Franklin High School’s Class of 2025 graduates were joined Thursday, May 29, by family and supporters at Western Carolina University for a commencement ceremony to recognize their accomplishments and receive their diplomas.
Guests were welcomed into the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. Graduates made their way onto the floor and took their seats before the stage as the ceremony began.
Student Alexa Morales Montelongo took the stage to welcome guests saying, “Tonight is more than just a ceremony. It is a moment so many of us have dreamed of, worked for and waited on. Some of us are the first in our families to wear a cap and gown. Some have overcome battles unseen by others. And some stand here because of the sacrifices of those who came before us.”
“For me,” Montelongo said, “those sacrifices began long before high school, even before entering a classroom, starting with my parents. They crossed borders, both physically and emotionally, so that I could stand here today. While my parents didn’t have the same opportunities that I’ve had, they never stopped believing that I could have even more … They taught me that education is not just about grades; it’s about learning and growth. It’s about showing up, working hard, building character and, most importantly, lifting others as you climb … This moment doesn’t belong to me alone. Every graduate here carries a story that deserves to be seen and heard. Our stories are not meant to be compared; they’re meant to be conveyed. Our voices are not meant to blend in; they’re meant to rise. Whether our experiences involve struggle, hope, strength or transformation, our diverse backgrounds, languages and voices are not something to hide but to celebrate.”
Following Montelongo, Graham Caldwell took the stage. “I want to start with a thank you,’ Caldwell said. “To everyone here at Western Carolina whose work allowed us to hold our graduation ceremony in this beautiful facility … to the faculty and staff at Franklin High School, the cafeteria workers, the bus drivers, the custodians and the teachers whose impact on our lives goes far beyond anything we ever learned.”
“The moments that I held closest came when I stepped outside of my comfort zone, took a risk, pushed myself and did something that I thought I never would – or could – do,” Caldwell continue. “I remembered athletes who looked like they were about to collapse with exhaustion find the energy somewhere within themselves to run faster. I remembered watching student musicians and actors who looked like they would rather be anywhere other than center stage perform flawlessly. I remembered classmates who signed up for courses they thought they didn’t belong in walk away with an A. I remembered the quietest kids in class busting out the craziest dance moves at prom and friendships being formed between people who seemed like they had nothing in common. Class of 2025, your bravery inspired me to get up on this stage and speak to you today.”
“Our lives did not start at Franklin High School and they will not end at Franklin High School either,” Caldwell said. “In good health, we may have 50 years of our lives left to live … do the thing that your heart has always yearned for, but your brain keeps telling you no. These are the things that define us. These are the things that we remember. These are the things that make us who we are.”
Principal Blair King took a moment to recognize the handful of students who would directly leave school to pursue military service, with a special acknowledgement of Alexandra England, who was unable to attend graduation due to already starting her service. After Superintendent Josh Lynch and King presented the new graduates, assistant principals Pam Roper and Daniel Gibson called students up one by one to receive their diplomas.
Nathan McAllister took the stage to deliver closing remarks.
“I would like this speech to express a deep and genuine gratitude for all that my teachers, administrators, parents, siblings and friends have done to guide me to this point,” he said. “Speak so you can understand where you are but listen so that you can understand where you want to be. Let’s build relationships that push us to listen, understand and grow … Let’s remember it’s not that deep, scream for one another and pursue truth in how we both speak and listen. Class of 2025, let’s get after it.”
At King’s direction, seniors threw their caps in celebration and joined together for one final playing of Franklin High’s school song. As they left the stadium, graduates rejoined with family to start a new round of celebrations.