North Moore High School held a commencement ceremony at its stadium where Principal Joseph Patterson pronounced the Class of 2025 graduates and guests heard remarks from the salutatorian and valedictorian.

The event, presented by Moore County Schools, opened with instructions to maintain a dignified atmosphere while graduates crossed the stage and included introductions of board members and feeder-school principals. Principal Joseph Patterson, who has served as North Moore principal for about two and a half years and previously worked as a teacher and assistant principal, addressed the graduates on perseverance and character. "You matter," Patterson said. "That spirit, that Mustang pride, that's what makes Northmore special." Patterson also asked families to hold applause until all names had been called so each graduate's name could be heard.

The salutatorian, Reagan Elizabeth Deaton, graduated magna cum laude with a weighted grade point average of 4.545 and told classmates that high school "was about figuring out who we are" and urged them to "stay curious, be kind, and don't be afraid to fail." Deaton said she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study exercise physiology and pursue a medical career.

Valedictorian Bailey Nicole Marley, graduating magna cum laude with a weighted grade point average of 4.579, thanked family and the school community and described multiple sources of support. "I wanna thank each and every one of you because in some way, shape, or form, all of you have inspired me to be a better person," Marley said. Marley said she had earned more than $125,000 in scholarships and plans to attend Liberty University to study nursing with an interest in trauma and critical-care nursing on mission work.

The ceremony recognized graduates with academic honors and several students who are entering the U.S. military; the transcript identifies named graduates listed as serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Senior class president Bethany Leon Ulloa joined the principal on stage for the traditional turning of the tassel. At the close of the ceremony, Patterson said, "By the power vested in me, by the Department of Public Instruction, and Moore County Board of Education, I now pronounce you graduates of North Moore High School. Please turn your tassel to the left." He invited graduates and families to celebrate while maintaining the ceremony's dignity.

Board of Education members and district staff were introduced during the program, including Shannon Davis (board vice chair), Steve Johnson, Amy Dahl, Mike McClaff (deputy superintendent), Jamie Sainon (assistant superintendent for academics and student support services), Jenny Purvis (assistant superintendent for operations) and John Ritter. Area feeder-school principals were also recognized.

The ceremony combined individual recognitions, student speeches and community acknowledgement rather than making policy decisions or taking formal board actions. The proceedings emphasized student achievement, postgraduation plans (college, military and careers) and the role of family and school staff in supporting graduates.