News Summary
Aiken County Public Schools recently held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025, honoring over 500 seniors from various high schools. Special events included the Completer Ceremony at the Career & Technology Center and the commencement at the Aiken Scholars Academy. These celebrations highlighted students’ achievements, growth, and readiness for future endeavors, with inspiring speeches from community leaders and educators. Families and teachers came together to support the graduates, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys.
Aiken, SC – Aiken County Public Schools Celebrate Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2025
On June 3, 2025, Aiken County Public Schools concluded a series of graduation ceremonies marking the achievements of the Class of 2025. The events celebrated the hard work and dedication of over 500 seniors across various high schools, including special ceremonies for students at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center and the Aiken Scholars Academy.
The Aiken County Career & Technology Center held its Completer Ceremony on May 28, where more than 200 students received their completion credentials. The graduates adorned themselves in robes that represented their respective high schools, highlighting the diversity in their educational backgrounds. Kenneth Lot, the director of the Career & Technology Center, addressed the audience, commending the students on their achievements. Notably, Clark Long and Jaxson Bunn were awarded student of the year accolades, recognizing their exemplary contributions and leadership.
During the ceremony, school board member Liz Morris attended and shared inspiring words with the graduates. Karson King served as the guest speaker, emphasizing the importance of blue collar trades in today’s economy, while Corey Murphy, the superintendent of the Aiken County Public School District, spoke about the students’ readiness to enter the workforce, reinforcing their potential impact in the community.
Earlier on the same day, the Aiken Scholars Academy also celebrated its graduates with a commencement ceremony. A total of 44 seniors graduated, including Joab Brown, who served as class president and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar finalist. Principal Martha Messick reflected on the rigorous academic journey of the graduating class, highlighting the challenges they overcame during their time at the academy. Valedictorian Sarah Porcha-Konjikusic and salutatorian McKenna Davis delivered speeches that inspired their peers to continue pursuing their dreams after graduation.
The graduation celebrations began on March 28, 2025, culminating on May 30, when multiple high schools held their ceremonies at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. Midland Valley High School graduated more than 300 students, with Principal Sheldon Higgenbottom reporting that over 60% of the class achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. North Augusta High School also saw over 400 students graduate, with speakers at their ceremony emphasizing themes of perseverance and the future. Valedictorian Lyles Cannon spoke to his class about the importance of awareness and choices in life.
This year’s ceremonies included a unique celebration for Wagener-Salley High School, which transitioned from an old building to a new, state-of-the-art facility. This change represented the school’s adaptability and commitment to providing a modern learning environment for its students, further highlighting the significance of this milestone in the students’ educational careers.
Overall, the graduation events in Aiken County celebrated not only the academic achievements of the students but also the sense of community, personal growth, and future potential that each graduate embodies. With the support of families, teachers, and community members, the Class of 2025 is poised to make significant contributions to society as they embark on their next steps.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Class of 2025 Celebrations
- Augusta Chronicle: Area High School Graduations
- WRDW: Graduates Walk Across Stage
- MSN: Aiken County Detention Center Graduates
- Augusta Press: USC Aiken’s Graduating Class of 2025
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Google Search: Graduation Ceremony
- Google Scholar: Graduation Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- Google News: Graduation Ceremonies
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
