King & Queen Central High School graduate Jorden Johnson breaks into a celebratory dance just before receiving his diploma from Principal Dr. Ashley Edwards. See additional CHS graduation photos page A8.
There were plenty of cheers — and even some tears — Friday night as King and Queen Central High School conducted its 70th commencement ceremony.
Diplomas were awarded to 36 graduates.
Student speakers were Valedictorian Elijah Demetri Boone and Salutatorian Makayla Nashae Holmes.
During his remarks, Boone noted the accomplishments of the school’s athletic teams, some of which set precedents for success at the school.
“When everything is said and done we will enter the real world,” Boone told his fellow graduates. “We’re going to have hardships and problems of being adults. This accomplishment tonight is only a stepping stone to our contributions to the world.”
Boone also gave heartfelt remarks about the impact his late grandmother had on his life.
“We are all so different, but that’s what makes us so perfect,” Holmes told her classmates
She also recognized the Central High educators.
“I know I speak for our class when I say we are going to miss every single on of you,” she said. “The teachers we’ve had from the beginning to the end, we truly appreciate you getting us to this point.”
King and Queen Central Class of 2023 Valedictorian Elijah Boone accepts his diploma from CHS Principal Dr. Ashley Edwards.
In closing, Holmes recognized Central High’s Jennifer Powell, leading her classmates in a shout of “We love you Ms. Powell.”
Central High Principal Dr. Ashley R. Edwards told the audience that filled the bleachers that the CHS Class of 2023 was the recipient of $500,000 in scholarship awards.
“Graduation is not just an individual achievement, but a reflection of the collective support and love that surrounds our students,” Dr. Edwards remarked while recognizing the graduates’ families. “Your dedication, determination, and hard work have propelled you to this day. As you step forward into the next chapters of your lives, always remember the distance you have traveled, the obstacles you have overcome, and the amazing accomplishments you have achieved.”
King and Queen County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Carter recognized each graduates’ achievements, including comments from CHS teachers about their students.
“You will have love, heartaches, disappointments, accomplishments and testing your faith,” Dr. Carter told the graduates. “Life is beautiful. So, buckle up and laugh along the way. It makes life fun.”
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