Graduation season began on a high note in Bladen County as Bladen Early College High School honored the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 23, during a ceremony held at Bladen Community College.
The ceremony was a perfect blend of reverence and celebration. Beginning with the traditional procession to “Pomp and Circumstance” and a heartfelt invocation led by graduate Jaiden Steffen, the 27 graduates heard words of inspiration and praise before receiving their diplomas.
The ceremony’s first student speaker, Salutatorian Angel Ramon-Reyes, set the tone with a message of gratitude and ambition. Angel brought greetings to the senior class and joked he would keep his remarks brief since like his classmates he was ready to graduate! Angel was sure to thank his parents, crediting the sacrifices they made as the motivation for his academic excellence. “Everything I have accomplished is for them,” he said. Angel has no plans to slow down anytime soon with plans to be the first in his family to graduate from a four-year university.
Next, Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson addressed the graduates, reflecting on their perseverance and the significance of the moment. Remarking on the class of 2025’s readiness to step out into the world, Atkinson told the graduates, “You have shown resilience in times of uncertainty, leadership when it mattered most, and kindness that reflects true character. You’ve learned not only facts and figures, but also how to persevere, how to collaborate, and how to grow.”
Bladen Early College alum Abril Mena Martinez then took the stage, offering powerful reflections from her journey, choosing to speak about how powerful our voices are. As the oldest child of immigrant parents, she has a unique perspective on the power of words and shared how growing up she often served as a translator for her family at doctor’s appointments, restaurants, school meetings, etc. She spoke of courage and the realization that “our voices aren’t just our own, they carry the stories of our families, our communities, and our ancestors. We speak for the dreams of those who came before us.” Abril also spoke of change, encouraging the Class of 2025 to embrace it and take risks, to follow their dreams, wherever they take them. “Your voice, your heart, your perspective—they are the tools that will shape the future. You are the future, you are the change—a catalyst for the change this world needs.”
Adding a familiar voice to the lineup, former faculty member Dr. Elizabeth Sanders, Senior Director of Affinity Groups at Washington & Jefferson College, returned to campus with a heartfelt message. She spoke about the importance of being grateful and being great, “Greatness is not being good at your game; it’s being ahead of your game. That’s what you’ve done.”—highlighting the unique opportunity attending Bladen Early College provided. Choosing her words carefully, Sanders impressed upon the students that while we were gathered to celebrate their accomplishments, it was crucial to acknowledge those who poured into them so they could be great—their teachers, family, and classmates. In closing, she had two charges for the graduates, the first was to continue to grow in greatness and the second was a “return the favor” of sorts, to pour into others so they can grow in greatness too.
Lastly, Valedictorian Isaiah Loftis offered final reflections on the class’s shared journey and lasting memories. Isaiah expressed his gratitude for his teachers, classmates, and family who all provided guidance and helped him get to where he is today. He took time to reflect on his four years at the Early College and how their class has grown together—ready to tackle whatever comes next. Isaiah encouraged the Class of 2025 to remember “the small moments every day, that helped to transform us into who we are today.”
After a series of uplifting speeches, Principal Haley Cheshire stepped forward for one of the ceremony’s most anticipated moments. Met with great celebration, Cheshire, proudly announced the senior class graduates and led them in turning their tassels!
Congratulations to the Bladen Early College High School Class of 2025—may you continue to SOAR into your future endeavors!