The Local Source for News and Information Since 1980
RIDGELY – During the 66th annual commencement exercises of North Caroline High School near Ridgely, 285 graduates – including 10 sets of twins – walked across the stage to receive their diplomas Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Proud parents and family members crowded the gym, with overflow seating in the auditorium, to hear special speakers and class leaders celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. The threat of rain and cool temperatures moved the 6 p.m. ceremony indoors.
A 15-minute processional to “Pomp and Circumstance” demonstrated both the uniformity of the class and the individuality of each senior. While each wore royal blue caps and gowns, many of the caps were festooned with decorations on top. Draped around their necks were stoles, medals, cords and ribbons denoting their achievements and activities.
Members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps presented the colors, followed by Class Treasurer Hatteras Ghrist leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Senior Tiffany Grist singing the National Anthem to cheers and applause.
Principal Matthew Spiker welcomed the graduates and attendees, and later read the names of those who earned presidential and citizenship awards, as well as those who graduated in the top 5% of their class.
The Presidential and Citizenship Awards, “are considered to be the most prestigious we give,” Spiker said. “These students are selected because of their generosity of spirit and their service to others.”
Recipient of the Presential Award was Brayden Boarts. The staff chose Maggie Ingram and Jahzara Foster for the Citizenship Award.
Six seniors will serve in the United States Armed Forces. Enlisted in the Army are Payton George, Helena Gruzenski-Lozovskyy, Amylia Reid and Emily Seehafer. Joining the Marine Corps are Ryan Harding and William Miller V.
Spiker reminded graduates that, like their mascot, “Bulldogs don’t quit. We fight for what matters, and we never give up – even when the challenge is just finding a parking spot in the morning.”
He challenged each grad to be the person “that makes others feel seen, valued and loved. The world needs more of that. The world needs more of you.” He closed his remarks by asking everyone to repeat the morning announcement cheer three times, “We are … Bulldogs!”
The Class of 2025 earned over $6.1 million in scholarships, with nearly 60% of the class progressing to higher education: 167 seniors plan to attend 2- and 4-year colleges or tech schools, while 105 graduated with college credits.
Class President Morgan Knott addressed the graduates. She thanked all who supported her and shared an inspiring story of a friend who faced obstacles, yet continued to move forward. She ended her brief remarks with a quote from Disney’s Snow White: “Remember, you are the only one who can fill the world with sunshine.”
Three class valedictorians were named: Isabelle Greeno will attend the University of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Knott will attend the University of North Carolina- Wilmington and Madelyn Porter will attend Arcadia University. Salutatorian Kristine Cacayuran will attend the University of Chicago.
“Let's carry the spirit of resilience and curiosity that defined our time here,” Greeno said. “As Taylor Swift said, this was the very first page, not where the storyline ends.”
Knott asked her fellow graduates “to make sure that you keep your heart smiling, that you don't let the fear of failure or judgment from others stop you from achieving your greatest goals.”
Like her fellow valedictorians “Izzy and Izzy,” Porter thanked all who supported her, and said, “One of the biggest lessons I've learned from my time at NCHS is to celebrate both the big and the little moments and to always be proud of yourself at the end of the day.”
Guest speaker Dr. Marnie Stockman, chief executive officer of Lead it Like Lasso, inspired grads and attendees with a tightly composed speech. The Greensboro resident is co-author with Nick Coniglio of “Lead it Like Lasso: A Leadership Book for Life. Your Life.” An Easton High School graduate, she taught math at North Caroline and is married to an alumnus.
“You might still be wondering why is an Easton High Warrior and somebody who wrote a book about a fictional TV show “Ted Lasso” giving your graduation address. Fair question,” Stockman said. “Here's the quick version. In less time than it took you all to get through high school, my business partner and I started, scaled and sold a software company. People kept asking us how a team of seven people and no budget turned an idea into a multi-million dollar company in only three years. Here's the answer: We helped others become the best version of themselves, just like Ted Lasso.”
Stockman challenged each graduate to run their lives like a business. “You’ve been promoted to the CEO of You, Inc,” she said. She explained how the graduates could apply six business department processes, such as Human Resources and Marketing. “Don't wait for life to pick you. You're not a raffle ticket. Show up like you belong, even if your voice cracks a little while you're doing it,” she said.
Marketing is “how you show up in an interview, and it's how you show up in someone's memory. So, think about this, millions of folks watch the Super Bowl each year, but what do they remember? The commercials, right? That's marketing. It's storytelling that sticks.”
Stockman shared other insights and reminded graduates they “don’t have to do it alone” and to “keep showing up” as the CEO of You, Inc.
Faculty, central office administrators and Board of Education President Michele Wayman wore their college and university regalia. The entire school board attended, as well as county leaders, including County Commission President Travis Breeding, Vice President Larry Porter and Commissioner Frank Bartz.
A graduate of North Caroline High School and an educator for 36 years, Wayman asked the graduates to remember “25 and Thrive.”
“2025 is your graduation year,” she said. “I want you to do more than live. I want you to thrive. By thrive, I mean I want you to do your very best.”
Wayman asked the graduates to apply the “Be’s”: Be kind, be polite, be adventurous, be honest. Finally, she said, “Live well and thrive, and may God bless you abundantly today and always.”
Caroline County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons reminded the graduates, “Every day is an opportunity – an opportunity to get smarter, to get stronger and to build better character.”
“So tomorrow morning, I challenge you, when the alarm goes off, don't hit the snooze button. Stand up, show up, make the day count, own the day,” Simmons said. “As you leave here this evening … please take the love and support of your family and this entire community and the Bulldog family with you. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
Awarding the diplomas were Spiker, Assistant Principal Crystal Drexel and David Rosario Torres, Multi-Language Learner Family Coordinator. Other North Caroline Administrators are Assistant Principals Thomas Jefferson and Chasity Wright.
Other Class of 2026 officers are Vice President Taryn Brandt, Secretary Emma Keating, Historian Ashley Kercheval and Class Parliamentarian Elizabeth Knott. The Class Advisor is Emily Holden. Kercheval led the turning of the tassels from right to left.
The class flower is the blue carnation and the song is “End of Beginning” by Djo. Senior Justin Quathamer Jr. composed a poem titled “Tender Shoots” that was printed in the program.
Dressed in their caps, gowns, and honors and other regalia, seniors visited their elementary schools May 28 to thank the teachers and administrators who launched them on their academic journeys and to high-five students who lined the halls to greet them.
The new alumni recessed to the Neil Diamond tune “Sweet Caroline.”
Members of the North Caroline High School Class of 2025 are:
Brian Keith Abel III, La'Shawn Marquise Adams, Mike Wilfredo Aguilar Carreto, Sarah Al-Bakri, Mohammed Almarzoug, Biruk Milkyas Andebo, Blaine Joseph Anderson, David Xzavier Aviles, Rossicely Marisol Ayala Mejia, Joshua Lee Bacon Jr, Thomas Edward Barksdale, Kayleigh Nichole Barr, Luis Enrique Bautista, Shirley Yohana Bautista-Cifuentes, Tyquon Isiah Beck, Makayla Zion Bellamy, Yamileth Benitez Cordova, Jose Fernando Berduo, Marina Lupita Berduo Ortiz, Astrid Mariela Berduo Ortiz, Dylan Jacob Black, Enrique Alexander Blaylock, Brayden James Boarts, Nicholas Howard Bouchat, Taryn Ireland Brandt, Ryleigh Mae Breeding, Tristen Leigh Bright, Miranda Claire Brown, Sarah Angeni Brown, Emmy Johanah Brown-Varon, Joshua Jadiel Bruno Bruno, Javier Enrique Bryant-Sanchez, Corey McHale Bunce, Aaliyah Niasiah Bunns, Lucas Elliot Burns, Kristine Anne Dulay Cacayuran, Kelsie Lyn Carroll, Jalisa Ja-Na Carter, Jakayla Jer-Na Carter, Mackenzie Lee Casamento, Brooke Madison Causey, Genesis Nicole Chavez-Herrera, Emily Nicole Chong, Connor Emerson Christopher, Jairo Ruben Chun-Diaz, Elaina Jolene Cobb, Alexis Cay Collier, Seth Marsen Collins, Jackson Ross Conn, Taylor Renee Cooley, Noah Lee Cordrey, Robert Zachary Crenshaw, Justin Allen Crigger, Kevin Allen Crigger, Irving Alexi Cruz, Jenna Hoa Hai Damiloski, Kaitlyn May Daucher, Nicholes Robert Dehorty, Skylar Ellen Denny, Bryan Keith Dobson III, Illyana Faith Dyer, Garrett Thomas Earle, Averie Sue Eaton, Austin Coil Eckeard, Hadley Nicole Eigenbrode, Rogelio Elizondo Jr., Sa'Mauria De'Yanna Ennals, Marcial Oliser Escalante Morales, Christiano Escalante-Perez, Allison Lynn Esterson, Alexander Robert Esterson, Cadyn James Faulkner, Felix Maxwell Fimbres, J'kwon Kai'maire Fitchett, Carla Andrea Flores-Gonzalez, Cearra Hope Fogle, Jahzara Renee Foster, Austin Michael Frank, Irendira Ibone Fuentes Bautista, Brenda Eufemia Fuentes-Lobaton, Ma'kayla Cori Gaines, Payton Ashlyn Gallagher, Marco Antonio Galvez-Arriola, Melina Daizy Garcia-Escalante, David Elijah Gardner, Isabella Blair Garland, Joey Lee Carson Gavigan Jr., Payton Piper George, Hatteras Katharine Ghrist, Kevin Bernardo Godinez Rodriguez, Jesus Conrado Gomez-Chavez, Samuel Adam Goss, Isabelle Marie Greeno, Tiffany Anne Grist, Helena Marie Gruzenski-Lozovskyy, Jasmine Nichole Gutierrez, Jenna Marie Gutierrez, Rylee Elizabeth Hagan, Delaney Lee Hall, Justice Ashton Hall, Dewayne Edward Hall III, Leila Simone Hardeo, Emma Nellie Harding, Ryan Henry Harding, Jayden Isaiah Harry Baynes, Brooke Marcy Haught, Kyren De'von Hawkins, Ethan Duke Hedge, Jasiyah Cassius Henry, Erin Skye Hickox, Nickyra Sharie Hicks, Jaidyn Mackenzie Higgs, Samuel Marcel Holland III, Sabrina Renee Hutson, Maggie Rose Ingram, Koen Avery Jackson, Smolenskaia Petrova Jacotin, Ke'asya Sheree Jenkins, Joshua Tsi Johnson, Dezmond Jamal Johnson, Aaron Jacob Johnson, Tamya Brianna Johnston, Lilian Grace Jones, Derek Keith Jones, Bailey Victoria Kalinowski, Emma Marie Keating, Caroline Ashley Morgan Kercheval, Kelly Rose Kerstetter, Emily Michelle Kimble, Cameron Andrew King, Shilynn Chris Kinsey, Alexandra Jan Kitts, Elizabeth Ruth Knott, Morgan Ryan Knott, Alexiz Leigh Korell, Cheyenne Star Lanning, Aiden Nicholas Liles, Bryan Todd Lindsey-Taylor, Kwamane Tymere Little, Caden James Michael Long, Robert William Long, Anahi Liceth Lopez-Salas, Mason Christian Lord, Madeline Ruth Lorenc, Hayden Martin Lukacsina, Edwin Macario-Tomas, Nelvin Henry Macario-Tomas, Alexis Marie Manno, Lauren Nicole Manno, Juan Omar Marroquin Mendez, Triniti Gianna Marrow, Natalie Ann Mason, Allen James Mason, Jimere Darnell Massey, Cristal Mateos, Cheyenne Maxine Mathis, Ne'Kyah Inay Matthews, Yesica Maria Mazariegos-Diaz, Jayden Wyatt McCoy, Gavin John McMichael, William Dozer Meiklejohn, Riley James Melvin, Antony Elenilson Merida Saucedo, William Robert Miller V, Marisela Mia Miranda, Arif Mohammadi, Andreya Denise Moore, Urian Ronaldo Morales Martinez, Axelrod Morales-Escalante, Kevin Eleaser Morales-Escalante, Misania Morales-Velasquez, Andrew Thomas Morley, Fajr Quran Muhammad, Ta'Nizah Denae Murray, Lindsay Maria Myers, Alana Michele Nash, Josue Adonias Navarro Martinez, Jacob Dustin Neal, Kelly Chi Nguyen, Shelton Wheatley Nichols, Allin Lee Nolan, Alexys Payge O'Connell, Isaiah Thomas Ogle, Jo'siah Tayveon Opher, Christopher Steven Orellana-Hernandez, Cender Alexander Ortiz Berduo, Christian Joseph Osborne, Natalie Rose Owens, Josue David Perez-Perez, Jade Yanisel Perez-Rodas, Laci May Persinger, Kolby Wayne Peschon, Cameren Elijah Lee Peter, Madison Shea Philpot, Owen Michael Piavis, Kaliyah Nevae Pierce, Tristan Matthew Pippin, Madelyn Mary Porter, Mariah Nicole Price, Shyla Skye Proctor, Justin Brock Quathamer Jr., Jonathan Gardiner Radcliffe, Marleny Clarina Ramirez Juarez, Erlin Adonias Ramirez Lopez, Brayan DeJesus Ramirez Mazariegos, Richard Ignacio Ramos Pinzon, Kevin Ronaldo Ramos Pinzon, Amylia Jayden Reid, Alexis Christina Rholetter, Daniel Townshend Rice III, Alayna Noelle Riggins, Jason Levi Rios Ortiz, Kaelyn Jean Ritter, Alexandra Paige Rittler, Jennifer Nayely Rivera-Bautista, Jordyn Leigh Roberts, Jackson Thomas Roberts, Gilmar Leonel Roblero Velasquez, Itzel Yoaneli Roblero-Capistran, Megan Elizabeth Rogers, Camryn Russell, Kahnai Lakee Sanchez, Kailyn Ami Sanchez, Shane Jarrett Sanders, Adolfo Emanuel Santizo Morales, Chase Hunter Sard, Shawn Travis Saulsbury II, Chris Dwayne Saulsbury III, Ava Genevieve Savelli, Zackery Michael Schmidt, Cody Austin Scott, Emily Jean Seehafer, Kiersten Mackenzie Seigler, Kasel Aryan Seth, Ryan Jacob Shanks, Tyler James Sheets, Sabrina Marie Shreves, Aneilya Jenay Sisco, Joseph Thomas Smallwood, Darrius Alexander Smith, Kayla Marie Smith, Jacob Daniel Smith, Zymear Kanye' Smith, Amanda Brooke Snyder, Peyton Marie Solloway, William Henry Sparks, Rayne Lynne Stafford, Ethan Michael Stormes, Xzavier Lee Stowers, Daylon Thomas Strange, Colson Roy Strange, Brooke Margaret Sullivan, Alexa Elise Tennant, Jarvis Jason Thomas Jr., Kaitlyn Elizabeth Thompson, Alexis Renee Thompson, Daniela Suceny Tomas Reynoso, Michael Torres-Perez; Jessica Kim Tu, Destiny Starr Turner, Autumn Marie Vallee, Lillian Frances Valltos, Ryan Neal Vandegrift, Steven Scott VanEss Jr., Evamarie Vargas Villacorta, Melissa Gimena Vasquez-Lopez, Dangler Oswaldo Velasquez Orozco, Dana Sophia Velasquez-Cifuentes, Cristian Ronaldo Velasquez-Ramirez, Fabiola Alexandra Ventura Cruz, Verquan Wayne Warner, Jaylen Ian Warner, Tyson Richard Damon Weber, Ryleigh Nicole Welch, Benjamin Robert Whitby, Jason Craig White Jr., Natalie Ann Whitson, Joshua Matthew Wilkerson, Jason Christopher Wilson, Rashad Markees Wilson, Tannor Landon Wood, Isabella Jane Woodworth, Alexander William Wormuth, Sophia Mackenzie Yon, Nathan Thomas Young.
