Wayne School of Engineering honors Class of 2025; several students earn associate degrees

Wayne School of Engineering held its Class of 2025 commencement on May 21, 2025. Wayne County Board of Education Chair Bill Bill Joyner and Wayne County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Richard attended as graduates received high school diplomas and several students received associate degrees.

The ceremony brought students, families and school staff together to mark completion of the program and to hear reflections from student speakers. Victoria Brown introduced the student presentations, and the school principal formally declared the Class of 2025 graduates.

Bill Joyner, District 4, and Bridget Cowan, District 3, were recognized from the Wayne County Board of Education; Dr. Mark Richard and Dr. Timmy Harrell represented Wayne County Public Schools. Victoria Brown introduced the student speakers and assisted in the program. School counselor Carrie Reese and teacher Susan Randolph assisted with awarding diplomas.

Three student speakers reflected on their time at the school. Haley Rae Spencer, identified in the program as a student speaker, said, “this is the last time we will be in the same room together.” Selena Norelli Romero Garcia, another speaker, told classmates that “the future isn't something we wait for. It's something we create.” Evan Anderson, speaking on behalf of classmates at one point in the program, urged peers: “Don't think of what you'll be leaving behind, but instead think of what you're going to gain.” Andrew Brown delivered closing remarks and told classmates, “We've made it. Now let's go out and be great.” These remarks came during the ceremony's scheduled student addresses and public recognition portions of the program.

The program listed a number of graduates receiving both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Students named in the ceremony as earning both credentials include Maya Leanne Phillips, Mikayla Sanaya Vaughn, Victoria's Amari Brown, Selena Norelli Romero Garcia, Brianna K. Finnick and others announced during the diploma roll call. The transcript of the ceremony includes an extended roll call of graduates; the school counselor and teacher assisted in awarding diplomas and noting dual credentials.

The principal of Wayne School of Engineering formally declared the students graduates of 2025. The ceremony concluded after the tassel turn and closing remarks, with families and staff in attendance.

Details about class size, total number of associate degrees awarded, or specific postsecondary programs that conferred the associate degrees were not specified during the ceremony.