Charles B. Aycock High School celebrates Class of 2025 at commencement ceremony
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Summary
Charles B. Aycock High School held its commencement exercises for the Class of 2025, featuring student speeches, musical performances and the formal conferral of diplomas by Principal Nelson Cunningham.
Charles B. Aycock High School held commencement exercises for the Class of 2025, during which Principal Nelson Cunningham declared the seniors graduates and led the traditional tassel turn.
The ceremony, held as part of the school’s graduation program, included a vocal performance of the national anthem by Jill Wiesinger, student speeches from Caleb Frederick and Addison Smith, and remarks from Principal Nelson Cunningham. Student body president Maya Pitt introduced on-stage guests from the school and district.
The program emphasized perseverance and community. Student speaker Caleb Frederick referenced Philippians 3:14 and told classmates he had “the honor and privilege of sharing this moment,” urging peers to “press toward the goal.” Senior speaker Addison Smith reflected on shared experiences since kindergarten and closed her remarks saying, “Because today, we don't just graduate, we begin.” Principal Nelson Cunningham offered a longer address urging graduates to “lead with integrity, live with passion, and never forget where you came from.”
Cunningham formally conferred graduation on the seniors “based on the recommendation of the faculty and staff of Charles B. Aycock High School, and by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the great state of North Carolina and the Wayne County Board of Education,” after which he instructed the class to turn their tassels.
School and district leaders were recognized on stage; student body president Maya Pitt introduced Mr. Chuck Crumpler and Ms. Carol Watson, assistant principals; Mr. Christopher West, a Wayne County Board of Education member; Dr. Mark Witchard, superintendent; and Miss Leslie Rouse, assistant superintendent.
The program also cited academic distinctions within the class as announced during the ceremony: 103 honor graduates, 41 North Carolina Academic Scholars, 63 Latin-honor graduates and 25 students who completed graduation requirements in three years. The total size of the graduating class was not specified in the transcript.
The ceremony included presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the national anthem. The event closed with Cunningham’s charge to the graduates and the ceremonial turning of tassels.
