Cherryville High School Celebrates Class of 2025 at Graduation Ceremony

3:41 PM EST |May 27, 2025|Wise News Network|Events, News Articles, People

By: Wise News Network Staff

*Updated 5/28/2025 9:10 AM

Cherryville, NC (WNN) — Cherryville High School celebrated the Class of 2025 during their graduation ceremony held on May 23rd, 2025. The event was filled with well-wishes, guidance, and memories. Students’ accomplishments in academics, sports, and the arts were recognized.

Principal Praises Students’ Achievements

Cherryville High School Principal Shawn Hubers applauded the graduating class for their incredible resilience and many honors in academics, sports, and arts, which he said “brought pride to the school and community.”

Cherryville High School Principal Shawn Hubers speaking at the graduation ceremony. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

Hubers stressed the class’s academic brilliance, kindness, and imagination, noting their determination in tough times. He pointed out major wins, including the cheerleading team’s state title and highest grades among all cheerleading teams statewide.

He also recognized several conference wins in softball, baseball, and golf, plus many individual state qualifiers in different sports. Hubers shared that lots of graduates would go to college, having collectively earning “multi-million dollar scholarships.” He thanked the students for their big impact on both the school and the broader community.

The ceremony showcased sincere addresses from the class’s highest academic performers. Salutatorian Avery Beam gave her fellow graduates three insightful tips. She encouraged them to “figure out who you are,” emphasizing that personality and principles shape a person more than job choices, and that learning about oneself continues throughout life. Beam also suggested to her fellow classmates “remind yourself to be present,” pushing them to notice the here and now and avoid getting caught up in daily worries.

Salutatorian Avery Beam giving a speech at the graduation ceremony. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

Co-Valedictorian Alexis McSwain delivered a message about perspective. She looked back on her past belief that success meant everything. She came to understand that being valedictorian was an accomplishment, not her whole identity. Stressing that “your worth is not based on achievements.” She encouraged her classmates to see beyond the surface and recognize the challenges everyone deals with. She urged them to value kindness, openness, and being true to themselves more than just racking up accomplishments.

Co-Valedictorian Alexis McSwain giving her speech at the graduation ceremony. May 23rd, 2025.

Another Co-Valedictorian, Camryn Cash, took time to express deep gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers for all the support in her life so far. She went down memory lane through the 13 years within the school system, recalling shared experiences. Cash encouraged everyone to “live fully in the present” since this time is fleeting. She thanked Class 2025 for their spirit, how they looked out for each other, and for the love they shared, urging them to carry each laugh, lesson, and silent moment into the future.

Co-Valedictorian Camryn Cash giving her speech at the graduation ceremony. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

Alumnus Delivers Keynote

This year’s guest speaker was Travis Page, the District Attorney for Gaston County and a 2002 alumnus of Cherryville High School. Page delivered a speech, sharing experiences and offering three core pieces of advice to the graduating class.

District Attorney Travis Page delivering his speech at the graduation ceremony. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

Page urged graduates to “choose to care,” noting that genuine relationships and meaningful work require caring, which fosters respect and trust. He encouraged them to hold themselves to high standards, listen more, and take an active role in caring.

Additionally, Page urged them to “choose to work hard,” using his own story of being kicked off his high school basketball team as a lesson in the value of perseverance. According to him, perseverance fosters development and success, demonstrates moral character, and enables one to find their strengths in the face of adversity.

Page concluded by advising graduates to “choose integrity.” Integrity, according to him, is an unwavering dedication to honesty, accountability, and doing what is right, even when it goes unnoticed. He went on to say that kindness and bravery are necessary for genuine integrity.

In closing, Page congratulated the class of 2025, encouraging them to cherish memories, honor relationships, and carry their community’s spirit into their next chapter.

Words After Graduation

Thinking back on the ceremony, Travis Page shared his additional thoughts after the event. “Returning to my alma mater and hometown to deliver the 2025 graduation remarks was an incredible honor. It was also surreal—twenty-three years ago, at my graduation, I could only dream of getting to a point in my life and career where I would receive such an invitation.” He thanked those who helped him on his journey, noting that the night was a “pleasant reminder” of how far he has come. “We owe that same guidance to the graduates in hopes that they will be the leaders of our homes and community 23 years from now.”

Page also reiterated his hopes for the future of these graduates. “I hope they take my words to heart. They choose to care about their homes, careers, and community. I hope they give their best efforts as husbands, fathers, mothers, and wives, and they work hard in every facet of their lives and careers. I also hope they choose a life of integrity and kindness. If they make an intentional choice each day to do these things, our world will be a better place for the next generation of graduates.”

Graduate Walks Stage After Heart Transplant

One of the graduates who walked the stage is Carson Reed. She experienced a 56-day medical journey this school year after an ER visit, a helicopter transfer, cardiac ICU, ECMO life support, two intubations, one fasciotomy in each leg, four chest tubes, and a heart transplant. She spent the following two weeks in recovery, filled with pain, and the next two weeks during mandated rehabilitation.

Carson Reed receiving her diploma at graduation. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

“It means a lot. I’m very excited to see where life takes me after this, and I’m very grateful that I graduated high school.”

She explained that what drove her to graduate and walk the stage was “definitely wanting my own personal success and doing well with grades and keeping grades up” in addition to a great support system from family and friends.

“Thank you all. All of your support is appreciated, and it’ll help me towards my journey”.

Diplomas Awarded

All of the efforts put forth over the years paid off when the graduating seniors were awarded diplomas. Each student walked up to the stage and was honored with exuberant applause from parents and friends, marking their official milestone of completing high school.

Cherryville High School Graduates throwing their caps in the air. May 23rd, 2025. By: William Phillips (WNN)

After the awarding of diplomas, the whole class participated in singing the Cherryville High School alma mater, which was a tradition that marked the indelible experiences and bond they shared. The moving of the tassel capped off the ceremony. This gesture symbolically transformed the attendees from students into graduates, closing one chapter of life while inviting new adventures ahead.

To view the live video of the Cherryville High School 2025 Graduation, Click Here (Graduation Video Begins at 28:40)