News Summary
Cross High School held a memorable commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025. Over $1.3 million in scholarships were awarded, with notable speeches from the valedictorian and salutatorian highlighting academic and personal achievements. Students are now ready to embark on their next chapters in education and life.
City: Cross—Cross High School celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2025 on May 28, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, under a sky of intermittent clouds and sunshine, with temperatures nearing 90°F and light winds creating a pleasant atmosphere for the graduates and their families.
This year’s graduating class achieved an impressive record in scholarships, with students collectively earning a total of $1,301,822 in academic scholarships and an additional $30,000 in athletic scholarships. Notably, 12 students were eligible for the Life Scholarship, while 135 students qualified for the Hope Scholarship. The celebration highlighted the academic and personal achievements of the students as they prepare for their next chapters in education and life.
The ceremony acknowledged outstanding individuals, including Lauren Bernice Middleton, who was named the class valedictorian. Middleton, whose parents are Kenya and Henry Middleton, has been recognized for her dedication to academics and extracurricular activities. She earned numerous merit scholarships amounting to $731,800 and plans to attend Francis Marion University, majoring in Nursing. Middleton also served as the captain of the Girls Varsity Basketball Team and received awards in Sports Medicine and General Management, as well as the prestigious Spirit of the Trojan Award.
Following closely was the salutatorian, Karmello Tramaine Jones, son of Jolanda Vega-Velez and Santory Jones, who has excelled in athletics, captaining the football, wrestling, and soccer teams. Jones is set to attend the University of South Carolina, where he will major in Sports Management and Sports Science. He secured merit scholarships totaling $352,086.
Top Graduates
In addition to Middleton and Jones, the top five graduating seniors included:
- TaLancia Niasia Fuller
- Malachi Nyjee Williams
- Anatasia Daisy Mae Mack
Achievements and Recognition
The commencement ceremony not only focused on academic achievements but also highlighted the importance of community and support among peers. Both Middleton and Jones delivered messages encouraging their classmates to cherish their remaining moments together, prioritize mutual support, and strive for greatness in their future endeavors.
Background
Cross High School’s 2025 commencement marks a moment of transition for these students, signaling their preparedness to enter higher education and the workforce. The impressive scholarship totals reflect the dedication and hard work of the students, faculty, and the supportive families who contributed to their success. The school has a history of fostering academic excellence and supporting students’ aspirations, providing them with pathways to many opportunities.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to leave high school behind, the assembly on that sunny afternoon represented not only the conclusion of their schooling but also the beginning of new journeys filled with promise and potential for each graduate.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Union Democrat
- Post and Courier
- Count on 2 News
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: High School Commencement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
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