Class of 2025: Born into virtual world, graduating seniors ready to zoom IRL

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As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate from Hewitt-Trussville High School, they stand on the edge of a new chapter — one defined by resilience, adaptation and an ever-changing world. Born in late 2006 to early 2007, these students are true digital natives, having grown up alongside smartphones, social media and artificial

intelligence. Their high school experience marked the full return to in-person learning post-pandemic, yet “normal” remains a fluid concept for a generation shaped by virtual classrooms and rapid technological shifts.

According to Birmingham-based clinical psychologist Dr. Josh Klapow, this class enters adulthood with “an incredible amount of flexibility and adaptation that has literally been tested for them since they were born.” He described them as “a class that can remind themselves they have seen it all,” citing their exposure to political upheaval, technological change and social isolation as uniquely formative experiences.

“The challenges and experiences that many of these kids have gone through will be something they look back on in years to come — and it will be unique to their generation,” Klapow said. “They can say, ‘We lived through a global pandemic,’ or, ‘We used to use smartphones for everything.’ This creates connection. They may all come from different backgrounds, but they share that.”

Despite these challenges, the Class of 2025 has grown, connected and pushed boundaries. They’ve excelled in academics, athletics and service — and built real relationships in an often virtual world.

“One of the things I'm most proud of is our ability to connect with each other,” said Addie Rutland, a dual-sport athlete involved in flag football, soccer and the Hewitt-Trussville Biomedical Academy. “Across the board, there's a good sense of relatedness. We're all different and we all have our own highest interest, but I think we’ve done a good job of being intentional — getting to know people outside of our circles and supporting each other.”

That spirit of connection extended beyond the classroom. Conrad Jones, one of Hewitt-Trussville’s two National Merit Finalists, appreciates the lessons he gained from being part of the

mountain biking team.

“Cycling is all about perseverance and overcoming challenges — about pushing just one more pedal and then one more to get further up the hill, to go farther than you’ve ever been,” he said. “The team has always pushed me to do that.”

Jones also founded the Chief Science Officers club, where he and classmates aim to make a positive impact through STEM.

“Last year, we designed and tested demonstrations for the McWane Science Center. This year, we’re looking into and advocating for environmental solutions like solar panels and organizing a river cleanup for the Cahaba River,” he said.

Jones plans to study physics in college and eventually earn a Ph.D.

“There’s no artist greater than the laws of physics and no work of art as beautiful as the universe,” he said.

Fellow mountain biker Noah Clark, who will attend Samford University, plans to turn his love of athletics into a career.

“I’ve been accepted into one of the nation’s top-performing sports marketing programs,” he said. “And I hope to continue racing mountain bikes at the collegiate level.”

Peyton Hull, a member of the softball team and National Honor Society, praised her class’s determination. “We get it done,” she said. “No matter what challenges come our way, we push through and make it happen.”

From pandemic disruptions to an evolving educational landscape, the Class of 2025 has shown resilience at every turn.

“I’m excited to graduate and see what’s next,” Hull said.

Technology has been a defining force in their education, viewed by students as both a benefit and a challenge.

“I think technology has definitely helped and hindered us,” said Rutland. “It’s made us more connected in some instances, but it can also be isolating. If you don’t want to converse face to face, you just shoot a text. That’s hurt our social skills, but it also means we can stay in touch even when we’re not together.”

The digitization of schoolwork — which began as a pandemic workaround — has become a permanent fixture.

“It’s much neater and nicer to have your materials stored on your Chromebook than sprawled through seven different binders,” Jones said.

Kaitlyn Osby, a Trussville resident and senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, offered a more critical view of the digital shift.

“As technology continues to evolve, we’re becoming more and more reliant on it, and it’s starting to affect the way we think creatively and critically,” she said. “Some people are turning towards ChatGPT or AI chatbots instead of creating or interacting with real people. It can’t compare to real human expression.”

According to a 2024 report by the Center on Reinventing Public Education, students have recovered about a third of pandemic-era learning loss in math and a quarter in reading — though recovery has been “slow and uneven,” especially for older students nearing graduation.

“This group of students experienced the pandemic during their middle school years, which are arguably some of the most formative in a person’s life,” said Andrew Colson, director of undergraduate admissions at UAB. “They’re excited to visit campuses and attend events, but many of them are more intentional about the value of their college choice.”

Colson said students are evaluating schools not just for the next four years, but also for long-term outcomes: internships, research and career opportunities.

“College costs money, so the investment should result in a student seizing great opportunities while they are there — and having a strong path forward after they graduate,” he said.

Osby, who plans to pursue a career in writing, said the growing influence of artificial intelligence is particularly concerning.

“AI is abominable and needs to be shot down while we still can,” she said. “It will completely ruin the arts and

eliminate the best parts of being human. AI should be a tool — never a replacement.”

She added, “I want AI to do my laundry and dishes while I make art. Not the other way around.”

Despite many of the life experiences the Class of 2025 has lived through, they remain grounded, wise and ready to tackle what comes ahead.

“I want future generations to read my novels and essays long after I’m gone,” Osby said. “I hope they use them as a precedent for change — and to see the world in new ways.”

Sydni Smith, who plans to study nursing at the University of Alabama, appreciates technology but still values traditional learning methods.

“Technology makes research and communication easier, but for me, it will never replace the value of paper and pencil,” she said.

While she’s ready for what’s next, there are aspects of high school she’ll miss.

“The thing I’ll miss most is the ability to try new things,” Smith said. “In college or after, things are often tied to your family or your career. I love having classes and clubs that exist just to help you explore a different perspective on the world.”

For Lilian Garrett, who will play lacrosse at the University of Charleston in West Virginia and is a member of the National Art Honor Society, one of her favorite memories was conquering a fear during a class trip to Six Flags.

“I brought my camera to take pictures instead of riding rides, but by the end of the day, my classmates cheered me on as I finally rode Goliath,” Garrett said. “It was a moment of fear, triumph and friendship that I’ll always cherish.”

Correspondent Emily Reed and Creator Collective student journalist Kaiden Boykin of Alabama School of Fine Arts contributed to this report.