2025, John's senior year in high school was busy with college applications, auditions, SAT exams, etc.

He remained involved in various musical activities such as playing bass in an orchestra and performing piano for concerts and contests. Returning as the Junior Division Champion, he competed for the first time in the Regular Division at the  Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, winning second place. He played African Rippleo by Fats Waller, I'll see you in C-U-B-A by Irving Berlin, Anita by Fats Waller, and Liza by George Gershwin.