SCHOOLS/EDUCATION

FRANKLINTON -- Franklinton High School's salutatorian and valedictorian urged their fellow students to find their voice and make sure everyone has a place in this world.
With a hint of theater and a bit of a ballad, Leah Williams and Ben Toler took to the stage on June 13 to deliver addresses to the 260-plus graduates that made up Franklinton High's class of 2025.

LOUISBURG -- Leaders at Louisburg Magnet High School urged fellow students to play an active role in their communities.
And, they said doing the impossible is the goal.
Salutatorian Victor Gutierrez-Rayo and Suri Cortez Rodriguez delivered those messages to about 150 graduates at Louisburg High on June 11.
"... Remember this:" said Gutierrez-Rayo, a first generation Mexican America, "What you're not changing, you're doing," he said.

BUNN -- Moments. Memories.
Those were the two things that Bunn High School's student leaders told more than 200 graduates to hold onto during commencement exercises for the class of 2025 on June 12.

CULLOWHEE, NC -- Western Carolina University recognized more than 1,600 students named to the spring 2025 dean's list.
To qualify for this honor, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The following local students made the list:

Salutatorian Victor Gutierrez-Rayo collects the $1 from teacher Michael Ranes, his 'payment' for committing to UNC.

Joselyn Parra-Guzman was all smiles walking across the stage inside the Bunn Dome to grab her diploma.

Above, Jazlynn Hooker makes her way across the stage. Above, Avery Costa was front and center as the class of 2025 matriculated on June 12 inside the Bunn Dome.

Samantha Acevedo waves while leading students into the Franklinton High gym for graduation.

Above, Dareyon Jackson, center, joined the more than 260 Franklinton High School students who received their diplomas during the June 13 graduation ceremony inside the school's gymnasium. They actually got their diplomas in the library following the ceremony. The class of 2025 marks the school's 100th graduating class.

Graduate Jillian Rose was all smiles while taking a graduation photo during commencement.