Celebrating the Class of 2025
To the Members of the Graduating Class of 2025,
It has been a long journey to Graduation, and you’ve made it! I hope that you have enjoyed your senior year and all that it entails, such as Homecoming, prom, yearbook signing, performances, and all the milestone events to which many of you have looked forward with anticipation since you first walked through the doors of your high school four years ago.
This is a time of great change and anticipation. Some of you may feel grief over the prospect of leaving behind valued friends, teachers, routines, and activities. Others of you are eager to move on to your next phase, whether that be further education, entering the workforce, military service, or other endeavor. Very likely, you are experiencing a combination of these emotions. All of this is normal, and your feelings may change from day to day, or even moment to moment.
Whatever you do next, you will carry with you the lessons learned during your Greenville County Schools education. Our goal is for you to graduate prepared for your next opportunities in life, education, and career. This includes both your academic foundations as well as the “soft-skills” that are so important in every endeavor, such as effective communication, self-management, and the ability to work as part of a team. Through your class offerings, extracurricular experiences, and/or work-based learning opportunities, you have gained these skills and more, and you leave us well equipped for whatever your future holds.
On behalf of everyone at Greenville County Schools, I want to express our immense pride in your perseverance and accomplishments. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
W. Burke Royster, Ph.D. Superintendent, Greenville County Schools
• 2025 Graduation Schedule 3
• Valedictorians and Salutatorians 4-5
• Progress Report to the Community 6-7
• Partner of the Year ........................................10
What is SmartARTS?
SmartARTS is the Metropolitan Arts Council’s successful arts education initiative, housed at the TD Center for Arts Integration, that partners with the Greenville County School District to provide teaching artists, art supplies, and professional development to facilitate arts-integrated residencies in science, math, history, and language arts classrooms.
The mission of SmartARTS is to improve academic achievement through artsrich experiences in the core curriculum to encourage career-ready creative problem solving and social-emotional intelligence SmartARTS is thrilled to be a partner in creating arts-rich schools across Greenville County
SmartARTS not only helps at-risk students re-engage with learning and to find hope despite trauma, but the program helps build the vocabulary and context that students of poverty lack through dialogue, collaborative learning, and reflection as students explore the curriculum through the lens of the arts
Pairing SmartARTS teaching artists with 170 teachers from across 42 GCSD schools to plan and carry out rigorous arts-rich residencies.
SmartARTS prioritizes mid-to-high poverty schools. This year, we worked with 18 high poverty schools and 11 mid poverty schools
The SmartARTS Education Institute, sponsored by the TD Center for Arts Integration and the SC Arts Commission, will train 80 teachers this summer in arts integration best practices, immerse them in 5 art forms, and connect them with a local teaching artist to plan a residency for the 2025-2026 academic year
A mural at Summit Elementary with Adam Schrimmer
SCHEDULE
All ceremonies will take place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, unless otherwise noted.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025 CAREER CENTER COMPLETER CELEBRATIONS
10:00 AM-2:00 PM Based on Program Donaldson Career Center
1:30 PM CTE Innovation Center at CTEIC
5:30 PM Enoree Career Center at Trailblazer Park
6:00 PM Bonds Career Center in the Auditorium
6:30 PM Golden Strip Career Center at Brookwood Church
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
7:00 PM The Fine Arts Center McAlister Auditorium, Furman University
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
10:00 AM Washington Center Washington Center
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
8:00 AM Wade Hampton High
11:30 AM Berea High
2:30 PM Mauldin High
6:30 PM Carolina High & Academy
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
8:00 AM Greenville Sr. High Academy
11:30 AM Blue Ridge High
2:30 PM Woodmont High
6:30 PM Southside High
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
8:00 AM Hillcrest High
11:30 AM Fountain Inn High
2:30 PM J.L. Mann High Academy
5:30 PM Lifelong Learning in the Wade Hampton High Auditorium
6:30 PM Greer High
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
8:00 AM Riverside High
11:30 AM Eastside High
2:30 PM Travelers Rest High
PHOTO CHECKLIST
Graduation Graduation
Portrait in cap and gown
Portrait in outfit and cap
Portrait in outfit with cap, stoles, and chords
Portrait in gown, stoles and cords
Portrait of cap and tassel
Crossing the stage
Portrait holding diploma
Tossing cap(s) in the air
With parents
With family
With best friend(s)
With teammates
In front of the school
Where grad played sports or extracurricular activites
2025 CLASS ACTS Congratulations
BEREA HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Landon Carter Hubbard
SALUTATORIAN: Elisa Gaspar-Miguel
CLASS SIZE: 229
“A teacher who has had a truly positive impact on my education is Mr. Ben Sinclair. He was my history teacher for two years, and during that time, he deepened my love for history and inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. His passion was contagious and he showed me how powerful good teaching can be.”
BLUE RIDGE HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Holly Adelle Jordan
SALUTATORIAN: Addison Leigh Reid
CLASS SIZE: 276
“Mrs. Sczinski, the French teacher, has helped me grow through both my character and my academic success. She is always there for me and supports me in my decisions. I have developed positively throughout high school because of her.”
CAROLINA HIGH AND ACADEMY
VALEDICTORIAN: Hanna John Elias Deeb
SALUTATORIAN: Andrea Michelle Gonzalez-Martinez
CLASS SIZE: 248
“My teacher for marketing and computer science, Mrs. McCullough, has influenced the person I am today, specifically by keeping me accountable, responsible and mindful of the things that I do in school and in life.”
CTE INNOVATION CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: Julianna Marie Larsen CTE COMPLETERS: 37
“The CTE Innovation Center has been incredible for the past two years! All staff including my teacher, Erika Montandon, the director, Katie Porter, and the learning coordinator, Chris Woodlief, have been influential on my future as an aspiring engineer. Thank you for guiding me in all aspects of life with hands-on learning, developing communication skills, and completing an internship.”
DONALDSON CAREER CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: Jacqueline Cezati-Sanchez
CTE COMPLETERS: 215
“A program that has had a positive impact in my education is the cosmetology program at Donaldson Career Center. It has shaped who I’ve become in the last two years of the program and encouraged me to do better in my other classes. The people in that program, my teachers and peers, all created a positive impact for me.”
EASTSIDE HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Leran Fu
SALUTATORIAN: Ellie Kristina Farmer
CLASS SIZE: 389
“Mr. Henderson was my AP Calculus AB teacher during my sophomore year. From the beginning, I learned he struck the perfect balance between silly and serious. Whenever I asked him a math question, our conversations often extended beyond the subject. I appreciate how much he cared about my life outside the classroom. He was easily one of my favorite teachers.”
ENOREE CAREER CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: Brendan Tyler Davis CTE COMPLETERS: 80
“Coach Campbell has driven me to do a lot more in school and outside of school. He taught me to press on to pursue my interests, no matter the situation. Thank you to Enoree Career Center for setting me up for future success in the automotive industry.”
FINE ARTS CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: William Matthew Armstrong CLASS SIZE: 101
“There is no question in my mind that without Steve Watson and the Jazz program at the Fine Arts Center, I would not be where I am today. Having Mr. Watson’s mentorship and being able to play and learn with my contemporaries at the Fine Arts Center these past four years have truly shaped who I am not only as a musician, but as a person as well.”
FOUNTAIN INN HIGH SCHOOL
VALEDICTORIAN: Cole Meade Gibbs
SALUTATORIAN: Emma Jordyn Weathers CLASS SIZE: 370
“Mrs. Siegel has positively impacted my education with her unique teaching style, allowing me to get ahead or catch up while still being prepared to give lectures or one-on-one assistance if needed.”
GOLDEN STRIP CAREER CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: Hannah Ruth Zentz CTE COMPLETERS: 279
“As my cosmetology instructor, Mrs. Nugent helped spark my passion for working with hair. One of the many ways she has done this is through Saturday clinics, taking clients and pushing us into situations, that have benefited me more than I realized. She also brings energy to the material we are learning that makes me excited for the career ahead of me.”
GREENVILLE SR. HIGH ACADEMY
VALEDICTORIAN: Margaret Alice Rowan
CLASS SIZE: 399
SALUTATORIAN: Erin Leah Helsel
“Planning our school’s Spirit Week through my role as Student Body President has been extremely rewarding. Through working with peers and local business owners, our student body raised over half a million dollars for the Greenville Free Medical Clinic.”
GREER HIGH
RIVERSIDE HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Kai Tobias Tucker
CLASS SIZE: 440
SALUTATORIAN: Morgan Ashely Kay
“Some teachers just teach — Mrs. Snow sees you. She made math fun, inspired confidence after failure, and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. From struggles in math class to boundary-pushing dance performances, she believed in me before I did. I don’t remember every lesson, but I’ll never forget how she made me feel: capable.”
CLASS SIZE: 297
VALEDICTORIAN: Emily McKenna Major
SALUTATORIAN: Eliana Mae Lister
“Mrs. Pruitt is one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. She contributed to my academic confidence by always encouraging us and giving us feedback on work. She fostered a fun learning environment that motivated us everyday. Her commitment to the community is inspiring for everyone.”
HILLCREST HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Jocelyn Sloan Danciu
SALUTATORIAN: Meghan Savannah Huebner
CLASS SIZE: 447
“I had Mrs. Jenkins as a math teacher for my junior and senior year. She helped me discover a love of math for the first time. Mrs. Jenkins worked hard to keep our Math 140 class because she has a true care for her students and wants them to better themselves and their education.”
J. HARLEY BONDS CAREER CENTER
HONOR STUDENT: Evan Mahan Voege CTE COMPLETERS: 271
“The Drafting program really showed me the path I want to take. I truly enjoyed the program and will use the skills I learned for my whole career.”
J.L. MANN HIGH ACADEMY
VALEDICTORIAN: Lillian Elizabeth Villiger
SALUTATORIAN: Nicholas Antonio Cabrera
CLASS SIZE: 442
“Mrs. Martorell, my Film Criticism teacher, had a positive impact on my education. I learned a lot of new things from her about the art of film such as lighting, camera, and color techniques. She taught me to be a more analytical person of media which I thoroughly enjoyed as I love watching movies.”
SOUTHSIDE HIGH
MAULDIN HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Sarah Elise Bloomingburg
SALUTATORIAN: Evan Patrick Lawton
CLASS SIZE: 508
“From Friday night football games to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, I credit Mary Belvin for my most treasured high school memories. She has been a coach, mentor, and mother figure to me during the past four years. I’m so grateful for her unconditional support and belief in me.”
VALEDICTORIAN: Amy Izela Banegas Diaz
SALUTATORIAN: Riya Manan Kot
CLASS SIZE: 212
“Throughout my years in high school, I think that the IB program has had a positive impact on my education. Being an IB Diploma candidate has allowed me to have a close knit group of friends and have a much more broad perspective.”
TRAVELERS REST HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Michael McDuffie Hawkins
SALUTATORIAN: Peyton Joshua White
CLASS SIZE: 260
“The IB program has challenged me academically, strengthened my critical thinking, and taught me to manage time effectively. Its emphasis on global awareness, research, and interdisciplinary learning has deepened my understanding across subjects. Overall, it has prepared me for the next steps in my education.”
WADE HAMPTON HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Owen Thomas Rojas
SALUTATORIAN: Lillie Elizabeth Markel
CLASS SIZE: 394
“My AP US History Teacher, Mrs. Ropp, has been much more than a teacher for me during my time in high school, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done to help and motivate me.”
WOODMONT HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN: Ashlyn Nicole Sellars
SALUTATORIAN: Samantha Rose Jeter
CLASS SIZE: 470
“As an AP Capstone Diploma recipient and an IB Diploma candidate, I can affirm both of these programs had a positive impact on my education. I was able to learn skills such as time management and how I best learn and study, all of which will prepare me for college.”
“ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the on you did do. So throw off the bowlin . Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
MARK TWAIN
78,000
43rd
$168 MILLION IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
81
18,234
18,930
SINCE
HIGH SCHOOL
2023-24 GCS SAT AVERAGE SCORE 1025 ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 995 ABOVE STATE AVERAGE OF 1008
GRADUATION PLUS: Building a Better Graduate!
Recognizing that jobs in today’s workforce require more than a high school education, Greenville County Schools is committed to graduating students with a diploma, plus college credit, and/or industry certification
Graduation Plus is a district-wide initiative from pre-K through high school to ensure all students are college- and career-ready.
WORK BASED LEARNING
1,757
STUDENTS COMPLETED INTERNSHIPS, CO-0PS & APPRENTICESHIPS
7,145 INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION
STUDENTS EARNED
12,274
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
84% 22-POINT INCREASE SINCE 2012
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
CONGRATS TO THE
HIGH School may be over , but life's lessons are yet to be learned . Keep an open heart and mind . Go into the world and do well , but more importantly , go into the world and do good .
Happy graduation! from Community journals
Greenville County Schools (GCS) is recognizing Public Educaton Partners (PEP) as its Partner of the Year.
Greenville County Schools (GCS) is recognizing Public Educaton Partners (PEP) as its Partner of the Year.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, PEP was founded in 1985 and has remained committed to supporting, strengthening, and advancing public education in Greenville County. Focused on championing teachers, PEP provides classroom grants for teachers, partners with The Greenville Drive and GCS to host TeachGCS Night at Fluor Field, and collaborates with GCS on the first-year teacher program, which includes mentorship, appreciation, professional development, and recognitions during the critical transition period for educators into the classroom. PEP understands the significant role that parents and families play in a child’s education, and provides resources such as Make Summer Count literacy series and Parent Leadership Partners program. With collaboration at the heart of their work, PEP connects schools with community partners and provides resources to the district for developing new initiatives. PEP played a key role in helping GCS pilot and grow its internal alternative certification program called “GATE” (Greenville Alternative Teacher Education), as an innovative approach to recruiting quality teachers. Over the past four decades, PEP’s impact, innovation, and dedication to public education has benefited our students, schools, and the community at-large at-large.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, PEP was founded in 1985 and has remained committed to supporting, strengthening, and advancing public education in Greenville County. Focused on championing teachers, PEP provides classroom grants for teachers, partners with The Greenville Drive and GCS to host TeachGCS Night at Fluor Field, and collaborates with GCS on the first-year teacher program, which includes mentorship, appreciation, professional development, and recognitions during the critical transition period for educators into the classroom. PEP understands the significant role that parents and families play in a child’s education, and provides resources such as Make Summer Count literacy series and Parent Leadership Partners program. With collaboration at the heart of their work, PEP connects schools with community partners and provides resources to the district for developing new initiatives. PEP played a key role in helping GCS pilot and grow its internal alternative certification program called “GATE” (Greenville Alternative Teacher Education), as an innovative approach to recruiting quality teachers. Over the past four decades, PEP’s impact, innovation, and dedication to public education has benefited our students, schools, and the community at-large
Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees • Left to right, top to bottom: Carolyn Styles, Area 17, Chair | Angie Mosley, Area 21, Vice-Chair | Ann Marie Middleton, Area 18, Secretary | Amanda Brett, Area 26 | Scott Cline, Area 19 | Je Cochran, Area 28 | Sarah Dulin, Area 27 | Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Area 25 | Lynda Leventis-Wells, Area 22 | Glenda Morrison-Fair, Area 23 | Anne Pressley, Area 24 | Charles J. Saylors, Area 20
W. Burke Royster, Ph.D., Superintendent
301 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601 infoline@greenville.k12.sc.us | INFOLine 864-355-3100
www.greenville.k12.sc.us | Follow Us on Social Media @gcschools
