001killed it. Yeah, I was policy if they were coming. You know what? What did you just say? Yeah, if we don't get started, we're going to Good evening. Will everyone please stand? [Music] Joy glory. Hallelujah. Lord glory. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Oh, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. of the Lord. [Music] Gloral. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, heat. Hey. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Please be seated. I am Derek Edwards, the principal of Asheville High School. I would like to welcome to the podium the Asheville High School senior class president, Sophie Ha, and the SILSA senior class president, Cara Gibson. Good evening. I'm Sophie Hal,
002senior class president of Asheville High. And I'm Kira Gibson, Silsa senior class president. We welcome you to the Asheville High School and School of Inquiry and Life Sciences at Asheville class of 2025 commencement ceremony. We would like to welcome our distinguished guests. Dr. Maggie Ferman, superintendent of Asheville City Schools. Carrie Buchanan, executive director of learning pathways at William Randolph, members of the school board, and our parents, families, and friends who have been there to support us. We would not have made it this far to this point without the many teachers who have taught us from preschool, kindergarten, and throughout our primary and secondary education. Although this is a high school graduation, we celebrate the accomplishments of every stage of our educational journey. Two of these educators will be retiring this year. Elsie Lindsay has been
003teaching for 34 years. He spent 14 years in New Orleans before Katrina and 19 and a half years in Asheville. Chris Gordon has been teaching exceptional children for 29 and a half years. 20 years were spent in New Hover Kenner and the last nine years with Asheville City Schools. These incredible educators have impacted thousands of students during their careers. Please let us show our gratitude to these dedicated educators and all of our teachers who helped us make it to this milestone and prepared us for our next steps. Within the class of 2025, these graduates have been awarded scholarships totaling 8 million 168,47. At this time, we ask everyone to please stand for the national anthem. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] Please be seated. I'm Stephanie Day, interim principal of Silsa.
004This is the fourth year that we have invited all members of the senior class to submit speeches for graduation. The following three speeches were selected. I would now like to welcome our first graduation speaker, Kimberly Perez Perez. Good evening everybody, teachers, mentors, family, friends, and most importantly my fellow graduates. As we end this chapter of our lives and start going on our different path, I want to share this quote to you by Kamala Harris. Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you now in Spanish. [Music] In this we come to understand that we did not arrive here by chance nor did we walk this path alone. We are the product of all the love, sacrifice, hard
005work, mistakes and victories of the people who came before us. Victori. And because of that, each of us carries a unique context. Maybe you're the only child or the oldest of three. Maybe you grew up with plenty or with very little. We each have a journey filled with setbacks, achievements, and people who have helped us along the way. Throughout our high school journey, we've overcome various challenges such as perimeter lockdowns because of a bear, seven fire drills in a day, and the chaos of Hurricane Helen. All of these events have helped us arrive to this point and will continue to support us as we move forward in the next stages of life, whether it's college, the workforce, or anything in between. For me, this moment is especially meaningful. My parents were just 17 years old
006when they came to this country, caring little more than their dreams and determination. Now I stand before them, also 17, become becoming the first in my family to graduate high school and attend a four-year [Applause] college. That's not just my milestone, it's theirs, too. [Music] Harris's quotation reminds us that we just didn't fall out of the sky and end up here. We are the product of everything that came before us. I am here because of my parents' courage, their long hours, their sacrifices, and the love they poured into building something they never had for themselves. Their journey, their struggles, and their resilience are the context that shapes who I am. When I walk across this stage, I'm carrying generations of hope, determination, and strength with me. I didn't get here alone, and I'm not moving
007forward alone, either. So, as we walk across this stage, I hope we remember our contacts. I hope we remember the people, places, and experiences that brought us here. As we are not here by accident, we are here on purpose. Thank you and go Cougars. [Applause] Thank you, Kimberly. And now I am pleased to introduce Lucy [Applause] Peltz. Hello family, friends, teachers, and most importantly, my fellow Cougar graduates. It's surreal that we call ourselves graduates today because roughly 1,300 days ago, we were walking into the doors of Asheville High School for the very first time. We've had 1,300 mornings of sleepy eyes and rushed hallways. Awkward greetings, inside jokes, unexpected lessons, and unforgettable moments. We've had 1,300 chances to grow, mess up, learn, and laugh. And whether those 1,300 days felt like marathons or mere blinks,
008here we are. My AP US government teacher writes the date on the board each morning and reminds us, "This is the only insert date here you'll ever get. Make the most of it." That quote stuck with me because even in the chaos of high school, between the stress of exams, the pressure of college applications, and the endless countdowns to summer, it reminded me to be in the present, to not miss the life happening right in front of me. 1,300 days seems like a daunting number, a stretch of time that will never end. But I think I speak for all of us when I say that though this day seemed it would never come, it came faster than we could have imagined. Appreciating each moment in high school was difficult when combined with the quiet struggles
009working against us, poking from the backs of our minds. Stress, fear, sadness, and perhaps the most prevalent of all, comparison. It's been said that comparison is the thief of joy. At first glance, this is advice to stop comparing ourselves to others and their accomplishments. But when we really stop and think about it, we realize that our own thoughts may be stealing our joy and the capabilities of our dreams. This time in our lives is hard. Our own minds, our own doubts often speak to us in the silent whisper, telling us that we're not quite good enough yet. Not without that grade, that test score, or that friend group. Yet, we dreamed anyway. We choose to dream in a world that is constantly trying to make us question ourselves. And we're here today, not because we
010were perfect, but because we didn't let the voices, both those around us and in our heads, get the best of us. And so, as we walk across this stage together as Cougars, for the last time, let this be your reminder. The only comparison that matters is the one between who you are now and who you were yesterday. Don't let fear write your future. Don't let your own thoughts be thieves of joy in your accomplishments or in the power of your potential. Moments like this don't come back. So look around. Take it in. Feel the weight of it. Let your heart be full, even if your eyes are too. Let's remember what it felt like to stand here shoulderto-shoulder with the people who walked this journey with us. because this this is the only June 6th,
0112025 we will ever get. So, let's make the most of it. [Applause] Thank you, Lucy. I am pleased to welcome George Johnson. We have made it to this day step by step. No, literally think of how many miles we have walked together in these hills, up these halls, and on this campus. Many miles were productive, others were tedious, and now our next steps are right around the corner. We worked for 12 years building the camaraderie we have today. But we are graduating into a world that fears that inclusion. We must choose to tackle the unknown of our future with hope, not fear. Hope doesn't come from sitting and watching despair. It comes from fighting for what's right and staying kind. I have seen this kindness at Asheville High in Silsa, a place where a transgender
012student can stand before you today at his graduation and my voice is seen as equal. I see the hope in every act of kindness, even against the hatred in the world. I am lucky. We all are living in a place that gives us opportunities to celebrate diversity that teaches us to be brave, not afraid. I am lucky because I know I'm loved. Every morning I wake up fearing the future of being myself. But moments like this remind me why I continue to speak. Because while I have this microphone, I still mourn for every person who is silenced. This year, we have seen more threats to the future of education. But our teachers persevere. We were lucky to learn through diverse voices. Whether it's their eyes or watching God or between the world and me, these
013books have been a reminder that our education can represent our students, our voices. I am thankful our teachers were willing to prioritize that over censorship. Progress is made when we learn the facts, defend each other, and protest inequities. At our school, we showed this progress. When ICE began knocking on doors across the United States, our student body rose to teach and spread information so our students could be vigilantly aware and supported, whether small or large. These are the moments that count, the ones that keep us moving forward, proving we don't have to give up. Listen to the stories of those different from you and respect your peers, even if you don't understand them. The world is going to feel scary after we turn our tassels. We won't have the opportunities and support the Asheville City
014Schools has given many of us. But by choosing discussions over silence, joy over anger, and hope over fear, we can be the change our teachers believed in. My name is George Hope Johnson and I have taken the opportunity to tell my story to be the joyful transgender representation I didn't see growing up. To all of you who have been silenced or face the fears of being who you are, you can be successful, but you don't have to fight for it alone. Every single one of us has teachers who care, classmates and family members supporting us. Empathy is the driving force of hope and we are the driving force of the future. So please listen to my words and raise your voices. Let's grow together because we grew up beside each other. It will continue to
015grow through hope. So, as we prepare to take our final steps across this stage, let's walk together into the future, hand in hand. Thank you. [Applause] Please join me in thanking all the graduation speakers with a round of applause. and the tears of joy that we have had come upon us. All right. So, we're going to run with an abbreviated schedule since we have got a little bit of rain. Um, we will forego my wonderful speech and Miss Day's wonderful speech and Miss Fairman's wonderful speech. We'll email it to you. All right. Okay, I will. Let's see. Okay, let's skip that part. Yes. Okay. Although today is a time of celebration, there are members of the Asheville High and Silsa community who have passed away. They were our friends, colleagues, students, and family. And at
016this time, we would like to have a moment of silence to remember all those who are not with us today. Thank you. And let us continue to remember those who we have lost and not take for granted those who we have around us today. Graduation is a very exciting time for all of us. We want everyone to hear our graduates names when they cross the stage. We ask that you honor them by refraining cheering until all seniors have been awarded their diplomas. Will the senior class of 2025 please stand? [Applause] On behalf of the North Carolina Board of Education and the Asheville City Board of Education, I hereby declare all the students standing before us have met all of the obligations and requirements for high school graduation and are now eligible to receive their diplomas.
017Graduates, you may be seated. AHS and SILSA class of 2025, please come forward at this time to receive your diplomas. Parents and guests, please stand when your graduates name is called. Dalton Young Ethridge, Asheville High validictorian. Max Aaron Shance Silsa validictorian Shephard Daly Goldstein Asheville High Saludiatoran Kimberly Perez Perez Silsa Saludiator Isa Mica Acriman Ian Patrick Atkins, Lyanna Yais, Awas Venus, Giovanni Agula Lopez, Cole Wedworth, Alabaster, McKenzie, Briana Alexander, El Yahoo, Shia Amedi, Yona Mahali Amidi, Luis June Anderson, Ga Lily Ariano, Luna Valet Ayano, Rowan Kestrel Armstrong, Quesa, I'm sorry, Kaisa Britta Asp Ber Jagger James Bahar, Stella Katherine Bagot, Andrew William Klene, Lena Elizabeth Baldwin, Sophia Jean Boner, Ashley Jasmine Galvan Sales, Audrey Lynn Barnes, Lauren Joy Barnett, Maya Judel Barnett, Izzy Claire Bates, Maline Elizabeth Batton, Anelise Glee Bainard, Marawn Ronald Beavers, Kiier
018Micaia Beck, Evan Christopher Bail, Alexia McKenzie Bell, Estella Fischer Barry, Bo Walker, Bianke, [Music] Alexander Amrod Bickford Ava Hazel Bird Gabriella Dorit Bluestone Aija Batchi Baton II Eta Leil Bowers, Amaya Danielle Bowman, Addison Paige Brutin, Olivia Lynn Brown, [Music] William Betts, Brian, Stella Lillian Bun, [Music] Zoe Francis Burchfield, Brooke Jolene [Music] Bergen, Ava Campbell [Music] Burus, Rica Tajane Burton, Margaret Sage Busby Heric, Addison James [Music] Kaine, Julia Helen Frier, Callahan, Jackson Henry Callahan, Henry Byum Candler, Thaddius James Carmichael, Lenny Aaron Castillo, Maxwell Franklin Cherry, Jonah King Childs, Caneas Gabriel Clinkcales, Mason Spencer, Cook about for 20 minutes because of the storm coming through. We are going to recess for 20 minutes. We need to stand up. Thank you. Is there one that works? We apologize for this, but there are lightning in the area. What's
019that? We'll be starting in three minutes. Oops. We'll be starting back in three. Three minutes. If you graduates can get back and take your seats. We'll be starting in 3 minutes. Who is in the booth? Hello. Okay, we are getting ready to start. All graduates, have your seat. You have 30 seconds. Let's go. [Applause] Elijah C. Hold on one second. Zion Zero. Clock it. Give him a minute. Edgar Denko. Elliot Davidson. See Davidson. Jonathan Davidson. Give him one second. Andrew Phillip Deal, Liam Deeos, Whan Devito, Sydney Dixon. One second, Jesiah Dillingham. [Applause] Isaac Dobbins, Rowan Dollar Reynolds. Trey Weston Doss Ellia Cortez VA Rose Dhy Ben Dudley Hayden Dur Nathaniel Durham Isiah, Amber Edwards, Marqu Davis, Alour Edertton, [Music] Hayden Edwards, Samantha Edwards, Malia Lonnie Hehart, Josh Ellis, Alex Indres, John Essex, Rowan Esinger, Ella
020Estrada, Melanie Evans, Ari Fail, Dunia Faradi, Leonardo Daniel Foreman, Gabby Fiono, [Music] Dax Fields, Grant Fura, Sophia, Nathan Flert, Isabella, Lucy Francis, Hannah Frank Alyssa Freeman Ruby Gaddy Maro Gardner Side Gardner Abe Gary Sienna Kathleen Jedry Salem George Gibson Sophia Bella Glo Glover Walker Stevenson Godfrey William Filipe Gonzalz Gammer Gore, you feel me? Elanor Gorenski, Sophie got Jasper Emerson Grind Ruby Griffin Lex Griffin, Leo, Olivia Gernzi, Mono, Miles, Loren, Holidayiday, Jama, Nicholas Matthew, Hardeneri, Trinity Iceland Harper Pierce, Asa Gabriel Harris, Kaia Harvin Reynolds, Michael Magnus Haskan, Tiller Hogard, Equavian Hayes, Doran Hiners, Beck Henderson, Natalie Eileene Henry, Alice Hensley, Miles Hermi, Tamok Verde, Leon Hill, Joseph Ralph Hootin the fifth Sophie Molly Hog Isaiah Wesley Huggin Carl Garrison Mlan Hutchman Aiden Aiden height Amari Celeste Jackson [Music] Harmony Alicia Jackson Kira Jacobs Amaly Menz Vargas,
021Prince and Johnny, Captain Johnny, George Johnson, Tiller Johnson, Jackson Gabriel Johnston, Charles Jones, Aiden Lula Jones, Anderson Jones, Ka Blue, Zion Jones, Maxwell Jones, Leo, Justin, Colton, Pelzer, Kellishek, Lucy, Angel, Keith, Landon Kirkpatrick Nash Coleman Quin Piper Nepield N Aubrey Kamaric Gavin Leglary Langford Astred Lachland. Bros. Wait, Lucia Miracle Lbok Maletta Toyos Leota Shayla Lester Maya Lettering Eneur Rowan Lindsay Alexander Litenberger Tay Andrews Lloyd Leen Brock Long Selena Rosales Alistister McMillan Teao Margarito, John Martin, Opal Martin, Deja Marbles, Zoe, Alex Mace, Josie McClinton, I love you, Mom and Dad, Aiden Freeman, Mloud, Jake McAuen, Deon McCoy, Kamaya Mar, [Music] Owen, Jeffrey McIntyre, Ivy, Aurora, Meek, VZ mens Liam Mason Milner Natho Maline Lee Montleó Stella Yashi Moore Estrea Moreno Maldonado Magnus Edmund Ellington Maul Holland Honor Joseph Nelson Jam Abram Ray Rigbo newcomer Elliot Newman
022Alexander Ojuna Thomas Nolan Pal, Harry, Robert Patton, Shan Paxton, Henry Payne, Lucy Peltz, Sebast, Edward Peru, Tosh Phillips, Jackson Pickering, Croft Pinkston, Sophia Plenichka, the Kaheen Plumber, Reed, William, Porter, Shirley, Bridges, Pritchard, Roll Zeke Pucket, Matthew James, regard Eleanor Riley, Camila Ramirez, Chavez, Brian Allen, Ram, Nathan Ratcliffe, Max Shay Radigan, Zorius Adam Ray Smith, Shar Lee Red, Banyan Leon, Reml, Braden Riley, Chassity Mania. Riley McKinnico Reynolds, Samuel Isaac Redell, Annabelle Revo, Charles Roberts, Gil Robinette, Colton Robinson, Asa Rogers, Elijah Isaiah Rogers, Cas Regowski, Alexis Roas, Florentina, Katie, Grace, Roland, Tulie, Cena, Rolette, Rude at Rosa Estrada Terica Daniel Rose. Big up to Mada Jaydon Zerbe Rose Green. Big up to the fam. Greta Rosenthal. Stella Ashley Ross, Pame Ruda Lopez, Samantha Brooke Rupert, Enriquea Sanchez and Ariel Sheri, Cameron Skyers Jay Secretski, Jillian Sergeant, Caleb
023Harford, Sharky, Wade Sharp, Gray Shadic. Hey to Gabriel Sean, I love you, ma. Anna Shepard, Kevin Jamar Shivers, Kobe Shivers, in short, Madison Silver, Nora Silverstein, Simon Sves, Damon Simmerly, Estelle Slings V, Jack Bry, Smith, Jamonte, Rand Smith, Bella Smith, Carwell, Jaden Smith, Hornbuckle, Skyler Lyn, Kate Sorrows, do some more Kevin Ser Charlotte Wford Spears Riley Sky Spielman Seth Elijah Stein, Lyla James Stevenson, Sling Rick Stevenson, Pippa May Strickland, Dave [Music] Summerland, Alexis Zansky, Kristoff Zephransky, Ezra Tap, Mary, Ellen T, Tristan, Dominique Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Julia Gray, Templeton, Sean Sterup, Thomas, Andre, Laroo, Thomas, and AJ. [Music] TJ Thor, Maya Rose, Charlotte Tilson, Harper, Isabella, Luna Barwell, Toledo, Isadora Marie Turner, Caitlyn Janette Vasquez, Kevin Antonio Vasquez, Duran, Brian Vasquez, Andrew Toshi, Vermont, Nora Walker, Frederick Scott Waters, Stella Rising, Leth, Ella Bridges, Weathersby, Maliao
024Weeks Lillian Sage West Asa Whitley Jaden D'Angelo Whiteside H EN R Y Whitman Abendigo Wcliffe Hazel Wisner Theo Elijah Wilker, Grant Henry Wilkerson, Peter Wilkerson, Kamar J. Sincere Williams, Kareem Alexander Williams, Zia Anthony Kitty Williams, Eva Joyce Wilson, [Music] Morgan Wilson, Sebastian Wyatt Wilson, Amore Williams, Carson Val, Erica Navy, Last but not least, Miranda Jane Victoria. [Music] All right. All right. Class of 2025, please stand. Thank you all for proving your resiliency tonight. You may now turn your tassels from the right to the left. [Applause] graduates, please remember you have to get your diplomas in the old boys gym. Fuger time is 9:01.