Board of Education - Regular Session

[music] Hallelujah.

[music]

ring. [music]

X Happy birthday.

Christmas.

heart. [music]

God [music]

of the

[music]

Honey. [music]

Christmas spices.

Christmas. Halleluah. Hallelujah.

Heat. Heat.

Great. [music] [music] Hey

[music]

Hallelujah. Heat. Heat.

I la Oh.

Good evening and welcome to C4th High School. [cheering]

[applause]

Congratulations class of 2026. I am Noah Williams and this is Lupita Sanchez Cruz, proud members of the C4th class of 2026. Please remain standing and join in pledge of allegiance to be recited in English and Spanish, followed by the playing of our national anthem by our C4th band. High School. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Heat. Heat.

[music]

[music]

Heat. Heat. [music] [bell]

You may visit it. Good afternoon, respected guests, staff, family, friends, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2026. Our names are Jazzley Ramirez and Maria Ariaza. And we are honored to welcome you on behalf of the graduating class. Today is a celebration of every late night, every challenge, every accomplishment, and every memory that brought us to this moment. If we're

being completely honest, this opportunity came a bit as a surprise. One day we walked into class thinking it would be like any other and instead we were asked to stand here today. No big announcement, no buildup, just a decision that somehow led us to this stage. At first it felt unexpected, but over time it started to make sense. We weren't chosen just for one thing, but because we represent different parts of what makes C4th what it is. Through the programs we've been a part of, the activities we've joined, and the people we've met, we've experienced the school in more ways than one. And while those experience show what we've done, they don't fully capture who we've become because of them. Sorry. Seforth isn't one single story. It's a collection of thousands. Athletes, artists, future nurses, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers. Every hallway held a different dream and every classroom held a different future.

Seforth has given us opportunities to grow, lead, and discover who we want to become. We are also proud students of AVID, a program that has pushed many of us to aim higher and believe our potential. This year alone, C4th AVID seniors earned over $6 million in scholarships, reflecting hard work and ambition of this graduating class. Atletas, Artistas, We want to dedicate this part of our speech to our parents who made so much of this possible. They left everything behind, everything they knew to give us this opportunity they never had themselves. We've watched them work through sacrifices and challenges so we could have a better future. Standing here today is not just a reflection of our hard work, but of theirs, too. And we'll always be grateful for everything they've done for us.

As we leave Seforth and begin a new chapter, I hope we recognize how far we've come. There were moments that tested us and moments that shaped us, but we kept going anyway. Even when it wasn't easy, we showed up and pushed through. And that persistence brought us here today. We didn't just go through high school. We grew through it. And we truly earned this day. No matter where life takes us next, we'll always share the experience of being the class of 2026. Fore! Foreign! Foreign! Welcome to this celebration of the class of 2026 and thank you for being here to celebrate this moment with us. Good evening graduates, faculty, parents, and guests. I stand before you today as a proud graduate and senior class president of C4th to celebrate this exciting occasion, the graduation of the class of 2026. I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them. This quote from the office stands out to me especially right now. I

didn't even watch The Office. I was doom scrolling on TikTok one night and I saw a short 15-second clip. A clip that made me think about everything I have accomplished in my life. how many times I have messed up and how much has changed in so little time. As I think back on my time growing up, I remember moments that felt huge at the time. Times I embarrassed myself, said the wrong thing, made poor decisions, or fail failed at something I cared about. I'm sure many of us can think of moments like that. Moments we wish we could take back. Moments that taught us lessons the hard way. And moments that helped shaped who we are today. I tell you about this not with pride, but because I think it is something we all share. Every person sitting here today has made mistakes. Every one of us has faced disappointment, regret, or failure in some form. But I've realized it's better to look back with positivity, joy about the memories we made, gratitude for the lessons we learned, and appreciation for how those experiences helped us grow. I learned about consequences. I learned how to make things right. I learned how thinking thinking just one more second before making a decision can change the course of your life. Honestly, those are lessons I'd rather learn sooner than later. The message I'm trying to send is that we all make mistakes. Some may be bigger than others, but it's important to understand how those mistakes can benefit us. Looking back with regret in your heart can haunt you. Instead, I choose to look back with a smile. I remember the friendships, the laughs, the challenges, the victories, and even the moments that didn't go according to plan. I remember them not because they were perfect, but because they helped me be, but because they helped me become the person I am today. As we leave C4th High School, I hope all of us can move forward without regret. I hope we recognize how much we've changed, how much we've grown, and how much potential still lies ahead of us. And maybe most importantly, I hope we remember that one day, these moments, right now, the friendships, the laughs, the lessons, and yes, even the mistakes will become the good old days. Thank you.

I see.

[clears throat]

There it is. Good evening.

If you know it, sing along. This is our wish for you. I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow and each road leads you where you want [music] to go. And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose, I hope you [music] choose the one that means the most to you. And if one door opens to another door closed, hope you keep on walking till you find the window. [singing] [music] If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile. [music] But more than anything, more than [singing] anything, my wish for you is that this [music and singing] life becomes all that you wanted to. Your dreams stay big. Your worries stay small. You never need [music] to carry more than you can hold. And while you're out there [singing] getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you and [music and singing] wants the same things, too. Yeah, this [music] is my wish. [singing]

[music]

I hope you never [singing] look back, but you never forget all the ones who love [music] you and the place you left. Hope you always forget and you never [singing] regret and you help somebody every chance you get. [music] Oh, you [singing] find God's grace in every mistake and always give more [music] than you take. More than anything, more than [singing and music] anything, my wish for you [music] is that this life becomes all that you wanted to. Your dreams stay big. Your worries stay [music] small. You never need to carry more than you can hold. And while you're out there getting where you're [singing and music] getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you and wants [music and singing] the same things, too. together. This is my wish. [singing and music] It's my wish [music and singing] for you. It's our wish. [music and singing] It's our [music and singing] wish [applause and cheering]

Good afternoon, families, teachers, staff, friends, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2026 of C4th High School. My name is Finnean Harper and I am the class of 2026's student body president. Standing here tonight, it's hard not to think about how quickly all of this flew by. For years, graduation felt far away, like something meant for older students, not us. And somehow after years of

assignments, late nights, stress over grades, and carrying around yonder pouches that we all absolutely used, we made it here. But what I think I'll remember most aren't the AP tests, grades, or presentations, but moments in between. The first days of new classes, walking into a room full of people, and immediately feeling like everyone else already knew what they were doing. Everyone looked settled in and comfortable, like they already belonged there and have for years. while you're still trying to remember the teacher's name. But after a few weeks, something would shift. You'd start recognizing people in the halls. Conversations started flowing more easily. And gradually, the room that at first felt unfamiliar slowly became normal. I think a lot of growing up works the same way. Right now, there's a lot of pressure on people our age to have everything figured out. We've all had that moment at Thanksgiving when a relative asks what you want to do with your life. Like, it's the easiest question in the world. And somehow they always tell you that by your age they had already had their entire future planned out. The college, the career, the retirement plan, and it's all centered around some super niche job that you've never heard of. We're all supposed to know where we're going, who we want to become, what career we want, what success looks like, and somehow have a plan for all of it before we're even out of high school. And it's easy to look around and think everyone else is ahead of you. You hear people confidently talking about their future, their college, their career, their goals, and you start wondering if everyone else got some sort of road map that you missed. But I think one of the most important things I realized this year is that almost nobody has it all figured out. Most people are just getting better at hiding the fact that they're uncertain. At some point during senior year, I realized something that was both intimidating and exciting. My future is no longer in the hands of my parents, teachers, or mentors. For most of our lives, there has always been someone helping guide us. Teachers gave us structure. Coaches pushed us to improve. Parents helped us make

decisions before we were ready to make them ourselves. Now, for the first time, the responsibility is ours. And honestly, I think that's a good thing because now we get to decide the kind of people we want to become. Whether I worried about whether I was ready for that responsibility, my dad always told me something simple. If you are kind, smart, and capable, then you can do anything. Not perfect, not fearless, not someone who has every step of life planned out already, just kind, smart, and capable. Kind enough to treat people well, smart enough to understand what it is you should do, and capable enough to keep to that track. I think that's enough because the truth is, we've already spent years proving we can adapt. We walked into unfamiliar places over and over again and turned them into places that we belonged. We learned how to fail without quitting, how to adjust, and how to grow into people who are more prepared than we probably give ourselves credit for. And now we're about to do it again. In a few months, many of us will step into completely new lives, new schools, new jobs, new cities. I'll be on a different continent before the end of July. And there will absolutely be moments where we look around and think everyone else has it all together while we're still standing there in new places, scanning the room like it's the first day of class, hoping we look like we belong. But we've felt that before and every single time we figured it out. So to the class of 2026, we do not need to have our entire future mapped out today. What matters is that we keep moving forward with our confidence in our ability to stay kind, smart, and capable and lead a life that we are proud of. Congratulations, class of 26. And thank you. Thank you. Dr. Jackson, Mr. Leonard, Dr. Sinclair, Chattam County School Board members and faculty, Seforth faculty and staff, family, friends, it is my distinct

pleasure to present to you the class of 2026. Seniors, please present yourself on stage when your name is called. America Diaz. is Rodriguez. [cheering] Grace Christian Spirano, Eva Grace Abernathy, Riley James Addison, Isaiah Hudson Steiner Alexander Judah Hill Alexander Colin Jesse Allander [crying] Bishoy Andros Caroline Grace Arnold Maria Fernanda Ariaza Leiva Ra, excuse [clears throat] me, Rachel Grace Arrington,

Aaron Ryan Avalos, Christopher Ayala, Jack Solomon Baleiff, Natalie Marie Barnett, May Ani Barrera Hernandez, [cheering] Ella Grace Barti, Cadence Riley Bazemore, Arya Rose Benjamin, [screaming]

Victoria Jade Bonner, Alexandra Sophie Boutton,

Casey Howard Brekie,

Sariah Jaylen Brewer, Congratulations,

Cameron Nicole Brinkley.

Congratulations, [cheering]

Jade Tia Brownike. I'm sorry. JT Brown, Arya Morgan Brownike, Everett Hilton Burger, [screaming] Sydney Ruth Burley, [cheering] Bianca Milvia Kaban, Claire Parker Canrell, Chloe Ray Cargill,

Roxy Laroo Case,

Angel Leonel, Castanada Contras,

Savina Rose Sparu, [cheering] [screaming]

Ricardo Chavez, Rendan,

Ben August, Christian

George Robert Cole Harrison Michael Compton [cheering] Ava Marie Elizabeth Cornett [cheering] Jacqueline Aaron Cornet Reggie Cortez Perez Greer Kaden Criter, Addison Brian Colbertson, [crying]

John Felix Dair,

Aiden Jameson, Dana,

Congratulations,

James Elijah Dasher, Jr.

Grace Harper Davis, Congratulations [cheering]

Nico Joseph D'Angelo

Carter James Dell [cheering]

Jackson Miles Derek

Susan Diaz Tjo

Ryan Joseph Dib Colin Reed Dornney Isaac Nathan Dunk [screaming]

June Angelina Durich.

Congratulations.

Bel Victoria Ellison,

congratulations.

Anna Rose Enllo,

Andres Sebastian Estz,

Sydney Jane Eubanks, Congratulations

Ava Lauren Fisk.

Congratulations

Madden Scott Flowers

Raiden Lee Flowers

Weed Maru Chinier Fona Torres.

Congratulations.

Emily Sadi Fox. Yoni Yaidel Gamboa Mesa Melle Gomez Carlos Giovani Gamz Jimenez Sikli Garcia Perez

Ella Berkeley Gentto Hill.

Aiden Wilder George. [cheering] Congratulations.

Ian Patrick Gil.

Congratulations. Ariana Ureli Gonzalez, [cheering] Anna Nicole Gonzalez, Benas, Christopher Isaiah Graham, [screaming]

Nicholas Alexander Gregory, Nick G's, Joseph Michael Greto,

Ivan Francis Grimes, Addison Eleanor Gishwintner.

Congratulations.

Sydney Marie Hairy. [cheering]

William Paul Hanley.

Finnegan Beck Harper. [screaming]

Michael Thomas Felix Herrian.

Congratulations. [cheering]

Benjamin Charles Hart. Congratulations,

Sarah Katherine Hartman. Congratulations

Jack Carson Haynes

Braden Thomas Hazard.

Congratulations

Alexandria Victoria Helmer.

Drew Lane Hendris. [cheering]

Melanie Darien Hernandez Vasca.

Alexandra Hernandez Zapata [cheering]

Jack Ari Hirschman.

Pascal Paulina Lavic.

Caleb Lane Hopkins. Congratulations

Sophie Alexandra Hopper. [cheering]

Congratulations

Kai Kenudson Howton.

Olivia Barry Hubard.

Congratulations [cheering]

Tyler Albert Hunt. Congratulations [screaming] [cheering]

Austin Joseph Ingram. Congratulations [cheering]

Natalie Anastasia Jükovich.

Ariana Pettis Jung. [screaming]

Congratulations

J. Michello Hunter Jones

Joshua Michael Jones

Shelby Anne Jones [cheering] [screaming]

congratulations

Autumn McKenzie Jones Peterson

Vishva Kalivvenan

Sanha Vasant Kalal

congatulations Carter Reed Kernney

Anderson Burns Kesler [cheering]

Max Matthew Concincaid

Congratulations [cheering]

Maline Olivia King.

Congratulations

Zachary Cole Clingal [cheering]

Grant Joshua

Null. Congratulations, ma'am.

Andrew Casti, [cheering]

congratulations.

Jen J Kumar,

Aiden Thorne Curatana.

Congratulations.

Ryan Jackson Lawrence. Congratulations.

Kendall Nia Lee. Congratulations. Elvier Jose Leva Rosales.

Katherine Doris Lynn Leonard. [cheering]

Samuel Heath Leonard.

Anukica Marl Lindren.

Congratulations.

Declan Aaron Sven Linquist.

Congrats. Will August slippers [cheering]

Noah Chase Lisk. Congratulations

Cu Leu Anna E Lopez Gomez.

Congratulations

Gabriel James Lowry

Isabella Victoria Makasac Pacheco.

Congratulations. Aubrey Rose Magnanette

Avery Lola Mangumat [cheering]

Madison Michelle Man

Zuri Carlloda Maroin Mendoza congratulations

Jeremiah Emanuel Martin [screaming]

Fabian Martinez Ornelas [cheering]

Nadier Martinez Rodriguez Nichollet Martinez Ruiz.

Congratulations.

Alandre Ruby Martinez Samura. [cheering]

Dawson Xavier McGee.

Claire Laya Maguire.

Derek Maurice Mclofflin Jr. [cheering] Avlyn Sophia Mlan.

Congratulations. [cheering]

Savannah Elise Mlan.

Zayn Douglas McMahon. [cheering]

Congratulations.

Campbell Noah Mater.

Stephanie Mendoza Rodriguez. [cheering] Addison Jordan Mercer.

Congratulations. Anna Isabella Mudre Mallen [cheering] congratulations

Jordan Xavier Luke Miller

Patrick Everett Miller Congratulations

Evan Adams Miner [cheering]

Emory Kate Msita Palmer Langston Mode [cheering]

Jada Anne Monaco Congratulations [cheering]

Roberto Carlos Mandreon Oriana.

Congratulations

Mia Jane Moore. Congratulations

Laura Marie Morgan. [cheering]

Eva Caroline Morrison.

Congratulations.

Aisha Muhammad Muamzandi. [cheering]

Congratulations. Kelsey Gail Meyers,

Ella Kate Narsh,

Congratulations,

Gabriella Sophia Nazario. [screaming]

Ethan Scott Nezos.

Sydney Lee Nezos.

Evan Dri Norris. Congratulations

Justin James O'Donnell [cheering]

Maggie Myra Aiano Adipo.

Congratulations

Ken Olivario Sanchez.

Louisa Lordes Omos.

Congratulations. Lucas Seno Olsen

Moises David Ortega [screaming] [cheering]

Joseph Duffy Palmer Jr. [applause]

Yes.

Lauren May Parker.

Congratulations

Samuel Cole Parker.

Leland Maurice Partridge.

[cheering]

Arya Sarankumar Patel

Dylan Roberto Patino Guzman

Davis Alexander Peebles [screaming] [cheering]

Anna Dariv Perez Hernandez

congratulations

Julian Perez Hernandez

Julian Congratulations

Caroline Claire Perkins. [cheering]

Congratulations

Jackson Jeffrey Patrusa.

Brooklyn Lydia Phillips.

Ryan Brooks Powell. [cheering]

Liam Gage Priddle. Congratulations [cheering]

McKenzie Lynn Prince.

Samira Akaya Prior.

Carly Braxton Purcell. [cheering]

Congratulations

Matthew Julian Cano Salgado. [cheering and screaming]

Jaden Rder. Congratulations

Jazzley Ramirez Kolazo. [cheering]

Brenda Elizabeth Randall. [cheering]

Melissa Ranel Hernandez

Titan Andrew Rankul

Mason Gabriel Ricks

Alejandro Daniel Riley Braden Scott Richie

Madison Lee Richie

Renee Nor Risby [cheering]

Colton Laurations

Tyson Taylor Rogers [cheering]

Gabriel Thomas Rogers Congratulations,

Ununice Rosales. [cheering]

Congratulations,

Carson James Roundtree. Congratulations,

Christopher Earl Roundtree. [cheering]

Alexa Natalie Roua Ibanz

Darien Alexandra Stagsum Quay. Congratulations

Maria Guadalupe Sanchez Cruz. [cheering]

Congratulations

Damian Santiago Gutierrez.

Alyssa Marie Sarbal [cheering]

Kyle Navaro Seward

Kylin Paige Sloer

Havana Harmony Jean Schwartfiger

Ryan Patrick Scott [cheering]

Cole Joseph Cedar Congratulations [screaming]

Isaac Alberto Serrano Castante

Jose Alfonso Serrano Castante

Beckett Mark Silkstone

Alexandra Rose Smith [screaming]

Austin Bradley Smith

Carson Dean Smith Congratulations [cheering]

Glenn McKay Smith [screaming]

Noah Benjamin Smer.

Congratulations

Bren Lorine Sovereign.

Mia Dominique Splendor. Congratulations

Stella Darden Sterns.

[cheering]

Cole Jacob Stikney.

Haley Opel Stole.

Emma Grace Strong. [cheering and screaming]

Congratulations

Matthew Burton Strong

Annayia Renee Evelyn Straoud.

Congratulations. [cheering]

Joshua Mark Stucky. [screaming] Smear Gabriel Thomas Suarez. Congratulations

Samira Susara

Richard Calvin Tiss Rivas

Thomas Miles Thrower [cheering]

Abrio Tolantino Alvarado

Jose Brian Torres Garcia

Anley Caroline Tuttle

[screaming]

Kent Vasquez Vasquez [applause]

Kevin Vasquez Vasquez

Fernando Valz Valzul [screaming] [cheering]

Sophia Veron Fiana

Camille Grace Viculations Wilhelm York, Gary Vogelong, Whan James Vos,

Olivia Fay Wagner, [screaming]

Congratulations,

John Aguso Walker,

Kai Coleman Walker, [cheering] [applause]

Llaya Sai Walters, Congratulations

Matthew Sonk Wanderski [screaming]

Carson Gabrielle Ward

Matthew Walker Washington

Warren Lee Washington

Dylan Austin Watkins Kins [cheering]

Jamie Romeo White. Congratulations

Colin Matthew Wilds.

Reagan Michael Willower.

Congratulations. [cheering]

Sophia Marie Willower.

Congratulations.

Noah Michael Williams. [cheering]

Congratulations. Ty Nicholas Willoughby. [screaming]

Andrew James Wenders.

Ian David Winger. [cheering]

Jacob Ryan Winger.

Isaac Austin Wilson Nelson. [cheering]

Landon Tyler Wooten.

Congratulations. Ryan Mills Yodar

Jaden Adam Young [cheering]

Brena Jean Zamboni

congratulations

Ken Mietz [screaming]

McKenzie Lee Zelhoff [cheering]

Maria Zuniga Medina [cheering]

Abigail Bill Claire Zwallan. [cheering] All right, seniors. It's that time for me to declare you graduates. However, [laughter] however, before I do, I want to take a moment and want you to embrace this moment. Sit in it for just a little while and know that there's more to come. This is just a stepping stone, but a significant milestone in your life. But be assured of this truth. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man what's in store for you. Great things are underway. Families, I want to share with you some milestones or accomplishments of the class of 2026. This is our largest class yet with 306 students. The class for sure the class of 2026 has earned 7 million816,313 in scholarships. Give it up for this class. Of that near $8 million, our AVID seniors alone earned $6 million 98,33 on their own. Shout out to AVID. This senior class has earned 1,330

credits through the dual enrollment program. Parents, if you don't know, now you know. Make sure you get into dual enrollment. And lastly, seven of our students in the class of 2026 have decided to serve their country in the armed forces. Give it up for those students. [cheering] [applause] We are proud of the accomplishments of the senior class and we know the best is yet to come. And now for the moment you've all been waiting for. Acting on the recommendation of the faculty of C4th High School and by the authority vested in me by the Tanner County Board of Education and the Superintendent of Tanner County Schools, I hereby declare that each of you has satisfied all the requirements as put forth by the state of North Carolina. Hawks, I now declare you graduates of C4th High School. Congratulations, class of 2026. [cheering] Hello everyone. My name is Katie Leonard and I appreciate you all for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today. Family, teachers, coaches, friends, thank you all for your dedication and support throughout the years. None of us would be here without you. Class of 2026. Together, we've spent four great years experimenting with life. We've joined clubs, art programs, sports. We've met new people. We've tried different things. We failed more times than we can count. Through it all, we discovered parts of who we are and glimpsed what we might become. A mosaic is a collection of unassuming pieces that come together to create something meaningful. We get the same chance to do this in our lives. Every experience we've had, every memory we've made, and every conversation we've held comes together to form the basis for who

we are. It's not always noticeable. Not tomorrow, not next month, maybe not even next year. But gradually, change happens within us through all of those small moments that felt insignificant at the time. Of course, not every moment is one we would keep if given the choice. I'm sure we all have those times we just want to forget and move on from. And yet, these matter, too. Sometimes it's the pieces with the sharpest edges that form the most crucial part of the image. It's not always enjoyable, but these are the moments that force us to grow. And whether our experiences were joyful, difficult, or somewhere in between, they leave traces within us. It might be a song played on a car ride with a childhood friend, or a newfound interest in pickle ball after another insisted you play. It might be an opportunity you only got because your coach knew the right person or a shift in your worldview after a deep talk across a random talk at Canes. It might even be a career choice you didn't know about until your teacher nudged you towards it one day after class. We use our mosaics to share ourselves with others, teaching them about the world as we see it. Each of us breaks off pieces of our lives, both the good and the bad, and offers it to those around us. While we don't always get to choose what fragments we pick up from others, we do get to choose who we pick them up from. I think I've got some pretty good people in my circle, and I hope you do, too. As we all begin to go our separate ways, I hope you hold on to the people who support you unconditionally. The people who challenge you. The people who make you happy. No matter how far apart we may drift or different paths we may take, we will all carry pieces of the people here with us today. I can't wait to see where life takes you all and what pieces you add to your mosaics.

Now, class of 2026, please rise. The turning of the tassels is a powerful symbol of academic achievement, transition, transformation, and celebration. Now, as we turn our tassels from right to left, we join this long-held tradition and declare our new graduate status. Congratulations, class of 2026. We did it.

[cheering] [music]

Heat. Heat. [music]

[music]

Oh boy. I'm having a problem.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music]

So good.

It's my bedroom. [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] I'm going to [music]

Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music]