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Cumberland Academy Virtual School honors Class of 2025 at commencement ceremony
Summary
Cumberland Academy Virtual School held its Class of 2025 graduation, with speeches from student leaders, recognition of district officials and a conferral of diplomas by Principal Dr. Tremaine Canteen.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — Cumberland Academy Virtual School held its Class of 2025 commencement ceremony on campus, where student leaders delivered speeches, district officials were recognized and Principal Dr. Tremaine Canteen formally conferred diplomas.
Senior class president Christina Wright opened the ceremony and introduced members of the Cumberland County Board of Education and central services staff from Cumberland County Schools, asking them to stand for recognition. Wright said the students appreciated staff support and asked the audience to remain respectful so each graduate’s name could be heard.
The ceremony featured addresses from salutatorian Takiera Simon and valedictorian Remy Allard. Simon credited teachers and family for her academic turnaround and urged classmates to make decisions “based on hope and possibility, not fear.” Allard reflected on perseverance and thanked staff members by name, calling out counselors and teachers who supported students through the years.
Principal Dr. Tremaine Canteen delivered the commencement charge, saying the class should "lead with kindness" and encouraging graduates to "walk boldly, even if your steps are gentle." Canteen also led a moment honoring Cameron Smith, a student who fought cancer; Canteen invited Smith’s family to stand so the class could recognize him.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Tremaine Canteen, identifying the authority for the act as the state education agency, pronounced the students graduated and instructed the Class of 2025 to turn their tassels. School counselor Melissa Matthews read the names of graduates as marshals prepared seniors to receive diplomas.
The ceremony included visible representation from Cumberland County Schools leaders introduced by Wright: Cumberland County Board of Education Vice Chair Judy Musgrave and board members Dolores Bell, Jacqueline Brown, Tara Jordan and Susan Williams; Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Martin Connolly Jr.; and central services administrators including Associate Superintendent Melody Chalmers McLean, Kevin Coleman, Jane Fields, Milada Hill, Ruben Reyes, Nick Soica, Jay Toland, Dr. Lindsey Whitley, Dr. Tanje Robertson, Dr. Lavette Braswell and Dr. Christine Catalano.
The graduate list read aloud by Matthews included Nevaeh Alexander; Remy Allard; Rhianna Almonte; Seth Baloga; Evan Michael Bustos; and dozens of other seniors from the Class of 2025. Families and staff were thanked for their support throughout the program.
The ceremony closed with the traditional tassel turn and congratulations from the principal and school staff. No policy votes or formal district actions took place during the ceremony; it was a recognition event for students, families and school personnel.
