Latest news with #PompandCircumstance
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
North Decatur High School graduates 63
North Decatur High School hosted its annual graduation ceremony Saturday morning in the school's gym, saying goodbye and good luck to 63 students who earned enough credits to qualify for their diplomas. The program began with the band playing Pomp and Circumstance followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Principal Nicholas Messer then offered opening remarks, noting this year marks the 57th time NDHS has hosted a commencement ceremony. He then recognized members of the staff and school board, and shared some stats about the NDHS Class of 2025. Messer pointed out that 92% of the graduating class had taken at least one dual credit course, 40% earned an Academic Honors Diploma, 15% earned a Technical Honors Diploma, one senior earned an Associate's Degree, and 35% of the graduating class had already completed one year of college. 'All of these accolades add up to scholarships totaling $1,835,899,' he said. He also talked about successes associated with extracurricular activities including a boys basketball sectional championship, girls cross country and both boys and girls golf conference championships, and a state title win by the Academic Interdisciplinary team. After offering six points of advice, Messer asked the students what they planned to do to change or enhance the direction of their lives. 'Whatever those choices you make are, have a positive attitude, make memories, know your intellectual worth, learn things, and now your self worth,' Messer said. Class president Cooper Parmer then recognized his fellow classmates. That was followed by the presentation of the Salutatorian Award to Breanna McBride, who recounted some of her high school experiences and offered her peers a few words of advice. 'There is no doubt in my mind that we can all handle the challenges of what's ahead of us as we head out into the real world,' she said. 'Just remember to ... keep setting goals for yourself.' The presentation of the Valedictorian Award to Cooper Parmer was the next order of business. He likened life to participation in a sporting event and recapped several of the NDHS Class of 2025's accomplishments. He thanked teachers for their patience, guidance and eagerness to see their students learn. He also thanked his classmates for their friendship and shared experiences, and his parents and other family members for their love and support over the years. Parmer closed by saying, 'Through all the wins and losses, the pressure and the unknowns, one thing that has always kept me grounded is my faith in God. ... In times of doubt or stress, I found peace in knowing that God was in control. As we head into the next chapter of our lives, I hope we all remember that with God we are never alone. So, here's what I'll leave you with – you don't have to run the perfect offense. You don't have to score every time. But, you do have to play. With courage. With heart. With everything you've got. Because your clock is ticking, so make it count and make it matter.' In addition to Parmer (president), the NDHS Class of '25 officers were McBride (vice president), Allison Whitaker (secretary), Kayden Scudder (treasurer) and Marshall Snell (historian). The class song was Good Old Days by Macklemore, and the class motto was, 'Smarter, stronger, slightly sleep deprived.' Breanna Morris and Molly Martin were the senior class sponsors.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Fist pumps and goose bumps: Lebanon High School Class of 2025 graduates in high spirits
Friday night was an occasion for fist pumps and confetti at Lebanon High School. Class president Joe Susong led the 149th graduating Lebanon High School class into the gymnasium. Friends and family in the bleachers cheered and whistled. They waved bouquets of flowers, baby photos, and signs attached to sticks at their children who stood in black robes on the edge of adulthood. The seniors searched for familiar faces and flashed the peace sign, pumped their fists, pointed, and grinned from ear to ear. They hugged one another and waited for the band to complete 'Pomp and Circumstance.' Students who will serve in the armed forces after graduation led the standing-room-only crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and basked in a spontaneous standing ovation from their peers. Olivia Follmar encouraged her class not to ask God for easy lives but to become stronger men and women, before she led them in prayer. Principal Frank Meyer began with a Mark Twain quote, 'I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.' 'Your schooling ends tonight, but your education is just beginning,' he said. He encouraged them to take their hunger to keep learning and to be brave enough to fall short. 'Fail at something important and figure out how to do it again, better,' he said. Valedictorian Taylor O'Brien plans to attend Notre Dame University in the fall. He had a high school grade point average of 4.6, is an Eagle Scout, an academic all-star, and lettered four years in swimming, among other accomplishments. O'Brien said he doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up and assumed that most of his classmates don't know either. 'That's okay,' he told them. 'Not knowing creates the possibility for opportunity,' he said. 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' Salutatorian Claire Boling urged classmates to enjoy the time they have left together this summer and to forge friendships and make memories with a new set of people as they move forward.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
College Senior Missed Graduating with His Friends So Hospital Threw Him Impromptu Ceremony Instead
20-year-old Brady Larson had to miss his college graduation while he's being treated at the Mayo Clinic That same day, hospital staffers decided to throw him an impromptu graduation celebration in a hospital hallway Larson earned a degree in agricultural business from South Dakota's Mitchell Institute of TechnologyMedical staff rallied to surprise a college senior after he was forced to miss his graduation from South Dakota's Mitchell Institute of Technology. At the time of his graduation last month, Brady Larson, a 20-year-old patient at the Mayo Clinic, was preparing to undergo a stem cell transplant from his 15-year-old sister, Brooklyn, to treat his severe aplastic anemia. Since he had to miss the actual ceremony, hospital staffers in Minnesota decided to organize an impromptu graduation ceremony for the same day, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a hallway and cheering for Larson. The graduate wore a white lab coat over his grey college sweatshirt and carried a sparkly decorative 2025 graduation cap complete with a gold streamer for a tassel as 'Pomp and Circumstance' played. Afterward, everyone enjoyed cupcakes with green frosting in a nod to Larson's school color. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'He hadn't eaten a lot in the days before, so I was thrilled to see him eat two cupcakes,' Larson's mom Roxann told the Mitchell Daily Republic. The graduate earned a degree in agricultural business, according to a statement from the Mayo Clinic. 'It wasn't a traditional way to celebrate, but it did make me feel special,' Larson told the Mitchell Daily Republic. 'I missed being able to graduate with my friends, but it was really meaningful to me that they did this.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2025 NLHS class sees over 250 graduates
On Saturday morning, 256 North Laurel High School seniors were presented with their diplomas at the Corbin Arena, celebrating not only the end of high school but their perseverance through four particularly defining years. From beginning high school the year after a global pandemic to navigating snowstorms, the active shooter incident on I-75, and the EF-4 tornado that closed schools early for the year, the 2025 graduates of both North and South Laurel overcame unique challenges. Saturday's commencement was a moment of celebration and reflection as students, families, and staff gathered to honor the journey. The ceremony began with 'Pomp and Circumstance' performed by the North Laurel High School Band, followed by a presentation of colors by NJROTC, a national anthem performance by Abigail Grace Mounce, and a performance by the school's Chamber Choir. Principal J. Michael Black welcomed those in attendance. Like the graduating students, Black shared that the ceremony marked a personal milestone for him as well. The ceremony marked his last as the school's principal, as he is retiring after serving 18 years in the role. 'Today we celebrate a significant milestone — the graduation of the class of 2025,' Black said. 'You've worked hard, you've shown resilience, and grown into young adults ready to take on the world. This moment is about you, and I couldn't be prouder to stand here and cheer you on. 'But if you'll allow me just a moment of reflection, today is deeply personal for me as well. You see, this is not just the end of your high school journey, it's the end of mine too,' he continued. Black reflected on his 18 graduating classes, calling the class of 2025 his 'final chapter' and praising their growth. 'This year especially, your resilience has shone through,' he said. 'Despite the challenges from school closures due to the I-75 incident, snowstorms, flooding, and most recently the devastating tornadoes, you have continued to show up with strength, grace, and a determination to move forward. 'As I step away, I'm not leaving with sadness, but with immense gratitude and pride,' Black stated. 'I may be retiring from the role of principal, but I will always be your biggest fan. So class of 2025, go forward with confidence, lead with integrity, and remember — once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar.' Laurel County Schools Superintendent Denise Griebel praised the class for their determination and unity. 'You faced challenges that few graduating classes before you have encountered, yet here you are, showing your North Laurel pride,' she said. Griebel also extended gratitude to families and school staff, calling them vital to students' success. Class President Kendan Jolee Napier highlighted the support system behind the graduates, expressing personal thanks to his mother and teachers, and noting how many students helped with recovery efforts after the May 16 tornado. 'Many of our classmates could be found helping with the cleanup efforts, and I am proud to be a member of such a great group of people,' Napier stated. Speaker Montgomery Whitis reflected on key moments the class endured together — from Covid-19 to the tornado's aftermath. He said those affected by the recent weather remain in his prayers. 'This is the finish line we've all been running toward since we were kids,' Whitis said. 'I challenge you to be the best version of you.' Ashlyn Ella Jane Osborne shared her personal journey with anxiety and dyslexia, thanking the teachers and staff who supported her and her classmates. 'Thank you for being our mentors, our therapists, and guiding us to reach our fullest potential,' Osborne stated. She reminded graduates that their value comes not just from success, but from the impact they have on others. The final student speaker, Kaylyn Kristiana Harvey, closed with a reflection inspired by the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You'll Go. She encouraged classmates to embrace their independence, while trusting in their preparation and faith to guide them forward. 'Don't dwell on your past and the decisions you made, for those are the very reasons you are sitting here today,' Harvey said. 'Enjoy the process of making a life for yourself, and most importantly, don't get so caught up in a happy ending that you forget to enjoy the story.' Diplomas were presented by Supt. Griebel and Deputy Supt. Tharon Hurley. The North Laurel High School Band concluded the ceremony with 'Celtic Air and Dance,' as students turned their tassels and threw their caps up to the ceiling in celebration.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SC must address reasons why a diploma doesn't guarantee success after high school
While South Carolina's rising graduation rate is positive, recent reports raise important questions about changes in the value of those diplomas, writes Patrick Kelly with the state Palmetto State Teachers Association. (Stock photo via Getty Images) In an era where change is seemingly constant, the high school graduation ceremony remains a largely unchanged part of the American education experience. While audience noise levels have definitely increased, ceremonies are defined by much that is familiar: the playing of 'Pomp and Circumstance,' the smiles of graduates and tears of families, the tossing of caps, and, most significantly, the awarding of diplomas. If recent trends hold true, more of those diplomas will be distributed this year than ever before. According to data from the South Carolina School Report Cards, the statewide high school graduation rate has increased from 80.3% in 2015 to 85.4% in 2024. (That's the percent earning a diploma four years after entering high school.) While this trajectory for the number of diplomas awarded is positive, recent reports raise important questions about changes in the value of those diplomas. For example, the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) High School Transcript Study found 12th graders selected to participate in the 2019 NAEP administration had, on average, a higher GPA and earned more course credits than graduating seniors in 2009. Yet, as measured by NAEP, 2019 graduates demonstrated no improvement in science and lower achievement in math compared to the 2009 cohort of students. As an educator and parent, I find this apparent disconnect between core markers of student achievement troubling but not completely surprising. Teachers, universities, the military, and employers have been sounding the alarm in recent years about the declining readiness of graduates for life beyond high school. In response, policymakers are considering actions ranging from offering collegiate remedial coursework during high school to creating a 'tiered credential' system to demonstrate student readiness for the workforce. These programs are well-intentioned and can be beneficial for students, but ultimately, they are more akin to a doctor that focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of illness. In this instance, curing the disease requires addressing reasons why a high school diploma does not always guarantee readiness for employment, enlistment, or enrollment in higher education. Such action must start with continuing to reverse our state's persistent educator shortages. South Carolina experienced encouraging progress in this area this school year through increased salaries and the passage of policies to improve educator working conditions. Even still, this school year opened with more than 1,000 teacher-less classrooms, a number that is almost certainly underreported. At the start of the spring, I talked with one Midlands-area high school math teacher that had been assigned to 'grade' the work of nearly 40 students in an adaptive online math program where the students never interacted with the teacher. These types of classroom settings are certain to lead to the awarding of credits on the basis of limited academic substance and content mastery. South Carolina also must address excessive rates of student absenteeism. According to the Education Oversight Committee, nearly one quarter of students were absent for more than 18 days during the 2023-24 school year. Not surprisingly, measures of student achievement consistently demonstrate a strong correlation between chronic absenteeism and lower student performance rates. In response, too many schools across the state offer 'credit recovery' programs without meaningful instruction so students can 'make up' absences. Such an arrangement most likely contributes to the 15% of parents who believe students should be able to 'frequently miss' school. While no single policy can reverse this trend, states like Rhode Island are experiencing promising results from a comprehensive mix of policies and community engagement. Once students are in class consistently, action is needed to maximize instructional time. An important step was taken this year with the Department of Education's 'Free to Focus' cellphone policy. Further steps require addressing the high rates of persistent 'disruptive (student) behaviors' reported by the 2023 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force and diminishing instructional time lost to district- and state-mandated assessments and surveys. In our state, current required assessments can disrupt more than 10% of instructional days for the average sixth grade student. Finally, any effort to enhance the value of a high school diploma must address the rigor, relevance, and validity of grading practices. The Legislature has started to look at policies such as the use of 'grade floors' and 'credit retrieval,' practices that teachers often identify as sources of grade inflation. However, simply prohibiting those programs will do little to improve academic outcomes and readiness without a simultaneous reevaluation of an accountability system that limits opportunities and ways by which a student can demonstrate mastery of content and a Uniform Grading Policy that lacks uniformity in the awarding of 'quality points' across all numeric grades 0 to 100. By taking these types of actions, South Carolina can become a national leader in ensuring that the pomp and circumstance of graduation serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a prelude to future success.
