Pine Forest High holds Class of 2025 commencement; principal declares graduates

Pine Forest High School held its Class of 2025 commencement ceremony at the Pine Forest High School Coliseum; the exact date was not specified in the transcript.

Student body and class officers led remarks and ceremonial elements at the event. Kobayashi Nelson, the student body president for the 2024–25 school year, welcomed attendees and thanked families, faculty and staff. Isabel Hartley, senior class president, reflected on memories and encouraged classmates to stay connected. Prane Nepal, the salutatorian, thanked parents and teachers and closed his remarks with “We made it.” Kania Brown, senior class treasurer, and Caitlin Grayson, senior class secretary, provided logistical requests and introduced district and school officials.

The ceremony included the Pine Forest Air Force Junior ROTC color guard and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a musical selection, and the formal reading of graduate names. Organizers asked family members and guests to hold applause until all names had been called so every graduate could hear their name; the program also noted that Lifetouch Studios provided professional photography.

Dr. Jewel McDonald, principal of Pine Forest High School, delivered a commencement address reflecting on perseverance and resilience. She urged graduates to “fall forward” when faced with setbacks and recounted a recent personal injury that required adjustment during her daily routine. McDonald closed the ceremony with a formal pronouncement: “By the power vested in me by the Cumberland County Schools Board of Education, I declare you graduates of Pine Forest High School. You may now turn your tassels.”

The program included the presentation of diplomas with marshals guiding students across the stage and a systematic roll call of graduates by name. A long printed list of names was read during the presentation of diplomas; the transcript records many individual names but does not provide a final count of graduates.

School and district officials were recognized in the program. The transcript lists members of the Cumberland County School Board and district leadership among invited guests and onstage participants, including Deanna Jones, board chair, and Dr. Marvin Conley Jr., superintendent, though the transcript does not record speeches by those officials.

The ceremony concluded after the turning of tassels and the principal’s declaration. The transcript does not record any policy decisions, votes, or agenda actions beyond the formal ceremonial declaration of graduates and customary program items.