The robes were pressed and hung. Hair washed and straightened, curled, dyed, or unkempt. Some sported sneakers, others, dressy shoes. Many anticipated with excitement; a few with dread. But suffice it to say, generally all the students graduating in Macon County over the last week or so experienced a sense of accomplishment – a sigh of relief.
Franklin High School
FRANKLIN HIGH School seniors wait patiently for their turn on the platform at the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center at Western Carolina University.
SENIORS walk across the stage to receive the diploma they worked so hard for.
PRINCIPAL BLAIR King waits to present a diploma to a graduating senior.
NATHAN McCALLISTER offers encouraging words to the Class of 2025. Others who spoke were Alexa Morales-Montelongo and Graham Caldwell.
SENIOR DANIEL Riddle provided piano accompaniment.
ANNA WASKEY, a regular Macon Sense contributor, prepares to receive her diploma.
Photos above by Tom Pantaleo and staff
Nantahala High School
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Josh Lynch presents a diploma to Nantahala High School senior Willow Manning.
NHS graduated seven seniors in the high school gym at last Friday’s commencement ceremony.
SENIORS AND their families were treated to refreshments following the ceremony.
Nantahala photos above by Jordan Reid
Highlands High School
HIGHLANDS SCHOOL graduated 25 seniors in a ceremony on May 24.
Bartram Academy
BARTRAM ACADEMY saw 53 students accept their diplomas on May 23. Students included those who were supposed to have participated in a January mid-year graduation ceremony; however, a winter storm resulted in that event being canceled.
BARTRAM ACADEMY Principal Brian Moffitt poses with graduate Jared Thompson.
Macon Early College
ON MAY 18, 26 students at Macon Early College were the first to graduate in the county. Fifth-year senior Cameron Rodewald and fourth-year senior Carlye Webb gave the commencement addresses.
Macon Virtual Academy
MACON VIRTUAL Academy graduated eight on May 22. Pictured (L-R) are Lindsey Holbrooks, Julia Renee Williamson, Alexander Rodriquez, Annabelle Evans, Noah Christopher Jones, and Alexis Cheyenne Keener. Not Pictured: Teah Mae Phillips and Trey Joseph Sorvillo.
