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As the school year draws to a close, Franklin City Public Schools and Southampton County Public Schools are preparing to celebrate one of their proudest traditions: high school graduation. Later this week – on June 13 and 14, 2025 – both divisions will confer diplomas on the Class of 2025. 

As families and teachers cheer, hundreds of seniors will don caps and gowns, ready to step across the stage and into a new chapter of their lives. It’s a moment of triumph and transition for the graduates and the entire community that has supported them along the way.

This year’s graduates have much to be proud of. Over four years of high school, they have demonstrated resilience, determination, and heart. The Class of 2025’s journey was anything but ordinary – they lost a significant part of their middle school experience to pandemic shutdowns and entered high school amid unprecedented challenges. Yet, through patience and perseverance, they adapted to virtual classrooms, masked school days, and shifting routines. They learned to overcome obstacles with grit and grace, emerging stronger and more adaptable.

Beyond simply making it to graduation, these seniors have excelled. They’ve earned accolades in academics, athletics, and the arts. These seniors have proven their talent and tenacity. Their hard work has also paid off in tangible ways – collectively, our graduates have earned millions of dollars in scholarship offers for college and vocational programs. This staggering figure is more than just a number; it’s a testament to years of late-night study sessions, teamwork, and a community that values education. Congratulations, Class of 2025, on all you have achieved.

Importantly, we also recognize the village behind each graduate. To the parents, grandparents, and guardians who cheered at every report card and comforted through every setback – thank you. To the teachers, coaches, and mentors who spent extra hours tutoring, training, and believing in these students, we applaud you. Your guidance and support have been the backbone of the Class of 2025’s success; today, you share in this achievement. Franklin-Southampton County is a community that lifts up its young people, and this graduation season is as much a celebration of our collective effort as it is of the students’ individual accomplishments.

To the Class of 2025: we offer our heartfelt congratulations and optimistic best wishes. You have accomplished something remarkable, and you’ve done it during challenging times. Take a moment to savor this achievement – the applause is for you and is well-deserved. As you venture into the wider world, remember the values you’ve learned here at home. Work hard, remain curious, and treat others with kindness. When obstacles appear, recall the perseverance that got you through the past four years and know that you can overcome whatever comes next.

Always remember that you have a home here in Franklin-Southampton County. No matter how far you travel or how high you soar, this community will be rooting for you. We can’t wait to see the positive mark you will make on the world, whether you return here to build your life or spread your wings elsewhere. Your success stories will always be welcome news in the hometown paper.