Cox Mill High School in Cabarrus County held a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025, during which school leaders presented diplomas to the graduates and recognized academic, artistic and athletic accomplishments.

Principal Christopher Myers formally recommended the students for graduation and, “by the power vested in me by the state of North Carolina and the Cabarrus County Board of Education,” pronounced them graduates, after which the class recessed.

The ceremony included student speeches and remarks highlighting the class’s achievements and experiences. Ron Petluri, who served as senior class president, opened his remarks to classmates with: “Congratulations. You did it.” Student body president Bridal Mott urged graduates to embrace uncertainty, quoting a line she said a close friend shared: “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” Ria Kothur led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Myers listed several measures of the class’s accomplishments, saying the graduates had earned “millions of dollars in scholarships,” and noting program outcomes he called out on stage, including 43 graduates from the Nath Academy of Information and Technology and 20 students now certified as Nurse Aide I professionals. He also highlighted performing-arts and athletic honors, including band awards, a sold-out theater production, and multiple teams advancing to state-level competition; he said 22 seniors signed to compete at the collegiate level.

The principal framed the ceremony as both a conclusion and a beginning, calling the students a “diverse group of scholars, servant leaders, artists, and athletes” who represent the district. Student speakers reflected on shared experiences across 13 years of schooling and encouraged peers to take risks, help others and continue learning.

Audience members were asked to remain off the arena floor during the recessional and to meet graduates outside the arena following the ceremony. The principal’s pronouncement that the students were graduates cited the authority of the state and the Cabarrus County Board of Education; no board vote or additional administrative action was reported during the ceremony.

Details reported during the ceremony include a roster reading of graduates and academic honors distinctions (cum laude notations and thresholds were announced in the program). The event emphasized school traditions and community recognition rather than new policy or district action.

The Class of 2025 left the ceremony with diplomas and public recognition from school leaders and student officers; the district and school will receive graduates and families at the usual post-ceremony gathering areas noted by event staff.