BY MILES LAYTON

EDENTON — Much like the new $82 million high school that’s under construction, John A. Holmes High School’s Class of 2025 represents the future.  

Aces’ seniors, filled with hope and promise for a better tomorrow, turned their tassels in front of a big crowd and a fireworks display on Friday at the football field. 

Here is a link to our gallery of photos and the names of the graduating seniors appear at the end of this story. A video of the seniors walking into commencement also appear in this story.

Principal Sonya Rinehart offered a few facts that should offer a strong sense of pride to the Class of 2025 and the Aces’ nation.  

“Our ACES family would like to take a moment and recognize you for your accomplishments,” she said. “Eight of you are continuing your athletic careers in college. Over 930 college hours were earned, with one student receiving an associate of science degree and three, an associate of arts degree. After tonight, 21% of you are headed straight into the workforce. with 2% are enlisting in the armed forces — we thank you for your service — 38% are enrolled in two-year, and 39% are off to four-year universities. Together, you have earned $2.6 million in scholarships. You heard that right. Let’s give yourselves a round of applause.”

Commencement speakers were Reggie Spivey, JAHHS Beginning Teacher of the Year 2024-25, Salutatorian Austin Roebuck, Valedictorian Olivia Armstead, Principal Rinehart and Superintendent Tammi Ward. 

Spivey’s speech touched on wisdom from action movies, Professor Charles Xavier, founder/leader of the X-men. Nice!  

“Professor Xavier once told his school of superpowered students, ‘we are not what we were meant to be, but we are not yet what we will become,’” Spivey said. “You all are still becoming. Whether you head to college, into a trade, into the military, or you find your own way somehow, keep becoming something. Stay open to it. Stay open to every opportunity you have to learn, to grow, to become something. This may take time. It may take you 20-plus years. But if it does, so be it. That’s okay if it takes you that long. Never count yourself out.”

Senior Reflection for the Class of 2025 came from Roebuck, Salutatorian, an outstanding academic scholar, a well-rounded student leader, a member of the swim team, served as vice president of the Debate Club, and was active in the Student Government Association, Leo Club, and Teen Court.

“The love and lessons we’ve all taught one another is the true gift of the past thirteen years,” he said. “I hope wherever life takes us, we will be accompanied by the playfulness we exhibited as children and the stubbornness we show now as teenagers. I’m sure in the years to come, we will be confronted with the question of who we are and what we truly want in life. And to that, I wish us all the best of luck. We were all kids together, and I believe that to count for something. Thank you, and congratulations to the class of 2025!”

The Graduate Challenge speech was given by Armstead, Valedictorian, president of the Debate Club, clerk of Teen Court, a student school board member, and a dedicated representative of the Student Government Association. 

“Today, we sit at the edge of the rest of our lives. And while it might not be perfect, because nothing ever is, it’s going to be ours,” she said. “So no matter what you do from now on, I hope it makes you proud of who you are, no matter what anyone else might say. Whether that’s moving to a brand new city, or starting your own business, or just taking a class without something you’ve never heard of before, I hope you put every bit of yourself towards these goals, and don’t let anyone stand in your way.”

Armstead continued, “Try everything that seems even slightly interesting, because even if you end up hating it, at least you’ve learned something about yourself. And that’s what life is really about, understanding who you are, what you like, what you don’t, and what kind of life you want to build. I challenge you all to stay passionate, to stay kind, and to always remain true to yourself. The future is endless. There are thousands  of paths, and no one expects you to have it all figured out just yet. Plans are good to have, but remember that we are all growing. And as one of my closest friends told me, learn how to relax. Very few things are forever, and there’s always time for change. Congratulations, everyone.”

A JAHHS alumna who has served with distinction as a teacher and principal at JAHHS, Rinehart offered a few words of advice. 

“Here’s the thing, after tonight, all of this is a memory,” she said. “Tomorrow comes, and when it does, your real journey is going to begin. Every word you speak, every decision you make is a seed for change. The future you build will grow from your choices. Remember, the average person speaks about 7,000 words a day, but only a few hundred actually matter. So make yours count. Choose your words with care, speak kindly, and encourage generously. Put down the phone. Look someone in the eye. Listen and really listen.”

Rinehart continued, “Share a laugh and be present. Because at the end of the day, it’s not grades or trophies that define you. As you leave those behind tonight, it will be the relationships you build, the love you give, and the integrity you carry with you. Surround yourself with people who are gonna lift you higher. You become what you look for, so I encourage you to look for joy, meaning, and hope.” 

Superintendent Ward shared her hopes for the Class of 2025. 

“I hope that all of your choices are very clear and easy to make because of your moral compass,” she said. “This comes from your strong conviction in your faith, personal integrity, human kindness, and self worth. The great thing about this list of convictions, they can grow and get stronger, and they’re free. This doesn’t mean that these choices will be popular with others, but it does mean that this hope ensures you will have meaningful relationships in con contentment with yourself and be a contributing member to your community.”

Ward continued, “My second hope is that before you make your choice that leads you in the right direction, please take your time, seek knowledge, and understand the consequences before making a choice that affects the rest of your life.”

“And number three, this is a hope that I hope all of your hard choices are only hard because you want to do each and every one of them. You have had the opportunity to be prepared for the choices that are expected of you in the next stage of your life. Use these resources that will lead you in the right direction. And remember, your first choice begins when you leave the stadium tonight. Please be wise and be safe and congratulations!”

A few “album liner” notes that should be included — Board of Education members are George Lewis, Chair; Sheila Evans, Vice Chair; Sherrone Battle, Ricky Browder, Lisa Perry, Paul Clifton and Joan White.

Administration: Principal Sonya Rinehart, Assistant Principals Beatrice Cherry and Kris Reis.

Marshals: Chief Marshal, Ava Bunch; Maria Ambosio-Reyes, Diney Borja, Carly Cowper, Karen Diaz-Yepez, Chrysania Davis, Harper Evans, Morgan Nixon, Emerson Privott and Hailey Roberson.

Turning of the Tassels was initiated by Student Government Association President Dai’Viouna Sutton, Class of 2025. Senior Brea Navarro sang the National Anthem, JROTC served as the Color Guard and the JAHHS Concert Singers performed “May the Road Rise Up”.

Class of 2025 — Congratulations! 

• Ja’Nyra Nicole Armstead
• Olivia Oshún Armstead
• Jonathan Tyler Arnold
• Samuel Riley Askew
• Ashlynn Rae Babbitt
• Janyrah Nicole Basnight
• Nasaya Shodd’Na Basnight
• Nasir Corda Basnight
• Trevor Bryant Basnight
• Maddox Thomas Bass
• Heavenley Skhi Eugene Benton
• Kurshauna Blount
• Tyrin Tourje Bond
• Weston David Bond
• Marquis Katrell Boston
• Tahnyizia Marie Boston
• Amani Chanise Bowens
• Juphar Montae Brooks
• Skylie Illiona Alexis Brown
• Thaddeus Kyle Ezekiel Brown
• Zaylee Marie Campbell
• Leslie Carpiette-Hernandez
• Yohana Carrillo-Hernandez
• Javier De’Mar Castillo
• Brandon Rayshawn Cherry
• Heather Brooke Clayton
• Michael Ayden  Cole
• Mya Rae Cole
• Daniel Colin-Bautista
• Jordyn Nicole Colon
• Shiheim De’quan Allen Cooper
• Jayden Jayron’ Copeland
• Noah Scott Copeland
• Amaya Cortezano
• Korina Amaoge Cortezano
• Asalah Nafeesa Coston
• Tamia Leigh Creighton
• Daniel Cruz Torres
• Noemi Cruz Torres
• James Thomas Cutler
• Elijah Jaylin Davis
• Matthew Ryan Dewees
• Diamonique LaNasia Dillard
• Zi’Kiven X’Zwanya Dillard
• Ayanna Nichelle Sykes Dixon
• Caliegh Nicole Dixon
• Angeline Donayre
• Kimora Elise Douglas
• Torah Reign Downing
• Royal De’Undre Dudley
• A’Ziyah Darshe’ Eason
• Jaemikle Qua’Shyne Etheridge
• Almonie Isaih Evans
• Camdyn Drew Forehand
• Brianna Elizabeth Forward
• Kate Morris Foster
• Javondre’ TiQuan Gaylord
• Nia Isis Gilliam
• Re’Kiyah Chante’ Gilliam
• Ayden King Granby
• Summer Nichole Gregory
• Aaron Jerome Griffin
• Mason Neal Griffin
• Tiarra Danae Griffin
• Daniel Thomas Hare
• Quniya Lanae Hassell
• Cristian Xavier Hawks
• Priscila  Herrera-Rojas
• Gracie Jo Hill
• Mia Marie Hoffer
• Dyamond Kenya Holley
• Jesse Antoine Holley Jr.
• Quar’yon Kavaciere Holley
• Anjel Cynne’ Holmes
• Joaquin Alexander Hunt
• Nasim Jekhi Hunt
• Amaree JaQuan Jackson
• Kavion Kursel Jackson
• Riley Elizabeth Jackson
• Bernice Faye Joyner
• Xzorion Jerome Keith
• Caden James Knight
• Briley Lynn Koller
• Courtney Rae Leary
• Leah Jazelle Leary
• Aubre’anna Desiree Lewis
• Harmony Monae Lewis
• Joshua William Lis
• Christopher Eliott Mayfield
• Marissa Medrano-Borja
• Hector Melchor-Cisneros
• Rosalynn Carol Mikus
• Landon Thomas Morgan
• Alexander Joseph Mulvin
• Brea Ashlee Navarro
• Zy’Mira  Norfleet
• Joshua Elijah O’Neil
• Darius Colin Oliver
• Na’Shyyah Kiye’ Overton
• Shelby Lee Owens
• Lizbet Anais Pacheco
• Dasan Deonte’ Parks
• Ainsley Morgan Parrish
• Emma Worth Parrish
• Caleb Alexander Payton
• Jamaurie Ty’Shon Perry
• Ja’Myah Shi’Nea Phelps
• Gavin Fisher Pierce
• Rayzure Jacqeuz Pittman
• Christian Darnell Rankins
• Natrail Jamail Rankins
• Deja Shereen Mary Rayner
• Gabriella Nicole Resendiz
• Riley Thomas Respass
• Sijam Oraliz Reyes-Cortez
• Quayveon Lamar Richardson
• Austin Perry Roebuck
• Shy’najia La’Shawnda Rollins
• Megan Lynn Rose
• Khamari Arshane Ky’rell Sanderlin
• Ty’Yonna Zy’Kiya Sanderlin
• Ja’niah  Amira Scott
• Willisha Renee Sessoms
• Ryan Austin Shaffer
• Elijah Harrison Shorter
• Willow Nicole Simmons
• Te-Jayce Lamir Simpson
• Kailyn Elizabeth Spruill
• Brynlee Carroll Stevens
• Dai’Viouna Wy’Asia Sutton
• Ella Grace Tatem
• Gus Ali Terrell
• Keana Mearah-Lee Thompson
• Ke’Shon Ulando Tripp
• Zachary James Walston
• Jordan McKenzie Ward
• Joshua Tyler Wells
• Taylor Morgan Westerman
• Myaiziah Zykeiyah White
• Naijhir Dequavyon White
• Phi’lemon Markeese White
• Chyneice Ayanna Wilder
• JaVighyia LyJae Wilkins
• Hunter Christopher Williams
• Serenity Lynn Williams
• Ke’Monte Eugene Wilson
• Tamya Christine Wilson
• Kaniya Marie Winfield
• Evan Chase Young

EDITOR’S NOTE: Names and spellings provided by Edenton-Chowan Schools. Thanks goes to John A. Holmes High School Guidance Counselor Karen Pruden.