News Summary
The graduation season has brought excitement to Newberry High School as graduates and families reflect on achievements and milestones. Kelly Duncan shared her memorable graduation experience while the school proudly announced its top graduates, Matthew Rahilly and Amelia Shanley. Rahilly, named valedictorian, showcased athletic talent, while Shanley, the salutatorian, excelled in sports and academics. Newberry College also celebrated its graduates with notable awards. The local community gathered for a special ceremony honoring graduates affected by an abrupt school year end, emphasizing the importance of connection and celebration during this pivotal time.
Newberry, FL – The graduation season for the 2024-2025 school year has prompted significant reflection and celebration among graduates and their families at Newberry High School. With social media buzzing with shared memories, one graduate, Kelly Duncan, expressed her thoughts on her own graduation, which occurred on May 31, 2024. Duncan highlighted the excitement of her high school experience and her preparations for graduation, which included a special day spent with her sister and the joy of receiving cherished gifts from loved ones.
In addition to her high school achievements, Duncan proudly marked another milestone, noting that it has been nine years since her graduation from Newberry College on May 7, 2016. She reflected on how her family’s nearby home provided financial relief during her college years and encouraged current graduates to remain connected with their peers and participate in campus activities.
Meanwhile, Newberry High School has announced its top graduates for the Class of 2025. Matthew Rahilly has been named the valedictorian with a GPA of 4.015. Originally from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he is the son of Ben and Beth Rahilly. Rahilly has demonstrated talent in several sports, including football, athletics, and basketball, although he is currently undecided about his future college plans.
Amelia Shanley has earned the title of salutatorian, boasting a GPA of 4.0. She is the daughter of Casey and Annette Shanley and hails from Sanford, North Carolina. Apart from her academic success, Shanley has actively participated in volleyball and softball, intending to attend community college and pursue a volleyball career.
Both Rahilly and Shanley have attended Tahquamenon Area Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. This year, they experienced changes in their educational environment, adapting to relocating their high school classrooms to the second floor of the elementary building. While they miss some aspects of the previous high school setting, they have thrived academically and socially.
Looking ahead, Newberry High School’s 130th Annual Commencement Exercise is set for May 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the J.L. DeCook Gymnasium, promising to be a memorable event for graduates and families alike.
Adding to the local graduation excitement, nearly 120 student-athletes graduated from Newberry College on May 17, 2024, at Setzler Field. Several students received notable awards during the ceremony, showcasing their excellence in academics and leadership. Rebecca Hartrick was honored with the George B. Cromer Award for her academic excellence, leadership, and integrity. Stembile Chikoree won the esteemed Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, recognizing her exemplification of faith, hope, and charity. Alexa Anderson received the Dr. L. Grady Cooper Award, which commended her loyalty and devotion to Newberry College.
Outside of typical graduation celebrations, a special ceremony was held in a community in North Central Florida for seniors affected by an abrupt school year end. Approximately 70 out of 145 graduates participated in an emotional ceremony that included a moment of silence for Evan Finnell, a student who tragically lost his life in a car accident. Congressman Ted Yoho delivered the commencement speech, with State Representative Chuck Clemons and Senator Keith Perry also participating to congratulate the graduates.
The graduation season remains a pivotal moment for students, families, and communities, encapsulating years of hard work and the promise of brighter futures ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Thirteen Years Later
- My Newberry News: NHS Names Valedictorian and Salutatorian
- Newberry Observer: Newberry College Student Athletes Celebrate Graduation
- Tukios: Graduation Video Resource
- WCJB: Newberry Community Holds Special Graduation
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Google Search: Graduation Ceremony
- Google Scholar: Graduation Success
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- Google News: Graduation News
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry 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 Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. 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.
