MOUNT VERNON — As hundreds of graduation caps floated–almost locked in mid-air–at Energy Fieldhouse, Mount Vernon High School Class of 2025 unlocked a new chapter in their lives Sunday.

Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent Bill Seder asked the Class of 2025, which includes 306 students, to dream of a meaningful life.

“I dare you, I double dog dare you to dream big,” Seder said, semi-quoting “A Christmas Story.”

Dreams require a key, Seder said, adding that each dream is a lock waiting to open.

Class President Andrew Conway presented the Class of 2025’s gift, which was a new district sign that will be off Cougar Drive and improvements to the current sign in front of the high school. There isn’t a completion date for the projects, Seder said.