Massey Hill Classical High School presents diplomas to Class of 2025

Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connolly Jr. certified that the Massey Hill Classical High School Class of 2025 had met graduation requirements set by the state of North Carolina and the Cumberland County Schools Board of Education and formally presented students for their diplomas.

The ceremony featured student addresses, musical performances by the Massey Hill Choral Ensemble and a colors presentation by the Douglas Byrd High School JROTC color guard. Arrington Richardson, vice president of the Massey Hill Classical Student Government Association, opened the program and introduced board members and district leaders in attendance.

Why it matters: Commencement marks formal certification of an academic milestone for individual students and signals outcomes such as scholarships, college plans and local recognition that affect graduates and their families across Cumberland County.

Student leaders delivered the principal speeches. Eva Semulan, senior class vice president, reflected on choices made during students’ four years and urged classmates to “choose to be kind, choose to be bold, and choose to be you.” Mackenzie Gibson introduced the salutatorian, Lauren Nazario, who told classmates to “keep showing up, keep cheering others on,” and noted she will attend Duke University in the fall with an announced $315,000 scholarship to study chemistry on a pre EPA track. Abby McCullen introduced valedictorian Andrew Gronski, who quoted Aaron Sorkin and urged his classmates to remember how they began their high school experience: “Don't ever forget that a small group of thoughtful individuals can change the world. It's the only thing that ever has.”

Faculty representative Mr. O'Neil read the names of graduates at the senior class's request. After the roll of names and the superintendent's certification, Dr. Connolly declared, “It is my privilege to declare you all as graduates of Massey Hill Classical High School,” and invited seniors to turn their tassels. The ceremony concluded with a reminder for families to remain seated until all graduates exited.

Notable individual recognitions announced during the ceremony included Lauren Nazario, the salutatorian, who will attend Duke University with a $315,000 scholarship, and valedictorian Andrew Gronski, who will double-major in middle grades and special education at Elon University and was recognized with a total of $70,000 in scholarships and fellowships referenced in remarks.

The program combined formal district certification with student reflections, music and traditional commencement protocols. No formal board vote was recorded during the ceremony; the superintendent's certification was presented as an administrative, ceremonial act.