End of one journey, beginning of another

Published 3:46 pm Thursday, July 3, 2025

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(A gallery of photos from area high school graduations follows the story below.)

More than 400 students graduated recently from area high schools, including Franklin High School, Southampton High School, Southampton Academy, Windsor High School and Isle of Wight Academy.

Southampton Academy celebrated 24 students receiving their diplomas at a May 22 commencement ceremony.

IWA saw 41 seniors graduate as part of its commencement exercises on May 30.

Franklin and Windsor held their respective graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 13, with 74 Broncos and 127 Dukes celebrating the end of one journey and beginning of another.

FHS officials noted that the school’s graduating class achieved $1.63 million in scholarships.

Southampton High School held its commencement ceremony Saturday, June 14, and hailed 160 graduates, including 52 honor grads.

FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL (Photos courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Franklin High School Lead Administrator Paul Jackson guides Jalen Zyron Allen to his place in line for the graduation ceremony on June 13, 2025.

Before the ceremony, Jordan Elgin Duck signs up for the Graduate Future Career Planning at Camp Community College.

Shirlea Destinee Bryant is flanked by Dennis Bryant and Beth Brown.

Kemonte Carmel Flythe hugs Crystal Phillips, director of the JPK Jr. Career and Technical Academy.

From left are Huy Van, Christian Owens and Benjamin Harrison, who served as marshals.

From left are MyKira Lanai Barrett, who was the salutatorian, Tihanna Jameiyah Barrett, Aiden Valer Barza, and Samirah Nevaeh Boyd.

Zavion Kaliq Wellington, honor graduate, gets help adjusting his stole from Trina Stout, Exceptional Education teacher.

From left are Madison Barton, Kayden Michelle Putman, Peyton Putman, Sharon Whitley, and Tiffany Faltz.

Seniors stand excitedly waiting for FCPS Superintendent Dr. Carlton Carter to pronounce them as official graduates of Franklin High School.

As the valedictorian of the graduation ceremony, Tyson Walter Lee Townes addresses his Franklin High School classmates, faculty and administration.

As they moved their tassels from right to left, several graduates threw their mortar boards in the air to celebrate the completion of their high school education.

SOUTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Joining for a photo are government teacher Sheena Rawlings and her daughter Jailah Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Meredith Belcher, left, and Amani Barnes march forward during the Southampton High School graduation on Saturday, June 14. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

JayNasia Putnam, left, and Jordyn Robertson. (Photo submitted by Melissa Edwards)

Breana Dawson, Southampton High School senior vocalist and chorus member, sings “A Million Dreams.” (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Valedictorian Isabella Edwards gives her speech. (Photo submitted by Melissa Edwards)

Timon Williams presents his diploma during the SHS commencement ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Smiling as he celebrates his graduation is Israel Key. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Brock Lester holds for a photo during the SHS graduation. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Natasha Melbye showcases her diploma Saturday, June 14. (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

Anne Jackson Pope (Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

(Photo courtesy of Maria Jenkins Benton / Ria B Photography)

SOUTHAMPTON ACADEMY (Photos courtesy of Nina Bills / NB Photography)

The Southampton Academy Class of 2025 gathers for a group photo, comprising 24 graduates.

Addison Hutto smiles as she holds up her Southampton Academy diploma.

Enrique Arce gives thumbs up to the camera as he celebrates his SA graduation.

Ansley Howell gives her valedictorian speech.

Ricky Sykes Jr. receives his diploma from Head of School Tamee Railey.

Frances Babb Keene (SA Class of 1996) delivers remarks to the Class of 2025.

Ayden Darden receives his diploma from Head of School Tamee Railey.

Sara Hodges

Cameron Martin

Dutchess Rose receives her diploma from Head of School Tamee Railey.

Landon Cushing

Logan Everett receives her diploma from Head of School Tamee Railey.

Bryce Pope

WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL (Photos courtesy of Isle of Wight County Schools)

Andrea Bak accepts her WHS diploma.

Windsor High School valedictorian Dylan Stone addresses his class.

Daniel Butts shakes Superintendent Dr. Theo Cramer’s hand as he crosses the stage to get his diploma.

Phoebe Bell receives her diploma.

ISLE OF WIGHT ACADEMY (Photos by Stephen Faleski)

Madison Traugott receives her diploma.

Glenn Walters hugs his family after receiving his diploma.

IWA valedictorian Olivia Jackson delivers her speech during the school’s graduation.

Isle of Wight Academy Class of 2025 members celebrate their graduation by sending their mortar boards and tassels into the air.