Carroll County Public Schools hosted seven graduation ceremonies this week for graduating seniors in each of the district’s seven high schools, as well as three ceremonies for students advancing from nontraditional public schools in the county.
Manchester Valley, Century, Francis Scott Key, South Carroll, Liberty, Winters Mill and Westminster high schools celebrated hundreds of graduates at the McDaniel College Gill Center this week, Monday through Thursday. Most ceremonies lasted around an hour and 45 minutes.
The Manchester High School graduation ceremony, held at 9 a.m. Monday, featured addresses from Student Government Association President William Cunningham, SGA advisor and social studies teacher Todd Hartshorn, and Principal Joseph Guerra. The school’s wind ensemble played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the Class of 2025 entered the building, and the school’s vocal ensemble treated attendees to a performance of “I Will Sing You the Stars.”
The South Carroll High School graduation ceremony, held at 3 p.m. Monday, included a speech from class President Michael Velerio.
“Despite going in different directions after we leave South Carroll, we have one common goal,” Velerio told his classmates, “to become the best versions of ourselves. Accomplishing this goal can only be done if we apply ourselves accordingly.”
South Carroll Assistant Principal Christy Kennedy said 77% of graduating seniors will continue their education, 6% will pursue a trade or technical education, 7% will enter the workforce and 6% will join the military. One graduate will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
The class also accumulated a combined $6.9 million in scholarships, Kennedy added.
The Francis Scott Key High School graduation ceremony, held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, included speeches from staff and Class of 2025 President McKenna Lanza, who was also the first female golfer to represent the school in the state tournament, which she qualified for twice. The school’s choir treated graduates and spectators to a performance of “Landslide” and Principal David Herman announced the retirement of Granville Hibberd, who worked at the school for 51 years.
“Usually graduation speeches revolve around the obstacles we’ve overcome, reminiscing about the memories we’ve made, and reflecting on the things we’ll miss,” Lanza said, “but I believe this speech should speak more about the future. … I hope every graduate here today feels they have built a sturdy home that will allow them to grow, add on, and improve in the future.”
Assistant Principal Ashely Warner said the Class of 2025 earned more than 34,097 service-learning hours while in middle and high school, including two seniors who each earned more than a thousand hours.
Century High School class President Ashley Easley addressed the Class of 2025, fighting back tears as she thanked parents, teachers and staff for supporting and serving as role models for the graduating class, at a ceremony held at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
“We were the first class since 2020 that was lucky enough to be able to have a real and complete high school experience,” Easley said. “Starting high school brought a fresh beginning, but it also came with a wake-up call and a need for guidance.”
Assistant Principal Todd Hicks said 80% of graduating seniors will continue their education, 10% will enter the workforce, 4% will pursue a trade or technical education, and 3% will join the military. The Class of 2025 was offered more than $15 million in college scholarships and 10 of the graduates earned an A in every high school class.
The class accumulated a total of 17,448 service-learning hours while in school. Andrew Ko had 1,244 service-learning hours, the most of any Century graduating senior.
Century’s marching band was particularly active in the last four years, and was selected to represent Maryland in the 2022 Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Parade in Oahu.
Members of Liberty High School’s graduating Class of 2025 were celebrated at a ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday. William Brian Hobbs was recognized for having perfect attendance since fifth grade, and Katie Elise Pedulla was recognized for having accumulated 1,997 service-learning hours. Valedictorian Micah Andrew Cooney and salutatorian Chloe Kang led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Kang also served as student representative on the Carroll County Board of Education, a significant time commitment and service to the county.
Principal Kenneth Goncz said 87% of the graduating class will continue their education, with scholarships awarded to graduates totaling $10.3 million. Fifty-five percent of graduating seniors were offered scholarships.
The Winters Mill High School graduation ceremony, held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, featured a presentation of colors by the school’s Junior ROTC and a performance from the school’s choir.
Assistant Principal Stacy Novotny said 82% of the Class of 2025 plans to continue their education and 11% plan to enter the workforce.
Class President Kimora Harrid gave a speech about celebrating friendships and SGA president Addison Vallandingham thanked families of graduating seniors for their love and support
“They gave us strength, wisdom, and unconditional care,” Vallandingham said. “They remind us that family is not just about blood; it is about love and presence. Today is a celebration of them, too.”
Westminster High School held a graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday.
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