WCHS Class of 2025 says fond farewell to friends and teachers as they move toward the future

The Class of 2025 has finally taken their first step into the wider world after their graduation ceremony May 16. The ceremony, taking place on the White County High School football field as is tradition, was packed full of supportive family and friends watching their seniors finish their high school education with a bang. The bleachers on both ends of the field were packed, with hundreds more lining around the track to watch.

The JROTC performed the Presentation of Colors before Ashling Wright delivered a wonderful performance of the National Anthem.

The graduation’s theme was “The Time is Now,” and that is the theme that all three senior speakers took hold in their final words to their classmates. First was student council president Keely Cunningham, who said, “These words remind us that the future we bring about starts today. It’s time to trust God and use our gifts to do good for his kingdom. We have worked hard to get here. To my fellow graduates, thank you for the friendships, memories, support, and unforgettable moments. I am proud of each and every one of you.”

The next speaker was salutatorian Sam Dicus. His speech was a bit more comedic, starting with a playful, “Thank you for having me here even though you have no choice.” He stuck with the same theme, talking of the future that the graduates will need to take hold of. Dicus said, “You’ve been working on this a long time. All of that will be naught if you do not take life seriously starting when you wake up tomorrow. Starting tomorrow, you will take your own life into your hands.”

Dicus ended his speech with a note about his diabetes, and he let that segue to the next speaker and fellow diabetic, valedictorian Abby Heady. Heady’s speech had three major points: trials, tribe, and talent. The trials were the hardships that the seniors had to undergo to get here, the tribe were the relationships they forged during that journey, and the talent was what allowed the graduates to sit where they were that evening. Heady said, “It may feel like things are falling apart, or something is happening for no reason, but you are not ever crushed to the point of giving up.”

After the students’ passionate speeches, principal Greg Wilson had both encouraging words for his graduates, as well as an award to give. The Warrior Award, given to a student full of integrity that encompasses all a warrior should be, was awarded to Kason Seal.

Principal Wilson continued with the theme of time as he spoke to the graduates. He quoted American cartoonist Bil Keane, saying, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift from God, which is why we call it a present.”

The Class of 2025 also had dozens of accolades worthy of mention, and Wilson made sure those accomplishments were recognized. Just to name a few, 90% of the class achieved their TN Promise, while more than 80% completed their FAFSA, an impressively high rate. He gave recognition to the Warriors and Warriorettes, praising their many accomplishments during the past four years. There were 51 students graduating with state honors.

After Wilson’s presentation of the Class of 2025, Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger performed the Acceptance of Class but not without a few words first. He used a personal story in his own life to speak on growth and the importance of cultivating a good life. He finished his speech with a final message to the graduates before accepting their graduation, saying, “No matter where life takes you, don’t forget from where you come.”

As each graduate received their diploma, families and friends cheered for the success of their beloved seniors. The graduates were then promised a drug-free, alcohol-free night of celebration with the school to celebrate their educational victory. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.