Just outside of Cleveland, U.S. 129 was packed as families gathered at White County High School’s football stadium to celebrate the school’s graduating class of 2025 on Friday night, May 23.
Among the 259 students who received a diploma, 67 graduated cum laude and 28 graduated summa cum laude.
Graduate Emily Rhoads lead the ceremony with an invocation.
She cited the biblical story of Joshua, who was chosen to lead the Israelites into the promised land. “I think a lot of us here tonight can relate to Joshua,” Rhoads said. “No matter what your plans are, leaving a comfortable place and stepping into the unknown comes with uncertainty and questions.”
Summa cum laude graduate Lillian Gann then gave a welcome address, expressing gratitude to both students and faculty who made her high school journey memorable. “Welcome to the day our future starts unfolding; the end, but also the beginning,” she proclaimed. The salutatory and valedictory addresses, given by Lauren Black and Aubrey Bolton respectively, were used to reflect on the memories made during high school and how to advance.
Black stressed the importance of shedding the judgement of others and believing in oneself, while Bolton applauded her classmates for their resilience during the school year.
“We’ve navigated countless exams, extracurricular activities and maybe even a few questionable fashion choices,” Bolton said. “But through it all, we’ve grown, learned and forged bonds that will last a lifetime.”
WCHS principal Mary Anne Collier took time to congratulate the seniors before confirming the graduation. “As you walk off this field for the final time as students, always carry with you the spirit of a warrior. You have what it takes to make a difference,” she said. After each graduate received their diploma, Collier announced, “Class, you are dismissed.”
Hundreds of caps flew into the air, adjourning the ceremony. No major traffic incidents were reported around WCHS before or after the graduation ceremony.
