Wagener-Salley High School Celebrates Graduation Ceremony

Wagener, SC – Wagener-Salley High School’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony Celebrates New Beginnings and Honoring Past Influences

Wagener-Salley High School celebrated its 2025 graduation ceremony on May 30, marking a significant milestone for the 50 graduates who participated in the event held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. This year’s ceremony was particularly special as it was the first cohort to graduate from the school’s newly opened facility, which commenced operations in January 2025.

Among the graduates, Rebekah Cushman stood out as the valedictorian, while Ma’da’m Walker was honored as the salutatorian. Student leadership was represented by other notable figures including Y’Nya Middleton, who served as president, and Kenya Jackson, the vice president of the senior class. Graduates expressed aspirations to pursue higher education at various universities and technical colleges, including renowned institutions such as Clemson University, USC Aiken, Winthrop, Lander, North Greenville, Denmark, Aiken Tech, and Midland.

The graduation ceremony was also poignant, as it included a tribute to the late Jeunelle Robinson, a social studies teacher who tragically passed away in August 2023 after a utility pole fell on her. Eighteen students from Robinson’s class participated in the graduation, which served as a solemn reminder of the impact she had on her students. Robinson’s family commemorated her memory with a luncheon, recollecting how she treated her students like her grandchildren. In recognition of her legacy, each graduate received a medal featuring an owl alongside her name and the phrase “be kind, be you.” The family further honored the graduates by presenting each with $250 from the Jeunelle Robinson Hope Fund.

During the ceremony, one graduate, Niyah Tyler, shared her inspiring journey of overcoming family challenges. She plans to study medical health sciences at Aiken Tech and simultaneously enlist in the Air Force, symbolizing resilience and determination among her peers.

The occasion was not merely a graduation but a celebration of achievements, hopes, and memories, intertwining the recognition of the graduating class with the cherished legacy of a beloved teacher. Graduates and attendees united in honoring Robinson’s kindness and the profound influence she had on the lives of her students, reflecting the deep connections fostered within the school community.

The graduation ceremony served as a pivotal moment for the students, faculty, families, and friends, encapsulating the spirit of new beginnings while honoring those who have shaped their journey. With bright futures ahead, the Class of 2025 is set to make its mark in various fields, carrying the values instilled by educators like Robinson into their next steps.