HEDGESVILLE — The gloomy weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the Hedgesville High School graduates as the Class of 2025 celebrated this important milestone on Wednesday.
Students lined up inside the gym, ready to accept their diplomas and take the next step towards a bright future.
Bryana Ryder, Makenna Shepherd and Addison Sykes were three of the students who waited eagerly for their moment to walk across the stage. Each of them graduated with Summa Cum Laude and was excited to finally take this new step in their lives.
“I remember coming to high school my first year, just super excited to be here,” Shepherd said. “Now, I’m so ready to be done after all the hard work that went into this. We are all so excited for this moment.”
The three have exciting plans for the future. Ryder is going to attend Shepherd University to major in business and minor in economics, while Shepherd plans on joining the Coast Guard as a culinary specialist. She used cooking to bond with her mom growing up and developed a passion for using her skills in the kitchen to help others. She is excited to serve her country through her love of cooking.
Sykes plans on attending West Virginia University to get a degree in biology, with the hope of going to medical school in the future.
After working hard for the past several years, this moment meant a lot to these students, and they were thankful for the family and friends who supported them. They thanked them for staying late during volleyball practice, helping them study and encouraging them during their lowest points.
The ceremony started with the Senior Class President Noah Brown, who reflected on the fun they had throughout the past year and the challenges they overcame, including a sink hole in the middle of the football field last year. He wished that his classmates would use the same excitement and enthusiasm they’ve shown to continue chasing their dreams.
“Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly but remember to ground yourself in the values that have brought you this far,” Brown said. “Take risks, embark on adventures, but never forget your roots planted firmly in the soil of Hedgesville. No matter where life takes us, remember the village that played a crucial role in getting us here today.”
Before presenting the diplomas, Principal Angela Milliman shared a few words, reminding the students to breathe and take in the moment. Even as they continue their education and into their careers, she encouraged them to be present.
This year, Hedgesville High School had 330 graduates, who will be attending 18 different colleges. Out of those students, 11 of them will be going into the military. Students received $2.8 million in scholarships to help them continue their education and prepare for future careers.