High schools across the Public Schools of Robeson County held commencement ceremonies Friday honoring graduates from Fairmont, Lumberton, Purnell Swett, Red Springs and St. Pauls high schools.

“Congratulations, Class of 2024,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Williamson in a prepared statement released to local media on Friday.

“I pray that you will use your education to continue on a successful journey in this life,” Williamson stated. “You have overcome many obstacles throughout your high school career. Today is an exciting day to celebrate the end of your time as high school students and the start of your next chapter of life. I want to encourage you to seek God’s wisdom when you encounter moments of difficulty and uncertainty and to use your education to make this world a better place.”

Fairmont High School

Fairmont High School’s graduation ceremony took place at 9 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

The school honored 190 seniors honored during the ceremony.

The FHS Colorguard conducted the Posting of the Colors ahead of a performance of the national anthem by Liliana Locklear.

Chief Marshal Roderick Deese gave the invocation and Jeremiah Baker welcomed graduates and guests.

Payton Gall delivered words of inspiration before a special musical performance by Senior Representative Zkarei Devon Addison and Sophomore Representative Logan Locklear.

FHS Principal Dr. Anthony Barton delivered commencement remarks during the ceremony.

“The class of 2024 started their freshman year in a completely virtual learning environment while living through a global pandemic. They survived, thrived, and will become Fairmont High School alumni today. I think that deserves a round of applause,” Barton said.

Barton also shared advice for graduates as they navigate life after high school.

He encouraged graduates to always show up, be kind and punctual and keep their word.

“No matter how much the world tries to hold you back, always continue with the belief that what you want to achieve is possible. Believing you can become successful is the most crucial step in achieving what you want. Believe in yourself,” he said.

Lumberton High School

Family members took photos and beamed with pride as they watched Lumberton Senior High School graduating seniors cross the stage during the commencement ceremony held in the school’s gymnasium at 9 a.m.

There were 323 graduates honored during the ceremony.

The LHS Choral Ensemble directed by Teresa Davis performed the national anthem following the Posting of the Colors by the LHS JROTC Color Guard.

Senior Class President Haleigh Brook Godwin and Student Government Association President Chloe Elizabeth Hammonds delivered remarks. The LHS Choral Ensemble also performed “United” by Pinkzebra. LHS Principal Larry Brooks also shared words of encouragement with graduates. “Finding your purpose in life is the key to unlocking your potential,” he said. “Often your purpose can be found when you use your talents and your abilities to make a positive impact in the lives of those around you.”

Lumberton’s ceremony included a speech titled “The Shared Experience” by senior class president Haleigh Godwin, recounting the shared experiences held together by these Class of 2024 Pirates, and remarks by Student Government Association president Chloe Hammonds titled “Follow Your Passion; Find Your Purpose,” reminding her fellow graduates to use their passions in life to do something worthwhile.

Principal Larry Brooks’ remarks focused on potential, as he urged graduates to find their potential “relative to your purpose in life.”

A unique feature to Lumberton’s graduation was a pop-up outdoor performance by the Pirates marching band as graduates and their families celebrated in front of the school.

Purnell Swett High School

There were 334 graduates honored in Purnell Swett High School’s commencement ceremony held in the school’s main gymnasium at 9 a.m.

The Ram Battalion Color Guard conducted the Posting of the Colors ahead of the performance of the national anthem by the Purnell Swett High School Choral Ensemble. PSRC Board of Education Member Craig Lowry gave the invocation.

“As we gather here today to celebrate the achievements of our graduating class, we also pause to remember those who are no longer with us,” said PSHS Principal Clyde Leviner. “This year has been marked by moments of joy and triumph, but also moments of profound sadness and loss. Today, we remember five members of our school community who have passed away during this academic year. Four of which are a part of this graduating class. The chair at the front with the graduation attire serves as a symbol of remembrance, gratitude and celebration.”

“In a moment I will ask you to join me in a moment of silence,” Leviner said. “During this moment of silence, we honor the memories of these students, their lives, their dreams, and the impact they have had on our school community. Each of them brought unique talents, passions and gifts to our school, and their presence will be deeply missed.”

Seniors remembered and honored during the moment of silence were Conner Shane Chavis, Aden Chase Locklear, Kaden Malachi Strickland and Addison Alayna Tucker. The students’ names were also called and a moment of silence was observed for each student during the commencement ceremony. Also honored during the moment of silence was Chandler Burke, a PSHS student who passed away this school year. The school also held a separate memorial ceremony to honor those students at an event earlier this week.

The senior reflection was delivered by Senior Class President Niyah Locklear. SGA President Kaden Maynor shared words of inspiration.

Principal Leviner also shared advice for graduates about the importance of making good choices.

“Today, I want to talk to you about a simple yet profound truth: choices matter. Each decision we make, no matter how big or small, shapes our destiny and influences the course of our lives,” Leviner said.

“From the moment we wake up in the morning to the moment we lay our heads down to rest at night, we are confronted with choices—choices that define who we are and who we will become,” he said.

David Oxendine, pastor of Pembroke First Baptist Church, gave the benediction.

Red Springs High School

Red Springs High School’s ceremony took place in the Red Springs High School Football Stadium at 9 a.m. where 163 graduates crossed the stage, closing out their high school careers and embarking on a new path ahead. The Red Springs High School JROTC Cadets conducted the Posting of Colors and the national anthem was performed by the Red Springs High School Chorus.

Senior Class President Angel Bowden welcomed everyone in attendance and Julian Evans-Bowen gave the invocation.

RSHS Assistant Principal Mrs. Patrice Bledsoe Duncan recognized guests in attendance and RSHS Assistant Principal Mr. Rodrick Bartley presented the Recognition of Honor Graduates and Awards.

Caleb Brockington delivered the senior reflection, Kamarah Purcell read the class poem, and the senior class performed the class song ahead of the commencement address given by RSHS Principal Steven Sinclair.

“You are the Class of 2024. You have the same 24 hours as the next person. Remember to maximize the use of your time, stay focused and always strive for excellence in all you do,” Sinclair said.

St. Pauls High School

St. Pauls High School graduates celebrated duribng a commencement ceremony in Givens Performing Arts Center on the campus of UNC Pembroke at 9 a.m. on Friday morning

The school celebrated 266 graduates during the ceremony.

“These graduates have accomplished a lot during their time here at St. Pauls High School,” said SPHS Principal Jason Suggs in a statement. “We wish them great success.”

The SPHS Bulldog Battalion Colorguard conducted the Posting of the Colors during the ceremony. Dustin Blake Tromanhauser gave the invocation. Rusber Alejandro Leon welcomed graduates and guests.

Derek Tylee McCoy recognized marshals before the student address was delivered by Sindi Marili Carranza Miguel and Roni Nicole Hightower.

In addition, the St. Pauls High School Chorus directed by Dr. Michael Burrage performed “Opportunity” by Quvenzhané Wallis.

Alexis Danielle Carter gave the benediction.

“St. Pauls High School Class of 2024, always remember, ‘Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!” Suggs said.