Hickory Ridge High School held its commencement for the class of 2025 at the Cabarrus Arena and Event Center, where school and student leaders recognized graduates and families and said the class had earned more than $2,800,000 in scholarship offers.

The ceremony, led by school officials and student speakers, marked completion of diploma requirements set by the Cabarrus County Board of Education and the state of North Carolina and included the traditional turning of tassels to mark graduates’ transition.

Dr. Sean Poole, principal of Hickory Ridge High School, opened remarks by thanking students and staff and by formally recognizing the class’s accomplishments. “It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as your principal this academic year,” Poole said. He noted the class’s academic, athletic and community achievements before beginning the presentation of diplomas.

Student leaders spoke throughout the program. Ashley Meyer, student body president, told classmates, “Today isn't just another ceremony. It's a celebration of everything that's brought us to this moment.” Claire Watkins, senior class president, introduced district administrators and the board of education that were in attendance, naming Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki, Deputy Superintendent John LeGrand and other district cabinet members as guests of the ceremony.

Tamia Powell, the student commencement speaker, urged classmates to “stay present in the moment,” and to show kindness as they move forward. Several speakers referenced the class’s adaptations during recent years and encouraged graduates to pursue further education, service or careers.

Principal Poole read awards and announced academic honors (summa, magna and cum laude candidates and AP Capstone diploma recipients were noted in the program). He also reported a combined total of more than $2,800,000 in scholarship offers to members of the graduating class.

Before the diploma presentation, Poole recited the formal confirmation that graduates had met requirements. “In recognition of your successful completion of all the requirements for a high school diploma as established by the Cabarrus County Board of Education and the state of North Carolina and upon confirmation of this fact by the faculty of Hickory Ridge High School, please turn your tassels from the right to the left,” he said.

The ceremony closed with the presentation of diplomas and a final announcement of the class by school leadership.

Local officials, district staff and board members were introduced and acknowledged during the program; no board actions, votes or policy changes were taken at the event.

For families and the community, the ceremony combined formal recognition of district and state diploma requirements with student speeches, honors and the traditional tassel turn that signifies graduation.