SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
GRADUATION2025 Amid tradition, Cape Hatteras Secondary graduates commence life after high school
By Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy mhgm@thecoastlandtimes.com
The William P. Dillon Memorial Gymnasium at Cape Hatteras Secondary School of Coastal Studies was jammed Saturday evening, June 7, 2025. For the Class of 2025, some 527 chairs were set out and most all were filled with family, friends, community folks come to see graduates walk across the platform and receive diplomas. Late arriving folks stood for the 90-minute ceremony. The graduation band under the direction of Sean McCroskey played “Pomp and Circumstance” the traditional processional music for 42 members of the school’s Class of 2025 to enter the venue. A U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard presented the colors, Kristen Bennett led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance and the graduation band played the National Anthem with gusto. Then came the time for speeches. At Cape Hatteras Secondary Commencement ceremonies, some speeches are delivered in English and Spanish. Audrey Kramer and Jayde Hernandez Selvan delivered the welcome. Jonas Eatmon and Amy Briones Montiel introduced the guest speaker, high school teacher Jordan Tomberlin. Kevin Gonzalez-Caldera delivered his closing remarks in English and in Spanish. Kirra Enseñat, the class valedictorian, and Colin Midgett, the salutatorian, delivered their speeches. Midgett’s was laced with some humor. Previously, both Enseñat and Midgett received Associate degrees from College of The Albemarle. Enseñat is headed for Western Carolina University for her post-secondary education. Midgett will attend North Carolina State University. Cape Hatteras Secondary School Principal Beth Haneman-Rooks tapped Kaylee Sue Kathleen Mackenzie for the Class of 2025 Citizenship Award. Mackenzie was praised for her kindness, fairness and making sure others are included. For the awarding of diplomas, counselor Karla Jarvis called the names. Assistant Principal Clayton Tiderman handled
MARY HELEN GOODLOE-MURPHY PHOTOS
Members of the Class of 2025 of Cape Hatteras Secondary School of Coastal Studies await the start of the commencement ceremony before a full crowd in the Buxton campus gymnasium.
the diploma table, Principal Beth HanemanRooks handed diplomas to graduates of Cape Hatteras Secondary and Dare Learning Academy Principal L’Tanya Murray presented diplomas to four students. Receiving diplomas from Principal Rooks were Teigan Keel Augustson, Kristin Alaina Bennett, Charlie Connor Brinson, Amy Selene Briones-Montiel, Ivonne Abigail Cirisa, Kayla Chrissy Cochran, Acelia Hope Davis, Jonas Allen Eatmon, Kirra Beth Enseñat, Elizabeth Ann Fairbanks, and Madison Elizabeth Fiscus, Caroline Grace Fuller, Kevin Gonzalez-Caldera,Thomas Joseph Gwin, Tommy Dwayne Harness, Jayde Nicole Hernandez Selvan, Jade Cecilia Hernandez-Sanchez, Lydia
Raine Hooper, McCoy Frederick James, Savannah Grace Johnson, and Audrey Lillian Kramer, Benjamin John Kulick, Kaylee Sue Kathleen Mackenzie, Ashlyn Jayne Midgett, Bryanna Sue Midgett, Colin Tracy Matthew Midgett, Savannah Belle Moore, Hailey Nicole Netherland, and Rylee Gail Oberbeck, Mia Palestina-Juarez, Catherine Reed Parker, Bryson James Hunter Petry, Emma Marie Riggs, Sachmo Donald Lee Straw, Shaytana Garcia Trejo, Briana Tyler Wess, White Gracie Elizabeth, Dawson Patrick Williams, Ainsley Aryn Wilson, and Tyler Lee Winslow. Receiving diplomas from Principal Murray were Daylynn Marie Meekins, Sally Morgan Newton, Chandler Joel
Thomas and Ruby Elizabeth Whitehead. Graduating but not attending the ceremony were Sachmo Donald Lee Straw and Gracie Elizabeth White. As is tradition, Dare County Schools Superintendent Stephen G. Basnight III declared the class to be graduates of Cape Hatteras Secondary School, but not before suggesting the class The Citizenship Award recipient for the Class of 2025 at stand to deliver applause Cape Hatteras Secondary School is Kaylee Sue Kathleen Mackenzie, who is standing with cousin Leo Jennette and
See CHSS, 8B his spouse Heather Jennette.
CONGRATULATIONS
DARE COUNTY
Kirra Enseñat is the Cape Hatteras Secondary Class of 2025 valedictorian. She will attend Western Carolina University. She is also a recipient of an associate of arts degree from College of The Albemarle.
Colin Midgett is the salutatorian for the Cape Hatteras Secondary Class of 2025. He will attended North Carolina State University. He is the first enrollee from Cape Hatteras Secondary to receive an associate in science degree from College of The Albemarle.
GRADUATES CLASS OF 2025 College of The Albemarle is here to help build Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. Fall Registration Available Now Classes Start August 18th 252-335-0821 | www.albemarle.edu Complete the FAFSA form and see if you’re eligible for the Next NC Scholarship! www.albemarle.edu/nextnc
Ask about Dare Guarantee, a scholarship opportunity for Dare County residents
www.albemarle.edu/dareguarantee