West Carroll Commencement Celebrates 42 Graduates

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ATWOOD (May 15) — West Carroll High School held its commencement Thursday in the gymnasium, celebrating the graduation of 42 seniors.

The ceremony began with the traditional processional to "Pomp and Circumstance", followed by the National Anthem and an invocation by teacher Jeremy Allen.

Principal Adam Douglas spoke to the seniors, emphasizing the importance of kindness, work ethic and patience. He concluded, "Class of 2025, your future is bright. Go out there and make it amazing."

Class President Hannah Fowler spoke next, expressing gratitude to all of the educators along the way and emphasizing faith and hope to her fellow graduates. She concluded, "Class of 2025, hold on to that hope. Trust in those plans. Step out in faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And go out and be the light the world needs."

Salutatorian Sarah Wascher delivered remarks. She said, in part, "Graduation is a strange mix of feelings. It's the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. It's pride in what we’ve accomplished and anticipation for what comes next. And yes, it's also a little bit terrifying. But if there's one thing we've learned, it’s how to move forward—even when the path ahead is uncertain… Tonight is a celebration, but it’s also a turning point. After today, our paths will start to split—some of us heading to college, some into the workforce, the military or other adventures. But no matter where we go, a part of West Carroll comes with us. The friendships, the lessons, the resilience we built—it’s all ours to carry forward."

Then, valedictorian Sawyer Sutton addressed his classmates. He said, in part, "As we head into  the next part of our lives—whether that’s college, work or whatever—I hope we stay curious, be humble and keep doing our best, even when no one’s watching. If I had to give some advice to the people that will one day be in our shoes, it would be: One, don't take yourself too seriously. Two, try and make your younger self proud. And three, learn to play the game."

Dr. Douglas and school counselor Piper Jenkins then announced many academic achievements and scholarships earned by the class. Douglas noted that the students have received a total of $2 million in scholarship offers.

Superintendent Preston Caldwell spoke next. He told the graduates, in part, "When you walk out of here tonight, you will be faced with a decision—maybe the biggest decision you’ve had to make so far: What will I do with my life? Where will I go from here? Some of you already have a plan, and that’s wonderful. But even with a plan in place, the real decision you’ll face is this: Will I stay committed to that path? Will I follow through with all that I’ve set out to do?"

Caldwell concluded, "Congratulations once again, Class of 2025. Go forward with pride, go forward with  purpose, and always—give it your all."

Diplomas were then presented by Dr. Douglas, Caldwell, school board Vice Chairman Jeremy Jackson and West Carroll Primary Principal Jackie Wester.

After receiving their diploma, each graduate delivered a rose to their parents.

The ceremony closed with a benediction by graduate Abigail Higgs, and Dr. Douglas instructed tassels to be turned and, finally, caps to be thrown in celebration.

The West Carroll Class of 2025 includes Cody Lee Abbitt, Jasmine Terrah Adams, Kaley Elizabeth Allston, Isabella Marie Andre, Madison Taylor Autry, Maritza Cheyenne Barajas, Stacy Alane Brown, Shauna Nicole Burton, Valerie Castro, Anna Rae Coffman, Allen Thomas Davenport, Hannah Beth Fowler, Abigail Loraine Higgs, Landon Drake Hudgins, Nicholas Eugene Hudson, Peyton Shane Johnson, Jacob Wade King, Ryder Daniel Krawczyk, Kadi Lou Martin, William Cole McMinn, Kayden Chase Melton, Jayden Ray Milton, Colton Shawn Mulligan, Linda Kate Murphy, Drake Stephen O’Bryan, Brylee Beth Ramos, Tyce Cooper Reed, Colton Matthew Reid, Jeremiah Mikel Rodriguez, Bailey Jewel Rogers, Constance Joyce Schexnider, Mary Ella Smith, Sawyer Tye Sutton, Ethan Ray Thompson, Mark Steven Thompson, Taneisha Nichole Wardlow, Sarah Michelle Wascher, Damion Thomas Whitaker, Dawson Gage White, Karma Elise Wilkey, Chloe Annabella Williams and Ainsley Brooke Worrell.