloomington Graduation School and the Hoosier Hills Career Center while working full-time as a welder.“My grandfather passed away six or so years ago now, and this is my way of feeling like I’ve made him proud,” Thomas said, reflecting on his drive and his plan to build skyscrapers across the country.
Others are heading to prestigious universities to pursue ambitious academic goals. Bonnie Dong, a BHSS graduate, earned a full scholarship to Stanford University to study computer engineering. Junior Yena Park earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, placing her among the top fraction of a percent nationally. She plans to attend an Ivy League university to begin a journey toward a career in medicine.
Then there’s Sean Borneman, a graduating senior who developed and presented a quantum algorithm at an international computing conference. Borneman will attend Carnegie Mellon University, majoring in physics with a minor in artificial intelligence.
While each graduate’s path will be different—whether it leads to a university, a trade, military service, or a direct entry into the workforce—MCCSC believes that the foundation laid during these years will continue to support them well into the future.
“Our students’ success is a reflection of a community that believes in education,” said one district official. “We’re proud of every single graduate and excited to see where their stories go next.”
The district invites families, friends, and community members to revisit the memorable commencement ceremonies online. Videos and graduation highlights can be found at mccsc.edu/graduation.
With 829 graduates ready to take their next steps, the Class of 2025 stands as a powerful example of perseverance, achievement, and hope for the future.
