May 13, 2025—Osborne High School proudly hosted Senior Spotlight on Friday, May 9. This year's celebration built on the success of the inaugural event in 2024 and grew in size, spirit, and significance. It was a powerful reflection of community, pride, and the collective journey of the Cardinal Class of 2025.
Designed to honor graduating seniors and the families, educators, and community partners who supported them, Senior Spotlight offers a more intimate and inclusive celebration than a traditional graduation. While last year’s event recognized a strong group of seniors, participation this year more than doubled, with an even greater number of students walking across the 50-yard line with their friends and family, proudly embraced by a cheering community.
The increased planning time paid off significantly, allowing organizers to elevate the experience on all fronts—from decorations and logistics to entertainment and community engagement. More than 1,100 people sent an RSVP to attend, but the actual turnout far surpassed that number, as families filled the stadium and surrounding areas to capacity. The night was a vibrant celebration, complete with festive lighting, delicious food, dancing, and a high-energy soundtrack provided by La Mejor Atlanta Radio. A stunning fireworks display capped off the evening, lighting up the sky in honor of the Class of 2025.
Key to the event’s success was the overwhelming support from community partners and donors, including the Atlanta Braves Foundation, CSS Transportation, CITA/Wellstar, LGE Credit Union, Board Member Becky Sayler, Communities in Schools, Life Church Smyrna, the Smyrna Business Association, Keller Williams & Certainty Home Loans, and La Mejor Atlanta. Staff members at Osborne also showed incredible commitment, raising over $3,500—many contributing in the meaningful amount of $20.25, representing the class year.
“This is a wonderful event for our students and our community that continues to get better every year,” said Principal Troy Jones. “It is a way for us to celebrate not only the accomplishments of our students but also the individuals who helped them get to this moment. Seeing families walk in the spotlight was a feeling like no other.”
The night carried deep emotional meaning for parents like Andrea Olivera, whose daughter is a graduating senior. “Walking down the walkway as a family felt incredibly special—for our daughter and for us,” she shared. “Sharing that milestone with fireworks, food, and loved ones was a moment we’ll never forget. Even my older daughter remarked that she wished something like this had been done for her senior class.”
Community partners were also left inspired by the atmosphere. “Senior Spotlight night definitely showed that it takes a village,” said Theresa Rodden of Keller Williams. “It radiated in lights of all sorts into the evening and glows not just from the seniors, but the families and faculty there to support them in the past, present, and future.”
Marcus Wilson from LGE added his own memorable takeaway: “‘Culture: yeah, we have that!’” expressing appreciation for the strong sense of belonging evident throughout the night.
Danielle Buttram of Certainty Home Loans added, “As a Partner in Education, we’re proud to support Osborne’s mission and celebrate what it means to be a Cardinal. It was an honor to share in the excitement with students and their families—we’ll definitely be back next year!”
From the powerful sense of community to the unforgettable moments of joy and recognition, Osborne’s 2025 Senior Spotlight was more than an event. With participation doubling from the previous year and a growing network of support, the tradition is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Osborne experience. The evening underscored what so many in attendance already knew: when a school and its community come together with purpose, the results are truly unforgettable.
