On the evening of June 7, at 7 p.m., the Cape Hatteras Hurricanes Class of 2025 graduated.
The ceremony began with a prelude as Dare County Board of Education members, teachers, and administrators entered the gymnasium to the music of the Cape Hatteras Graduation Band, conducted by Sean McCroskey.
Once staff and Board of Education members made it to the stage, the procession of the 44 Class of 2025 graduates—clad in capes and gowns, red stoles, and cords—commenced.
The United States Coast Guard then performed the Presentation of Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Kristin Bennett, and the playing of the National Anthem.
Audrey Kramer welcomed parents, friends, and loved ones to the ceremony, with a translation into Spanish provided by Jayde Hernandez Selvan.
Kirra Ensenat was this year’s Valedictorian and Colin Midgett was Salutatorian.
2025’s guest speaker was high school English teacher Jordan Tomberlin, introduced by Jonas Eatmon, and translated by Amy Briones Montiel.
Tomberlin taught many of the graduates years ago when they were in elementary school. When giving advice to the Class of 2025, Tomberlin said, “The time you spend making memories and fostering joy is never time wasted.”
After Tomberlin’s speech, the Citizenship Award was presented to Kaylee Mackenzie by Principal Beth Hanman-Rooks.
The Citizenship Award goes to a student who has shown exceeding kindness and fairness, who leads with empathy, and who stands up for others.
Commenting on the Citizenship Award, Hanman-Rooks said, “[It’s a] celebration of the kind of citizen we hope all of our students become.”
A common thread among the night’s speeches was reminiscence on fond memories and the closeness that’s established by growing up on a small island like Hatteras.
The awarding of diplomas was done by CHSS Principal Haneman-Rooks, Dare Learning Academy Principal L’Tanya Murray, CHSS Counselor Karla Jarvis, and CHSS Assistant Principal Clayton Tiderman.
To close the ceremony, Superintendent Stephen G. Basnight III read the Declaration of Commencement, and Kevin Gonzalez-Caldera gave the closing remarks.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Photos by Don Bowers
