Conroe ISD Holds 2025 Winter Commencement at Grand Oaks

Midyear graduates recognized as several prepare for January college starts

Monday, 9:30 p.m.

The Woodlands, Texas — Conroe ISD held its Winter Commencement ceremony Monday, Dec. 15, at the Grand Oaks High School auditorium, recognizing students who completed graduation requirements at midyear

Graduates from Caney Creek, College Park, Conroe, Grand Oaks, Oak Ridge, and The Woodlands high schools participated in the ceremony, marking an early transition into postsecondary plans for many students across South Montgomery County

The ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. with a processional to “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Mark Murrell, assistant superintendent for high schools. The Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors as part of the opening ceremony. Students also took part in the traditional pledges, with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lacy Starr Tinnell of College Park High School and the Texas Pledge led by Caleb Mooring of Conroe High School.

Student remarks were delivered by Halle Thompson of Grand Oaks High School, a two-time state volleyball champion, who offered thoughtful and composed reflections on resilience, effort, and confidence gained through completing high school at midyear. Wearing her two state championship medals over her cap and gown, Thompson told graduates that December commencement “isn’t the most traditional path, and it definitely isn’t the easier one,” emphasizing that the class chose to do something difficult. She reminded classmates that uncertainty can become confidence and that graduating midyear was “the moment we learned what we were truly capable of in high school,” encouraging the December Class of 2025 to step into what’s next “with courage, with hope, and with confidence”

Graduates were formally confirmed by district leadership before diplomas were awarded by the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees. Several students recognized during the ceremony are expected to enroll in college in January, including student-athletes preparing to continue both their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

As each graduate crossed the stage, students were presented with their high school diploma by a member of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees, then shook hands with their campus principal and Conroe ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. David V. Gibson, marking the formal completion of their high school education.

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The auditorium was filled with family members, friends, classmates, teachers, and members of the broader school community who gathered to watch students cross the stage, creating a shared moment of recognition as each graduate reached a milestone witnessed by those who supported them throughout their high school years.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the graduates and the turning of the tassels, officially recognizing the Winter 2025 graduates as Conroe ISD alumni.

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