Clear skies ahead for Class of '25

Fortunately for the hundreds gathered at Nunley Stadium Friday night, the only moisture falling was tears of sadness mixed with pride.

A group of 336 graduates crossed the stage and became alumni of Warren County High School Friday, in a ceremony moved up by one hour to hopefully find a window in the forecasted rainstorms which had been expected to hit the county. But while skies remained mostly overcast, the feared rain never fell, and the sun even occasionally peeked out to bid the latest graduates of the local school system farewell.

“If you haven’t noticed, the sun has come out,” Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows said during Friday’s ceremony. “And I think that says something about the Class of 2025.”

Executive Principal Chris Hobbs, who is wrapping up his third year at WCHS, expressed his pride in this year’s senior class.

Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows, left, and Principal Chris Hobbs lead a group of dignitaries, including members of the school board and county commission, during Friday's processional.

“Today marks a momentous occasion; a milestone in the lives of these remarkable young adults gathered before me,” Hobbs said. “The journey of high school is filled with challenges, triumphs, growth and unforgettable memories. Today we gather to celebrate all of it.

“To our graduates; You made it. You’ve shown perseverance in the face of adversity. You’ve faced academic pressures, athletic competitions, personal struggles and so much more, and you’ve come out on top. This day is a testament to your hard work, resilience and dedication. Each one of you has a unique story, but together you form something even greater: The Class of 2025.”

The WCHS band performs "Pomp and Circumstance" as the Class of 2025 makes its way around the Nunley Stadium track.

In addition to Hobbs’ remarks, Friday’s ceremony featured the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” by the WCHS band as graduates, faculty and both local and state officials made the traditional processional walk around the Nunley Stadium track. Sofia Womack sang a stirring rendition of the National Anthem while members of the JROTC presented the colors, and Aaron Templeton led an opening prayer before Kennette Dixon led the WCHS choir in a performance of “Oceans and Stars.”

Senior members of the WCHS choir join their classmates and director Kennette Dixon for one final performance, singing "Oceans and Stars" during Friday's ceremony.

Choir members embrace each other and their director following their performance.

Other speeches came from student body president and class president Sarah Grissom and Ila Adcock, as well as salutatorian London Caten and valedictorian Lauren Slatton, who urged her classmates to continue striving for the victories life has to offer despite any setbacks they might encounter along the way.

Valedictorian Lauren Slatton delivers her commencement address.

“Class of 2025, our future is going to be a winding unmarked path,” Slatton said. “It’ll be hard for us to get to our final destinations, and we will trip on the way there. But I hope all of you keep striving for those small steps that move you forward; those small wins matter, and I know if we continue having them, we will all become big winners.”