By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
“Pomp and Circumstance” will echo through Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium this weekend as 82 graduates of Hayesville High School’s Class of 2025 cross the football field. Graduation is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at the school’s football stadium.
“The faculty, staff and administration are all very proud of this graduating class of 2025,” Hayesville High School Principal Stacey Overlin said this week. “When they walk across that stage, it means they have met all of the academic requirements of the State of North Carolina and Clay County Schools. It also represents a culmination of the students' experience here at Hayesville High School — the challenges, perseverance, achievements, the growth and many lasting friendships and memories.”
The achievements of the HHS Class of 2025 are many. With an average weighted grade point average of 3.50 and an average unweighted GPA of 3.23, these students have received scholarships, completed internships and earned two year degrees.
At press time, the graduating class had officially been awarded more than $1,165,732 in scholarships. Hayesville High School Counselor Emily Hedden said some had not reported about school scholarships to her yet, so that number will increase. Nine of them completed internships during their high school years, while 21 have received two year degrees.
The grads have big plans for their futures. Hedden said these numbers may also change slightly once more of them share their plans. Five members of the Class of 2025 are joining the military, with two entering the Air Force, two going into the Navy and one reported Army recruit. Twenty students plan to attend technical school and 27 plan to pursue a four year college degree.
Speeches will be given by honor graduate speakers Tate Roberts, Camila Solorio Vargas and Michael Colandrea. Michael Mauney will deliver the invocation for the special event.
Retiring teachers Judy Jennings and Wilma West, will lead the grads’ processional. “Both are retiring after years of dedicated service to Clay County Schools,” Overlin explained.
Clay County Schools Superintendent Melissa Godfrey shared a special congratulatory message to the students. “To the Hayesville High School Class of 2025, I couldn’t be more proud of each of you,” she said. “Watching you grow, overcome challenges and achieve your goals has been a true joy. Your resilience, heart and determination have left a mark on our school and our community. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, take with you the values, friendships and memories that make Hayesville so special. I believe in you and I’m excited to see the bright futures ahead for each of you. Once a Yellow Jacket, always a Yellow Jacket."
Overlin added, “We look forward to celebrating this special occasion for these special young men and women and their families.”
In the event of bad weather, graduation ceremonies will be the same date and time, but will be moved inside Darryl K. McClure Gymnasium for the same date and time. The decision will be made by Saturday at 12 p.m., according to Overlin. If that happens, attendance will be limited to 15 guests for each grad and they have tickets for that purpose. Graduation ceremonies in Frank R. Long Memorial Stadium are open to the public.
At press time, the weather looked favorable for graduation in the football stadium. Saturday’s high is predicted to be 73 degrees, with a pleasant low of 56 degrees and only a 16 percent chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm.