Turning Point Academy pronounces Class of 2025 graduates; district leaders attend

Turning Point Academy held its May 2025 graduation ceremony at the Central Services Campus in May 2025, where the school's principal verified that the students met Cleveland County Schools' graduation requirements and pronounced them graduates.

Dr. Ware, principal of Turning Point Academy, said, "As the principal of Turning Point Academy, I am pleased to verify that these students have met the requirements established by Cleveland County Schools in the state of North Carolina for high school graduation." The ceremony included remarks from Cleveland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Fisher, a student speech by graduating senior Ben Farrell, a spirit read by Dr. Terry Beam and the reading of graduates' names.

Why it matters: The verification and pronouncement at a school's graduation formally recognizes that students have satisfied district and state graduation criteria and allows graduates to move forward with employment, further education or other next steps. The presence of district leadership and board members underscored the district's role in the certification.

Dr. Steven Fisher, superintendent of Cleveland County Schools, welcomed attendees and thanked the community for supporting the students: "Thank you, doctor Ware, and welcome to Cleveland County Schools. What a great looking group, both not only in front of me, but behind me. This may be the largest group we've had in this building, but we do appreciate your attendance today. Whether you're found a seat or whether you're standing in the back, thank you for being here today. Thank you here for support of our students." He noted graduation as a milestone for students and families.

Ben Farrell, a graduating senior, told attendees: "It was hard to make it this far, but I'm glad that we did because it's an amazing feeling to realize that we have achieved a goal like this." Farrell thanked teachers and staff who supported students through challenges and named several staff members who he said helped him personally.

Dr. Terry Beam delivered the ceremony's final spirit reading, the poem "It Couldn't Be Done" by Edgar Guest, and closed with, "Congratulations, class of 2025." Board Chair Joel Shores and other board members were introduced and participated in the diploma presentation; attendees were asked to remain seated until graduates had processed out of the auditorium.

The ceremony was livestreamed on the Turning Point Academy Facebook page and a recording link was offered for family members unable to attend. Attendees were invited to take photographs and fellowship with graduates in the atrium after the procession.

Ending note: Following the principal's verification and the tassel-turning, Turning Point Academy's Class of 2025 was formally pronounced graduates of the school and Cleveland County Schools.