U.S. Senator Katie Britt returns to Enterprise High School to deliver commencement address, reminds graduates: 'God calls you to do hard things'

U.S. Senator Katie Britt returned to her hometown to deliver the 2025 commencement address to the graduating class of Enterprise High School, the same school where she earned her diploma 25 years ago.

Speaking at Wildcat Stadium, Britt (R-Montgomery) addressed the Class of 2025 with a message of gratitude, perseverance, and the enduring strength of the Enterprise community.

“It is an honor to be back in Enterprise with all of you this evening,” Britt said. “Anyone who knows me will tell you the things that I hold most dear are my relationship with the dear Lord, with my family, and being from here.”

“The Enterprise community is important to me, and I know it is to all of you. It’s where I was born and raised. It’s where my foundation of faith, family… has made us stronger, more resilient, and more unified.”

She celebrated the Class of 2025’s many accomplishments, highlighting that the class of 517 graduates completed multiple career and technical education courses, earning a total of 578 industry-recognized certifications.

I am deeply proud to be from the Wiregrass.

It was an honor to return to Enterprise High School — 25 years after I graduated, and 50 years after my parents graduated — to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025. I reminded them that while each of us is called to… pic.twitter.com/X860oySr3S

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) May 23, 2025

Two students were named National Merit Finalists and Scholars, and 43 seniors signed athletic scholarships. Britt also noted that boys’ soccer and football teams reached the 7A state semifinals or championships at least once during their high school careers, and that the school qualified for the Alabama State Honor Band.

In total, graduating seniors earned $1.75 million in scholarships and educational benefits, and the top 19% of the class graduated with GPAs over 4.0. Britt also took time to recognize students entering military service or pursuing military education.

“I firmly believe there is no community that understands the value of the incredible service members better than ours,” she said. “We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude and we say thank you.”

Sharing stories from her own journey, Britt encouraged students to embrace setbacks and use them as stepping stones. She spoke candidly about her failed attempts at various leadership and extracurricular roles in college, as well as early career disappointments, including the sudden closure of the law firm where she began her legal career.

“When I got in the [Senate] race, my opponent was polling at 65% and I was polling at two,” she said. “But what I have found is failure is not fun. Challenges are hard. Disappointments will happen. But many times they are necessary for your future success.”

Her message to graduates was one of resilience and determination. “What I want each of you to promise me is that when you get knocked down, know that God calls you to do hard things and that we need every one of you to stand back up.”

Britt reminded the students that success is a journey shaped by character, relationships, and a commitment to service.

“It doesn’t cost you a thing to be kind. The way you treat people matters,” she said. “So be intentional with your words, your actions, and your time because every decision you make will determine the kind of person you become.”

Closing her address, Britt expressed pride and confidence in the Class of 2025. “Never forget where you came from and what this place has instilled in you. And no matter how far your path takes you, remember that being from Enterprise means always being able to come home.”

The full video of Senator Britt’s commencement address is available on YouTube: