Southview High School Confers Diplomas on Class of 2025

Southview High School in Cumberland County declared the Class of 2025 graduates during a commencement ceremony on June 4, 2025, culminating with a formal proclamation and the traditional turning of tassels.

The ceremony, held at the school coliseum, featured remarks from student leaders and co-salutatorians and co-valedictorians, a roll call of graduates, and an invocation of authority for the diploma conferral. Staff member, ceremony official, stated, "By the power vested in me, by the State Department of North Carolina Public Instruction, I declare you graduates of 2025 Southview High School." Graduates were then instructed to "turn your tassels."

The event opened with announcements by Julian Urena, chief marshal for the Class of 2025, who requested attendees remain seated and silent while names were read. Student body vice president Kayla Caja introduced district and school leaders onstage and asked families to hold applause so each graduate's name could be heard.

Student speakers reflected on shared experiences and resilience. Morgan Carpenter, co-salutatorian, thanked teachers, family and classmates and said the class should "carry the laughter, the lessons, and the friendships we've built here as we step into the future." Hannah Oliveira, the other co-salutatorian, urged graduates to keep "that resilience" and to "carry that light forward." Co-valedictorians Drake Schmidt and Juan Sanchez spoke about personal loss, perseverance and taking agency: Drake Schmidt recounted losing his father to cancer and said he chose to "fight" and work toward goals that would make his father proud; Juan Sanchez said he had learned to step into the spotlight rather than remain in the audience.

Senior class president Isabelle McNeil (referred to in remarks as Izzy) closed student remarks with logistical reminders for graduates and families, including that June 4 marked their final day as high school students and that counselors would be available for questions. The ceremony also included a roll call in which dozens of graduates were named aloud by school staff.

The program listed Cumberland County Schools officials and district administrators among honored guests, including Board of Education members introduced by the students. The ceremony itself followed customary high school commencement protocol: presentation of speakers, recognition of administrators and faculty, reading of graduates' names, the formal declaration of graduation, and the tassel-turning ritual.

No formal votes or policy actions were taken during the event; the primary outcome was the conferral of diplomas to the listed graduates and related ceremonial observances.