Cape Hatteras Graduation Ceremony celebrates the 48 members of the Class of 2023…WITH SLIDE SHOW

Photos by Don Bowers

The 48 members of the Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s (CHSS) Class of 2023 received their diplomas at a commencement ceremony held on Saturday evening, June 10.

The event began with a prelude by the Cape Hatteras Secondary Graduation Band, conducted by Sean McCroskey, before the class processional to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.”

After the presentation of colors by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Addyson Wilson, graduates Alan Garcia and Molly Hanburger welcomed the parents and guests.

The class valedictorian for 2023 is Casia Marie Enseñat and the salutatorian is Oralia Alice Cirisa, and both graduates addressed their fellow students in warmly-received speeches at the Saturday evening ceremony.

The guest speaker for this year’s commencement was middle school teacher Andrew Gazda, who was introduced by graduates Lilian Ratliff and Addyson Wilson, and diplomas were handed out by Principal Beth Haneman-Rooks, Assistant Principal Annette O’Neal, and CHSS HS Counselor Karla Jarvis.

Dare County Schools Superintendent Stephen G. Basnight, III gave the Declaration of Commencement, and graduates Yelsin Selvin and Alexis Zavala-Roldan delivered the closing remarks.

2023 Class President Molly Hanburger led the turning of the tassels before the class marched out of the CHSS Auditorium to a recessional led by the CHSS band. Scholarships were also awarded to a long list of graduating seniors at a special presentation held in May.

Congratulations to all of the graduates of the Class of 2023!