Superintendent Bill Griffin declared the students of Alexander Central High SchoolClass of 2025 graduates and offered remarks urging curiosity, service and perseverance.

The declaration came near the ceremonyend, when a school official said, "By the power vested in me by the state of North Carolina and the Alexander County Board of Education, you may now move your tassel from right to left. I hereby declare you graduates of Alexander Central High School." The superintendent and student leaders delivered speeches to the assembled families and friends.

The event matters to students and families because it formally affirms that graduates met "the requirements established by the state of North Carolina," a school official said while calling the candidates to be recognized. Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin told the graduates he was "filled with immense pride" and urged them to stay curious, "ask difficult questions" and to "reach back and lift others up alongside you." Student body co-president Taylor Brown told classmates they are "allowed to take your time," quoting the Billy Joel lyric, "Vienna waits for you." The program included an invocation, introductions of school and board officials, student remarks and the presentation of diplomas.

Superintendent: Dr. Bill Griffin opened his remarks by congratulating graduates and describing the diploma as "not just what you've learned, but your readiness to continue learning throughout your life." He encouraged graduates to "be bold in your pursuits, but humble in your approach" and said failure "isn't something to fear." Griffin also acknowledged the Alexander County Board of Education and school staff for their roles in the students' education.

Student remarks: Taylor Brown, student body co-president, reflected on high school experiences and told classmates they need not rush into the future. Brown said, "You're allowed to take your time," and invoked the line "Vienna waits for you" as a reminder to be present. Another student speaker, Preston Lackey, led a brief prayer and offered blessings for graduates as they move forward.

Ceremony details: School administrators and Alexander County board members were introduced onstage before diplomas were presented. The program included musical performances by the school's choir and a roll call of graduates by marshals as individual names were read. A school official confirmed that each candidate had met the state's requirements and, with the authority cited from the state of North Carolina and the Alexander County Board of Education, formally proclaimed the candidates graduates.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional tassel-turning and final congratulations from school leadership. The school listed the graduating class and introduced studentsmany of whom announced their college or military plans during introductions earlier in the program.