1 June 17, 2015

20
15
Graduation 2015

Graduation

Let me first say how proud I am

of each and everyone of you.
This is the beginning of many
accomplishments that you will earn
in your lifetime. I would like to take a
moment to offer you a bit of advice
that may be helpful, so you are able
to continue to taste success.
1) Be passionate about whatever
career path you choose. You should
choose something that you will
love doing for the next 40 years. By
selecting a career you enjoy, it will
add fulfillment to your life.
2) Be flexible in searching for that
ideal job. Some of you will get
lucky and find your career path
immediately and some of you may
change career paths multiple times.
Your first job will not necessarily be
the job you retire from, but more
than likely will be the one that
sparks your interest to seek a
new avenue.

Congratulations

graduates
of 2015

3) Be in charge of your destination.

You should always be open to
opportunities that may come your
way, but remember, you will have to
create those opportunities yourself.
If you rely on others to provide you
with the ideal job that will bring you
perceived happiness, then you will
be disappointed. You should actively
seek opportunities to provide a
better life for yourself and others.
4) Work hard at whatever you do.
Dont blame others or complain
about life not being fair because in
reality, it is not. Often times you will
face adversity and there will not be
any reason as to why it happens to
you. What I can tell you is that if you
work hard you will have developed
a character trait that allows you to
overcome adversity more easily
when you are faced with it.

5) Respect others. It has been

instilled in you throughout your
school career to accept, collaborate
and help others. It is my hope that
you will continue to accept people
as individuals and not judge them
based on your cultural philosophy.
You have been equipped with selfconfidence to realize that you dont
have to judge others and tear them
down to build up yourself. Respect
diversity, and be kind to everyone
because you never know who you
boss may be.
6) Finally, you must have spiritual
faith in your life, regardless of your
faith denomination. Being kind,
helping and lifting up each other are
the same fundamental principles
that we all share. Remember them
and follow about these principles.
Class of 2015, I bid you farewell
and hope all of your dreams come
true. If you follow the advice above,
you will be well on your way to
accomplishing many great things. If
I can ever be of assistance to you,
please dont hesitate to call on me.
Now, before you go and make your
mark on the world, let you parents,
grandparents and teachers know
how much you love and appreciate
their support during your
school career.

Congratulations

class of 2015!
Sincerely,
Larry Putnam, superintendent
Burke County Public Schools

Graduation 2015

2 June 17, 2015

North
Liberty
School

Dear North Liberty graduates,

With the closing of another school
year, it is my pleasure to wish all
North Liberty Graduates a fond
farewell. It has been a great joy to be
a part of your life. As you begin this
new adventure in adulthood, please
remember your teachers at North
Liberty are proud of you. Your teachers
have paved the road to your future.
Take what the teachers have taught
you as you step into this new part of
life and fulfill your dreams. We at North
Liberty know you will be successful.
Korey,
With your unforgettable personality, I
wish you the very best as you graduate
from North Liberty. You have brought
many laughs and joys to our school.
We will miss hearing you sing as you
walk the halls.
Nouli,
I wish you the best as you set out into
the work world. You are a very friendly
young lady who can make a friend with
anyone. Your desire to be someone will
carry you a long way.
Chris,
My Cleaning Machine, North Liberty
will miss all you do to help keep our
school clean. I wish you the best of
luck as you graduate from school.
Reach for the stars and your dreams
will come true.

North Liberty School

Graduates 2015
The following students received their high school
diploma during graduation at North Liberty School June 9.
Graduates are Korey Beaver, Chris Coward, Shaquill Hawkins, Matthew
Livingston, Destiny McDaniel
(Picture Not Available)
Cody Roark (Picture Not Available), Kong Yang and Nouli Yang.

Letter From

Pat Draughn
On June 12, members of the seventh
graduating class at Jimmy C. Draughn
High School crossed the stage and
received their diplomas.
In so doing, they took the final steps
of a journey that began in
the fall of 2003.
The last classes have been taken,
all the tests passed and all their
assignments completed, and at long
last they became graduates.
They experienced the euphoria that
comes with a long
project completed.
Then begins the next phase in
their lives.
Many members of the class of 2015
will continue their formal education
in college, for a few more years.
Others will enter the workforce
or the armed services. Some will
remain in the communities around
Draughn High School, while others
will scatter worldwide. The members
of this graduating class will leave their
school and go on into life.
The world that they are entering is
an uncertain and troubled place.
The future they inherit is unsure. The
routine ebb and flow of life inside of
schools that they have become used
to are vanishing.
As they move into a new phase
of life, our graduates may feel an
apprehension about what lays ahead
of them. That, too, is a time honored
tradition. It may help our grads to
know that all graduating classes have
felt an uneasiness -- even a fear in
confronting their futures.

As Platos students left the Academy

of Philosophy in Athens in the
380s BC, they experienced many
of the same emotions that our
graduates are feeling. What they
were accustomed to was changing,
and the future was fraught with peril.
For the trepidation they felt -- they
succeeded -- and the world kept on
going. So it will be with our graduating
seniors.
As they leave our campus, many for
the last time, they take with them 12
years of lessons and learning. They
take experiences, hopes, dreams,
disappointments and triumphs.
It is my belief that this class will
make its contributions to keeping
the world turning. They will confront
the challenges and make their mark
on our society and our future. The
class of 2015 will offer manpower,
brainpower, energy, industry and
passion to the world; and the world
will be better for it.
My advice to this wonderful group
is simple. It comes from the great
British Prime Minister Winston
Churchill. It contains but a few words;
has application and meaning to all
generations, and can be applied to
any part of life.
Lord Churchills words that I now offer
to the class of 2015 are these: never,
never, never, never, never give up!
There is power and hope in these
words -- power and hope I wish to
the class of 2015. We love you, and
will always remember you!
Pat Draughn
Draughn High School principal

Kong,
It is hard to believe you will be
graduating this year. I know that Mr.
Bs class will miss having you read to
them every day. It is a joy to walk into
the class and see you reading to the
younger students.
Dee Dee,
I will miss your warm greetings and
hug each day! It has been a pleasure
getting to know you. Your friendly
personality will pave the way for your

future. Stay strong in your dreams and

you will do great things.
Cody,
I wish you all the best as you begin this
new adventure. Your compassion and
willingness will take you a long ways.
It is amazing how far you have come.
Keep playing the Wii.
Shaquill,
What a smile! I will miss seeing your
smile each morning as the buses roll
in. Your laid back attitude will take you
places where no one else has gone.
Keep imagining and great things
will happen.
Matthew,
My Dancing Machine! I know the
future holds so much for you. You
are such a caring, loving, and helpful
young man. The PTO Bingo nights will
not be the same without you. Keep
wearing those sunglasses as you reach
for the stars.
To all the graduates, I wish you the
very best. Your teachers have prepared
you to become successful young
men and women. Take what you have
learned, live your dream, and reach
for the sky! There are no limits to what
you can do. Be yourself, be proud of
who you are and keep those smiles on
your faces.
As William Author Ward once said, If
you can imagine it you can achieve it, if
you dream it you can become it. Take
you dreams, hold your chin high, and
become what ever your heart desires.
Congratulations, North Libertys 2015
High School Graduates! Make your
dream become a reality!
Love,
Ms. Lisa
North Liberty Principal

Draughn
Class of

2015

First row, from left:

Robert Abee, Juan Antonio, Chayla
Barrier, Christopher Berry, Kayleigh
Betancourt, Aleah Blalock, Sarah
Blankenship, Corey Blevins, Garrett
Bortnick, Richard Bortnick, Austin
Boylen, Hunter Bradshaw;

Seventh row, from left:

Madison Patton, Brittany Pennington,
Brandon Poarch, Megan Pons, Chloe
Poteet, Devin Poteet, Sierra Powers,
Jake Queen, William Reed, Katelyn
Rhoney, Megan Rhyne,
Kaitlyn Robinson;

Second row, from left:

Alexis Brown, Justin Browning, Erica
Buchanan, Larry Buchanan, Rebecca
Buckner, Matthew Cassida, Aaron
Castillo, Jovanni Castrejon, Peyton
Caudle, Landa Chue, Justin Clark,
Amber Coleman;

Eighth row, from left:

John Roe, Logan Ruppard, Brittany
Semande, Kristen Shelton,
Makayla Shuffler, Sydney Shuping,
Brooke Smith, Corwin Smith,
Marcus Smith, Matthew Smith,
Destiny Tallent, Olivia Taylor

Third row, from left:

Chase Crump, Brandon Deal, Ciara
Deal, Matthew Deitz, Lily Donnahue,
Taralyn Elkins, Alexis Epley, Rachel
Farley, Andrew Francis, Samuel
Frederick, Richard Ganung,
Joshua Goodson;

Ninth row, from left:

Kevin Thao, McKenzie Thornburg,
Amber Toney, Kathy Torres, Lauren
Turner, Joey Vang, William Vang,
Yongyee Vang, Mike VelasquezJeronimo, Kathy Vue,
Lexus Waldroup, Kelsey Walker

Fourth row, from left:

Zachary Grant, Preston Gronek,
Madelyn Gullotto, Christopher Habetler,
Kymonah Hall, Sao Hang, Agnes
Hardenstine, Caroline-Grace Hawes,
Sierra Hefner, Zackary Hensley,
Haley Hopkins, Molly Horton;

Tenth row, from left:

Scarlett Wall, Cody Williams,
Lillie Wilson, William Wilson, Deleah
Woody, Tiah Wyatt, David Xiong,
Tony Xiong, Vanessa Xiong, Donica
Yang, Joshua Yang, Linda Yang
and Robert Yang.

Fifth row, from left:

Shawn Hoyle, Logan Hubbard,
Aiden Johnson, Josephine Johnson,
Taylor Johnson, Dakota Jones,
Ivanna Knox, Austin Lail, Coy Lambert,
Sharon Lockard, Christina Lockemy;

Not pictured are: Angel Aleman,

Juan Antonio, Christopher Benfield,
Cory Brittain, Elizabeth Carbajal,
Dylan Causby, Christian Giles, Miriam
Hudson, Kayla Hutchens, Joshua
Ledford, Mhongmua Li, Tyler Lor, Billy
Lutz, Nicolas Mendez-Ailon, Miranda
Morales, Kristian Pittman, Christian
Pridgen, Hisham Qadri, Stephanie
Ramsey, Brandon Sanchez-Delgadillo,
Hannah Secrest, Stephanie Sisk, Cody
Thayer, Jordon Townsend, Kristian
Vess, Ryker Warlick, Courtney Webb,
Nicholas Whisnant, Dakota WilcoxBlankenship and Amber Workman.

Sixth row, from left: Dalton Loden,

Kristy Loomis, Amanda Lowdermilk,
Zoey McGalliard, Austin McGuire,
Molly McKenzie, Kevin Mollette, Karly
Moorefield, Landon Murray, Aron
Nichols, Ashley Parker,
Justice Patterson;

June 17, 2015 3

draughn High School

Graduation 2015

Graduation 2015

4 June 17, 2015

DHS Junior Ushers

DHS Junior Marshals

The Draughn High School Ushers pictured (from left) are:

Zachary Sparks, Cathy Xaysana, Mary Mazaleski,
Savannah Webb and Jeremiah Ewing.

Draughn High School Junior Marshals are chosen from the top ten ranking
students in the 2015 junior class. The junior marshals pictured (first row,
from left) are: Caroline Norton, Sallie Perdieu, Peyton Powell, Courtney
Robinson; (second row, from left) Jacob Berry, Ryan Hartman, Alex Rhoney,
Jacob Lowman, Marcus Chester and Nicholas Pearson.

DHS SGA Executive Officers

DHS Senior Class Officers

The Draughn High School student government association executive

officers pictured (from left) are: Justin Browning, president; Ashley Parker,
vice-president; Rachel Farley, secretary; Sydney Shuping, treasurer and
Kristy Loomis, parliamentarian. Not pictured is Agnes
Hardenstine, parliamentarian.

The Draughn High School 2015 Senior Class Officers pictured (from left) are:
Josephine Johnson, president; Caroline-Grace Hawes, vice-president; Kathy
Torres, secretary; Cody Williams, treasurer; Brandon Poarch, parliamentarian and
Scarlett Wall parliamentarian

DHS NC Academic Scholars and Honor Graduates

* Denotes Honor Graduates / + Denotes Presidential Scholars

Draughn High School academic scholars and honor graduates pictured

First row, from left are: Kayleigh Betancourt*, Aleah Blalock*, Corey Blevins*, Garrett Bortnick*, Richard
Bortnick*, Alexis Brown*+, Justin Browning*+, Landa Chue*, Chase Crump*+, Lily Donnahue*; Second row, from left: Rachel Farley*+,
Samuel Frederick*+, Joshua Goodson*, Christopher Habetler*, Sao Hang, Caroline-Grace Hawes*, Zackary Hensley, Molly Horton*, Shawn
Hoyle*, Josephine Johnson*+; Third row, from left: Ivanna Knox*+, Coy Lambert, Sharon Lockard*, Kristy Loomis*, Molly McKenzie*, Karly
Moorefield*, Landon Murray*+, Ashley Parker*+, Brittany Pennington*, Brandon Poarch*+; Fourth row, from left: Megan Pons*, William
Reed (*only), Katelyn Rhoney*, Megan Rhyne*+, Kaitlyn Robinson*, John Roe(*only), Sydney Shuping*, Brooke Smith*, Destiny Tallent*,
Olivia Taylor and (fifth row, from left) Amber Toney*, Kathy Torres*, Yongyee Vang*, Lexus Waldroup*, Scarlett Wall*+, Cody Williams*+,
Lillie Wilson*, Vanessa Xiong*, Linda Yang. Not pictured are: Agnes Hardenstine*, Sierra Hefner*, Kayla Hutchens*, Christina Lockemy,
Hisham Qadri*+, Jake Queen and Tony Xiong.

Congratulations

June 17, 2015 5

Burke Middle College

Graduation 2015

Graduation 2015

6 June 17, 2015

Jameson Auton
Carrie Babbitt
Abby Benson
Brookelyn Bullington
Matthew Cavalcante
Hayley Chapman
Jacob Christopher
Samantha Coffey
Jasmine Duckworth
Alex Emmons
Megan Golden
Kaitlyn Goossens
Sophia Hardenstine
Lacy Harris
Payton Harrison
Riley Hembree
Trenton Hensley

Class of

2015

Cree Hurt
Tiffany Johnson
Michaela Kerley
Jessie Lail,
Kaitlyn Lail
Reagan Lail
Lindsay Lawson
Kabao Lee
Sean Link
Grace Ly
McKenzie Mace
Garrett Nichols
Angel Pendley
Alyssa Podaras
Kyle Poitinger
Amber Poteat
Deja Shade

Jessica Spaulding
Drake Summers
Cody Sutton
Austin Tipton
Katie Trivette
Megan Tuck
Saleen Vang
Seth Ward
Cory Whisnant
Briar Williams
Franklin Xiong
Melissa Xiong
Patsuqua Xiong
Baobai Yang,
Melanie Yang
Thomas Yang

Junior Marshals

BMC Leadership team

BMC Junior Marshals (first row, from left) Jenny Vue, Leslee Kanupp, Lauren
Rudicill, Sarah Yang, May Shaihor and (back row, from left) Meridith Adams, Evan
Diab, Austin Lackey, Brandon Gauldin and Sierra Hensley.

Burke Middle College Leadership Team (from left) Kabao, Lee, Sophia
Hardenstine, Alyssa Podaras and Franklin Xiong.

National Honor Society

National Honor Society (first row, from left) Abigail Benson, Matthew Cavalcante, Hayley Chapman, Sophia Hardenstine, Payton Harrison,
Jessie Lail, Reagan Lail, Lindsay Lawson; (back row, from left) Grace Ly, McKenzie Mace, Alyssa Podaras, Katie Trivette, Megan Tuck, Franklin
Xiong, Melissa Xiong, Patsuqua Xiong and Melanie Yang.

Letter From

Darrin Foddrell
Congratulations, class of 2015!
The Burke Middle College class
of 2015 has embodied the
motto we have here on the
campus of Western Piedmont
Community College -- BMC
Means Family.
You have dedicated yourselves
to becoming the best people
and students you can be. You
have made everyone very
proud of the way you worked
in and out of the classroom
and how you represented

yourselves, your families

and BMC.
The expectations for this class
are high, and we look for each
member of this class of 2015
to make a huge impact in this
state, nation and world.
The BMC family loves you!
Good luck,
Darrin Foddrell
Burke Middle College principal

Graduates Completing Degrees

BMC Graduates Completing College Degrees/Diplomas (first row, from
left) Carrie Babbitt, Mathew Cavalcante, Hayley Chapman, Alex Emmons,
Megan Golden, Kaitlyn Goossens, Sophia Hardentine, Payton Harrison,
Tiffany Xiong; (second row, from left) Michaela Kerley, Jessie Lail, Kaitlyn
Lail, Reagan Lail, Lindsay Lawson, Grace Ly, McKenzie Mace, Garrett Nichols,
Alyssa Podaras, Kyle Poitinger; (third row, from left) Deja Shade, Austin
Tipton, Katie Trivette, Megan Tuck, Saleen Vang, Seth Ward, Cory Whisnant,
Franklin Xiong, Melissa Xiong, Patsuaqua Xiong and Thomas Yang.

June 17, 2015 7

East Burke High School

Graduation 2015

Photo Courtesy of: Chris Garner, TPS Photography

Graduation 2015

8 June 17, 2015

EBHS

Class of
2015
Laura Abernathy
Araseli Adame
Sarah Adams
Hunter Adkins
Kelli Aikala, Kiana Aikala
Kenleigh Alexander
Jacob Anderson
Diego Andres
Alex-Michael Arney
Jacob Arney
Emily Bachman
Zebulon Barry
Joseph Beam,
Ismael Benavides
Elizabeth Berry
Alexis Bolick
Daniel Bollinger
Jonathon Bowman
Kacie Bowman
Guadalupe BravoHernandez
Kaitlyn Bridges
Takera Brooks
Christopher Brown
Chelsea Buchanan
Kacey Bumgarner
Richard Burnette
Bryant Butler
Jonathan Canipe
Danny Carson
Dakota Castle
Tou Chang
Brandon Chapman
Natalie Chapman
Nicholas Chapman
Brandy Chester
Tesla Christenbury
Vencen Christian
Elizabeth Chung
Alexander Church
Cameron Church
Garrett Coble
Taylor Cook
Alyssa Cornett
Jordon Craig
Hannah Davis
Katie Davis
Noah Davis
Davey Day
Brianna Denne
Brandon DeVinney
Connie Earle
Merceades Elmore
Landon Estep
Amber Evans
Bailey Fincannon
Kayla Finger
Stacey Fox
Faith Foxx
Michelle Frady
Destiny Garner
George Gentelia
Cody Good
Hannah Gortney
Nathalie Gotz
Brandi Gregory
Alisha Gullett
Drake Haas
Jericah Hadden
Dalton Hall,
Katelyn Hall

Stephanie Halstead
Elbert Hang
Amber Harford
Alexander Harmon
Haley Hart
Brooke Hartman
Victoria Helton
Sydney Hicks
Hannah Higdon
Graham Hildebran
Logan Hildebrand
Hunter Hise
Samuel Holden
Dallas Hollifield
Kelsea Hollowell
Anthony Hoover
Kelsey Houser
Jacob Hoyle
Katlin Hudson
Savanah Hudson
Logan Huffman
Heather Hullette
Marissa Hunsucker
Jay Ingle
Caleb Johnson
Bethany Kassuba
Franklin Keen
Megan Keller
Patrick Kelly
Brian King
Muamong Kong
Derick Lackey
Pamela Lail
Robert Lail
Katelin Lamoureux
Devin Lanier
Nicholas Laurent
Zachary Leonard
Jacob Leonhardt
Chelsea Lester (in memory)
Christian Limbo
Alex Lingerfelt
Maiv Lo
Thomas Lo
Jordan Lockee
Cory London
Tyler Long
Joan Lopez
Cheng Lor
Chengyee Lor
Narida Lor
Xeng Lor
Natalie Lowman
Jeremy Ludden
Megan Marshburn
Tiffany Martin
Nikita Mayfield
Noah McDowell
Myha Miller
Mack Mobley
Amanda Mooney
Pakingcher Moua
Megan Mullins
Cody Myers
Jodi ORiley
Paige Park
Matthew Parrish
David Patton
Katilin Peters
Abigail Powell
Samantha Prater

Madison Pratt
Makayla Profitt
Elisha Pruette
Cheyenne Ralston
Yesenia Ramirez-Zavala
Abigail Reece
Justin Reid
Briana Richardson
Haleigh Riley
Brittany Roberts
James Robinson
Phillip Robinson
Hailey Roland
Mikaela Rose
Madison Ross
Dillion Saulman
Maggie Schnur
Makayla Schuster
Andrew Scronce
Manuel Sendra
Mason Settle
Mason Sherrill
Brian Smith
Chasity Smith
Destiny Smith
Jeffrey Smith
Alyssa Spencer
Skyler Stack
Caroline Stamey
Joshua Stamey
Whitney Stamey
Savannah Stephens
Spencer Stephens
Jonathan Stidham
Jared Stilwell
Sawyer Strong
Johnny Styles
Delaney Tallent
Dyllan Taylor
Sarah Thomas
Shane Townsend
Tommy Townsend
Anthony Travis
Santana Trivette
Breanna Trull
Justin Turner
Kashia Vang
Toua Vang
Austin Wade
Ricky Walker
Landon Ward
Sydney Welch
Holly White
Diajhea Wilfong
Andrew Williams
Kaila-Sierra Williams
Noah Willis
Mindy Witzberger
Celina Xiong
Mua Xiong
Steven Xiong
Channel Yang
Choua Yang
Gaoli Yang
Miracle Yang
Trysten Yelton
Myra Yoder
Brent Young
Kenzie Young
Samantha Young

EBHS NC SCHOLARS
(In alphabetical order): Araseli Adame, Sarah Adams,
Kaitlyn Bridges, Savanah Hudson, Maggie Schnur,
Steven Xiong, Channel Yang

EBHS JUNIOR MARSHALS

(In alphabetical order): Alexa Atkins, Avery Bumgarner,
Morgan Byles, Cortney Hildebran, Nathan Huffman, Taylor
Lynn, Danielle Saine, Erin Seawright, Sara Taylor,
Kyle Wilson

EBHS SGA
(In alphabetical order): Alyssa Cornett (Cabinet Member); Hannah
Gortney (Cabinet Member); Graham Hildebran (Student Body Treasurer);
Brian King (Student Body Secretary); Nicholas Laurent (Senior Class
President); Jacob Leonhardt (Student Body Vice President); Narida
Lor (Cabinet Member); Megan Marshburn (Student Body President);
Noah McDowell (Cabinet Member); Pakingcher Moua (Senior Class
Secretary); Kashia Vang (Senior Class Vice President); Sydney Welch
(Executive Parliamentarian); Gaoli Yang (Senior Class Treasurer)

EBHS Honor Grads

Graduates (In alphabetical order): Kenleigh Alexander*, Alex-Michael Arney* , Alexis Bolick*, Takera Brooks*, Brandy Chester*, Elizabeth Chung* , Garrett Coble,
Alyssa Cornett*, Hannah Davis* , Noah Davis*, Connie Earle*, Bailey Fincannon*, Stacey Fox* , Faith Foxx*, Michelle Frady, Hannah Gortney*, Drake Haas*, Jericah
Hadden, Elbert Hang* , Victoria Helton*, Sydney Hicks*, Hannah Higdon* , Hunter Hise* , Samuel Holden, Kelsea Hollowell*, Kelsey Houser, Patrick Kelly*, Brian
King*, Muamong Kong*, Derick Lackey*, Robert Lail II*, Nicholas Laurent*
*Denotes also an NC Scholar Denotes also a Presidential Scholar

Graduation 2015

June 17, 2015 9

EBHS Honor Grads

(In alphabetical order): Jacob Leonhardt, Maiv Lo*, Jordan Lockee*, Cheng Lor*, Chengyee Lor* , Narida Lor*, Megan Marshburn*, Noah
McDowell*, Pakingcher Moua*, Megan Mullins*, Jodi ORiley*, Katilin Peters*, Abigail Powell* , Makayla Profitt* , Elisha Pruette*, Cheyenne
Ralston* , Haleigh Riley*, Mikaela Rose*, Caroline Stamey*, Whitney Stamey*, Savannah Stephens*, Spencer Stephens*, Sawyer Strong, Breanna
Trull, Kashia Vang*, Landon Ward*, Sydney Welch* , Mua Xiong*, Gaoli Yang*, Miracle Yang*, Myra Yoder, Samantha Young*
*Denotes also an NC Scholar Denotes also a Presidential Scholar

Letter From

Phil Smith

Dear East Burke Senior

Graduating Class,

being part of a dying breed

with a strong work ethic.

The day you have waited on

for so long is here. As you
prepare to walk across that
stage and enter the world,
I would like to offer some
advice that I hope you will
take to heart. Here goes:
1. You are graduating into
a culture that changes as
fast as technology does.
Keep in touch. Things dont
always stay the same. We did
not have Facebook when I
graduated. Most of us did not
even have a telephone in
our bedroom!

4. At times you felt your

parents werent fair. Your
school wasnt fair. Sometimes
your friends treated you in
ways that werent fair. Guess
what? Life still isnt going
to always be fair after high
school. You will find that the
world doesnt revolve around
you. The quicker you accept
that and move on, the
happier youll be.

2. Be nice to the person

beside you. He/She may be
your boss someday.

5. Your happiness is your

responsibility. Abraham
Lincoln once said, Most
people are about as happy as
they make their minds up to
be. He was right then, and he
still is.

3. Life is tough, but its worth

living. You will get out of it
what you put in. Pay attention,
show up on time and do what
youre asked to do. It will
make you feel good about

6. At some point in your

education, you were the
subject of charity. Whether
you knew it or not; grants,
scholarships, donations, acts
of kindness, and property

HallyBurton
Hallyburton Spring
2015 Graduates
Vincent Michael Adkins, Kolton Lee Ammons, BreAnna Danielle Amon, Amberlee
Barber ,Christopher David Barlow, Frank Thurman Bush, Brook Chalyn Causby,
Lizette Cisneros, Tamara Marie Clark, Amber Lynn Cluckey, Vicki Marie Cole, Jacob
Ryan Coleman, Andrew Michael Davis, Ajaziah Renee Davis, Brooke Sierra Davis,
Asa Foy, Amy Harris, Ryne Joseph Hartung, Brandon Jordan Hernandez, Daisy
Lasha Lane, Stephen Eric Leonard, Trevor McCray, Jordan Isaia Morgan, Mauriana
LaKetria Moore, Coty Dalton Osborne, Quinten Richard Parker, Hailey Nicole Prior,
Ronald Dean Richey, Dona Jo Roberson, Breanna Rene Seeley, Dylan Matthew
Seitz, Edward Sheen Sparks, Seth Allen Stines, Mekayla Ann Swink, Nanelee,
Devin Tyler Turner, Jeremiah Franklin Turner, Whitney Turner, Cloe Paige, Morgan
Kaylee Webb, Meagan Lynn Whaley, Corey Cheng Xiong

Hallyburton Fall
2015 Graduates
Ramon Gustavo Almanza, Austin James Barnes, Christian Thad Barr, David
Benfield, Bobby Lee Biddix, Jacon Aaron Borsotti, Herald Douglas Bruner,
Damarian Monta Caldwell, Angel Cazares, Amber Nicole Chapman, Malcolm
Isaiah Corpening, Aaron Alan, Deal, Andell Kahli Elliott, Daniel Franklin Farmer,
James Thomas Farr, Ronaldo Diego Francisco, April Kao Lee Hongsathirath,
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Houck, Lukas Dalton Houston, Gavin Xavier Jay, Kleeshaye
Nicole Johnson, Daniel Christo Little, Zachary Thomas Lowman, Seth Andrew
Mann, Dalton Lee Page, Austin Jeffery Palmer, Johnnie Motchell Parker, Pavan
H Patel, Erik Joseph Pennycuff, Megan Kristine, Pruyne, Elijah Dalton Robinson,
Jacob Alexander Ross, Chyenne Marie Santos, Samuel Lee Stogner, William Allen
Stowell, Cullen Oneil Thompkins, Christian Ray Vickers, Kyle Sammy Wright, Ricki
Lynn Canham, Dustin Lee Zimmerman

taxes were used to educate

you. Always be willing to help
the other fellow out. From this
point on, with every success
you have in life, remember
to give thanks and to give
something back whether
its time, treasure or talent. My
wife, Penny, has a picture in
our home that says What if
you woke up tomorrow with
only what you thanked God
for today? That sums it up
pretty well.
7. Finally, remember that love
is not about possession, but
appreciation.
The faculty and staff of East
Burke High School wish you
well. I do also. Always wear
your Cavalier blue with pride
and never forget where you
came from.
Always,
Phil Smith
East Burke principal

Letter From
Rob Ford

Seniors of Hallyburton Academy:

Whats the most fun you have
ever had?
Whats the hardest thing you
have ever tried to do?
Whats the most important thing
going on in your life?
All these are questions to reflect
on and have some feeling about.
I dont know the answer to any of
YOUR life questions except this
one: Whats the most significant
thing you have started and
finished in your lifetime that will
impact the rest of your life?
Because on June 10 at 4 p.m. at
the Old Rock School I will shake
your hand, look you in the eye and
say congratulations as I hand you
YOUR High School Diploma. That
should give you great anticipation
and satisfaction of completion.
Most of you have overcome
significant challenges to be a part
of this graduation ceremony. Life
and choices have brought us all
together to celebrate this day. I
applaud all of you!
Lots of care has gone into making
this day a reality. Your teachers
and counselors care deeply and
have worked to connect with you
to be sure you are here today.
Your school system cares enough

to offer a setting like Hallyburton

Academy, where you could make
a way where there seemed none.
I care enough that I worked out
details with many of you to figure
out a way from where you were to
the graduation stage.
Graduates, you all have parents or
guardians that care more about
today than you probably know,
and their pride will beam as you
walk this stage. Please recognize
all this care and thank those that
were in its path.
Lastly, care yourself.
Its time to take the diploma
every graduate across the nation
received this week and make it
into more. More education or a
better job -- the challenge is in
your hands now, so love yourself,
be yourself, and go make a life
path that carries your dreams
to reality.
I charge you to perfect your skills,
find your passion, and realize that
learning will never stop.
It was a privilege to be
your principal.
Rob Ford
Hallyburton Academy, principal

Graduation 2015

Freedom High School

10 June 17, 2015

Photo Courtesy of: John S. Payne Photography

Graduation 2015

June 17, 2015 11

FHS Honor Graduates

NC Scholars & Presidential Scholars
Freedom High School Class of 2015 honor graduates, NC Scholars and Presidential Scholars pictured (first row, from left) are: Abigail Adams*+, Levi Andrews*+#, Elliott
Baker*+#, Brianna Brandon*, Jacob Church*, Davis Clark*+, Hannah Clark*+, Peyton Clark*+#, Max Conley*+#, Searra Conley*+, Jordan Dembski*, Alison Fensterer*+;
(second row, from left) Kira Good+, Danielle Gordon*, Tyler Gramer*, Emma Hammond*+#, Clark Harney*, Jessica Hennessee*+, Alan Holden*, Marley Honea+, Stephen
Mayo*, Christopher McGinnis*, Lauren Norell*+, Zachary Norman*; (third row, from left) Sorsha Phillips*+#, Thomas Rapp*, Amanda Richardson*+, Riley Shehan*+,
Samuel Shelden*, Jacob Walker*+, Elizabeth M. Williams*+#, Joshua Williams*, Evan Wisniewski*+#, George Xiong*+, Alisha Yang*, Madison Young*+
* Denotes Freedom Honor Graduates; + denotes North Carolina Scholars; # denotes Presidential Scholars

Freedom

Class of
2015
Levi Acuff,
Abigail Adams,
Chelsea Adams,
Levi Andrews,
Dalvin Avery,
Daniel Bailey,
Elliott Baker,
Staci Banks,
Zachary Barnett,
Lennon-McCartney Barrier,
Eric Benfield,
Katlyn Benfield,
Robert Benfield,
Ashley Bentley,
Bryan Blanchard Jr.,
Tysaiah Boston,
Oliver Bradshaw,
Macayla Brady,
Brieanna Brandon,
Catherine Brewer,
Devan Brittain,
Zachary Brittain,
Chantel Brown,
Christopher Brown,
Justin Brown,
Kadazjah Brown,
Ariel Bryant,
Haley Bumgarner,
Robert Bumgarner,
Eric Burnett,
Emily Burnette,
Gavin Burnette,
Sharia Butler,
Luis Caballero,
Grant Cairnes,
David Caldwell II,
Davon Caldwell,
Monte Caldwell,
Daniel Cansdale II,
Jessi Carlin,
Tyson Carpenter,
Jason Carswell,
Jacob Church,
Daniel Clark, .
Davis Clark,
Hannah Clark,
Landon Clark,
Lige Clark,
Peyton Clark,
Alexis Coleman,
Dara Colvin,
Maximilian Conley,
Searra Conley,
Shelby Conner,
Isaiah Cook,
Lance Cooke,
Caleb Corpening,
Jaszmine Corpening,
Cody Cottrell,
Tony Crisp Jr.,

Norma Cristobal,
Elijah Cunningham,
Michael Curtis,
Isaih Davis,
Sabrina Davis,
Samantha Davis,
Tyler Davis,
Tilghman Dean,
Hannah Dellinger,
Jordan Dembski,
Nicole Dotson,
Nickolas Dover,
Christian Drury,
Tanner Duckworth,
Taylor Eden,
Jakolbie Edgerton,
Kenmar Edwards,
Kendrick Ervin,
Lauren Ervin,
Christopher Farmer,
Delainey Farris,
Alison Fensterer,
David Field,
Iasha Fisher,
Cheyenne Foster,
Scottie Frady,
Megan Fulbright,
Carol Galey,
Juan Garcia Gonzalez,
Jose Garcia Villanueva,
Jonathan Gardner,
Kenneth Golightly,
Kira Good,
Danielle Gordon,
Patience Gragg,
Tyler Gramer,
Braxton Grant,
Isaiah Grindstaff,
Emma Hammond,
Emily Hang,
Mua Kongmeng Hang,
Jessica Hanna,
Montgomery Harlow,
Alicia Harmon,
Clark Harney,
Christopher Harrison,
Tyler Hasson,
Charles Heffinger,
Haley Hefner,
Chesley Helms,
Tyshan Hemphill,
Jessica Hennessee,
McKayla Hennessee,
Juan Hernandez-Olguin,
Brittany Hitchcock,.
Nicholas Hitchcock,
Jessica Hodgson,
Alan Holden,
Hayleah Holmes,
Marley Honea,

Mikala Houpe,
Elizabeth Huerta,
Sebastian Ixchajchal,
Darren Jackson,
Devin Johnson,
Eugene Johnson,
Kaelee Johnson,
Kenyon Johnson,
Alexander Jones,
Steven Kanipe,
Austin Kaylor,
Kendera King,
Hannah Kirksey,
Heather Kiser,
Shelby Lambert,
Bridget Langston,
Kailey Layne,
Cheng Lee,
Coby Lee,
Tommy Leuthongchak,
Summer Lingerfelt,
Brianna Lockard,.
Franklin Lookadoo,
Kaxia Lor,
Towyeng Lor,
Kaleb Lowery,
Tamia Mack,
Jared Massey,
Nathan Mathis,
Stephen Mayo,
William McCall,
Christopher McGinnis,
Michaela McNeil,
Brandon Mease,
Jairo Mendoza Ortiz,
Breanna Michaels,
Samantha Montgomery,
Marvin Moss,
Mengzong Moua,

Senior Class officers:

The FHS Senior Class officers pictured (from left) are: Lauren Norell, Senior Class
President; Chris McGinnis, Senior Class Vice President; Elijah Cunningham, Senior
Class Secretary and Jordan Dembski, Senior Class Treasurer

Lauren Norell,
Zachary Norman,
Nicholas Norton,
Macayla OConner,
Sierra ONeil,
Stephanie Odom,
Joseph Overton,
Konstantinos
Papakostas,
Amy Pascual,
Angel Patt,
Kristi Patton,
Timothy Perkins,
Alyssa Perrotta,
Sorsha Phillips,
April Phrakousonh,
Adam Powell,
Samantha Powell,
Tristen Presnell,
Caroline Price,
Cora Price,
Jessica Puentes,
Thomas Rapp,
Joshua Ray,
Yaret Regino,
Vera Alexis Richardson,
Amanda Richardson,
Alexis Rose,

Casey Rutherford Jr.,

Roger Rutherford Jr.,
Karol Sanabria,
Marisa Scott,
Saxon Setzer,
Riley Shehan,
Samuel Shelden,
Rebecca Shell,
Zachery Sherrill,
Thylar Shoemake,
Caleb Sigmon,
Cindy Smith,
Jacob Smith,
Skyler Smith,
Titus Smith,
Megan Spann,
Chyenne Spurling,
Danielle Stamey,
Taylor Steele,
Joey Stogner Jr.,
Alana Strickland,
Casey Sullivan,
Jordan Summers,
Rodney Thompson,
Dakota Tullis,
Ethan Vance,
Timothy Vang,
Trevor Vang,

SeMyia Vannoy,
Eulalia Velasco,
Celso Velasquez,
Richy Velasquez,
Angela Vue, Jet Vue,.
Dakota Wakeford,
Benjamin Walker,
Jacob Walker,
Megan Walsh,
Dylan Webb,
Jessica Webb,
Wesley Whisenant,
Elizabeth Williams,
Elizabeth Taylor Williams,
Joshua Williams,
Victor Williamson,
Dalton Wilson,
Dustin Wise,
Evan Wisniewski,
Alexandria Wright,
Anthony Xiong,
George Xiong,
Lucy Xiong,
Hannah Yamouti,
Alisha Yang,
Kelly Yang,
Annedramada Yoder
Madison Young

Mae Fensterer

Congratulations, Mae!

You are an amazing and beautifl

young woman! We are so proud of you!
We love you,
Mom, Dad, Matt, Josh and Sara

12 June 17, 2015

Graduation 2015

On behalf of Superintendent
Larry Putnam and the Board of
Education, Burke County Public
Schools wants to Congratulate
The Class of 2015!

BEST WISHES
FOR A BRIGHT
FUTURE!
Connect, share and stay in touch
#BCPSClassof2015
Web: www.burke.k12.nc.us
Facebook: facebook.com/bcps120
Twitter: @BurkeCoSchools

FIND IT HERE!

morganton.com/graduation

AVAILABLE 24/7

FREE
OF
CHARGE
PHOTO GALLERIES FROM EACH SCHOOL INCLUDING
INDIVIDUAL GRADUATE PHOTOS
ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE NEWS HERALDS
GRADUATION SECTION

Graduation 2015

June 17, 2015 13

Letter From

Mike Swan
Dear Graduating Patriots of 2015,
It is hard to believe that the 2014-15
school year is coming
to an end.
As we approached the end of
another successful year at Freedom
High School, many of your thoughts
turn to the eagerly anticipated date
of June 12 a date that marks
another important milestone in your
lives.
You will become part of Freedom
High Schools alumni and embark on
a new chapter in your lives.
On behalf of the faculty and staff
of Freedom High School, I would
like to congratulate you on this
accomplishment graduating high
school is not an easy task.
You should be proud of all your
accomplishments, both as
individuals and as a group. You
have demonstrated success not
only through outstanding academic
achievements, but also through
remarkable performances in the
arts, memorable competitions in
athletics, and through a variety of
leadership activities.
I am proud of the level of
participation you have shown in the
classroom, the playing fields, and
the community!
As you move on to the next
chapters in your lives, I hope you
will cherish the memories you have

created throughout your high school

career.
Hold onto and refer back to the
education that you have received
as you face the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead of
you. As you become productive
citizens of the community, I expect
each of you to make a difference
in our world. Each of you has met
challenges and overcome obstacles
and has earned the honor of
claiming your diploma.
In closing, I want you to know I
am proud of each and every one
of you. Your work ethic, effort and
enthusiasm for life are admirable.
As your high school career comes
to an end, I encourage all of you to
take the time to be a part of several
events that have been planned in
your honor. They will add to the
memories of your senior year at
Freedom High School.

Freedom Junior Marshals

Freedom Junior Marshals are: Courtney Anderson, Justin Buchanan, Alexis

Byars, Taylior Cannon, Nicholas Glover, Joella Knopf, Chloe Ross, Morgan Smith,
Benjamin Succop and Alexie Velez.

Freedom Junior Ushers

Freedom Junior Ushers are: Spencer Amos, Lucas Baldridge, Joel Greene, Hunter
Hinceman, Andrea Lockard, Lawson Pollard, Victoria Reece, Veronica Rodriquez
Cristobal and Tamara Tigani.
Not pictured is Serra Smith.

While your time as Freedom High

School students culminated at
commencement, I look forward to
seeing you come back to visit. It
goes without saying, Once a Patriot,
Always a Patriot.
Seniors, thank you for an excellent
year. Well done and good luck!
With my sincere best wishes,
Mike Swan, principal
Freedom High School

NC School
For the Deaf
From Left to Right:
Elish Janice Duran,
Angel Rae Volovar, Steven
Cleveland Tilley Butcher,
Cody Ashton Hollar,
Ettastasija Desire Forrest
Karaleigh Nicole Wensil.

FHS SGA

Student Body Officers pictured (from left) are:

Kailey Layne, SGA President;
TC Boston, SGA Vice President; Elizabeth M. Williams,
SGA Secretary and Angel Patt, SGA Treasurer.

Letter From

Dave Clark
Congratulations to the NCSD
Class of 2015!

government. Many of you also

competed vigorously in athletics.

Your graduation invitations have

been sent to family and friends.
Your cap and gowns stand ready
for one of lifes most unparalleled
events, the graduation ceremony
of the North Carolina School for the
Deaf, class of 2015!

And this year, several of you

spearheaded NCSDs initial venture
into the robotics competition,
whereby your academic acumen
and senior leadership garnered
us a second-place victory at the
North Carolina State Robotics
Championships.

This all important Signpost to

your future took place at the North
Carolina School for the Deaf, in the
NCSD Main Building Auditorium on
June 10 at 7 p.m.
NCSD has been your home away
from home since your respective
enrollments. You came to NCSD
from public schools in North
Carolina and other states.
You have proven yourselves
more than worthy to take on lifes
many challenges. Each of you has
met and satisfied your individual
graduation requirements by
completing educational stipulations
in your selected course of study.
All of you have benefited from
and improved your educational,
vocational and social skills by
learning and interacting with your
deaf peers, deaf and hearing
staff and our continuing positive
relationship with the Burke County
community.

NCSD Junior Marshals

Gustavo Anibal Lucha,
Claudia Nayeli Romero Elvira.

Some have completed stringent

academic requirements in
readiness for college. Others have
prepared for a vocational career by
satisfying required components of
the Occupational Course of Study.
A select chosen few of you have
shown a rare combination of
academic excellence, leadership
and community involvement by
participating in student body

Each of you has repeatedly

demonstrated your immense
DeafPride and proven yourselves
prepared to become worthy, equal
citizens of these United States.
While graduation will denote the
end of your high school journey, it
epitomizes your game plan for the
next chapter of your life.
Some of you will attend college.
Others will go directly into North
Carolinas workforce, with the skills
you acquired at NCSD.
Proudly representing all staff here
at the North Carolina School for the
Deaf, I challenge you to take your
incredible talents and use them to
globally improve our corner of
the cosmos.
Each of you has conclusively
shown your deafness is not a
roadblock to a promising future.
Whatever the future may portend,
all of us have every assurance you
will make us proud of the NCSD
class of 2015!
NCSD extends its best wishes to
each of you.
Dave Clark, principal K-12
North Carolina School for the Deaf

Graduation 2015

Patton High School

14 June 17, 2015

Photo Courtesy of: John S. Payne Photography

Graduation 2015

Student Body Executive Council

1st Row
The student body executive council members
pictured (from left) are: Savannah Putnam, president; Leah Hasson,
vice president; Katie LeCroy, treasurer; Summer Collins, secretary
and Callie Carswell, historian.

Senior Class Officers

2nd Row
The senior class officers pictured (from left) are:
Chad Grindstaff, president; Adam Bonfield, vice president; Nicholas
Breedlove, treasurer and Clinton Long, secretary.

Senior Class Senators

3rd Row
The senior class senators pictured (from left) are
: Josh Espinoza, Collins Hammer, Aiden Scoggins, Luke Short
and Hannah Wilcox

June 17, 2015 15

Patton Junior Marshals

(Juniors with Weighted GPA ranks of 1-10 at the end

of the 3rd nine weeks - listed alphabetically)
Patton High School students chosen for junior marshal are ranked
1-10 according to their weighted GPA rank of 1-10
at the end of the third nine weeks.
Junior Marshals pictured (first row, from left) are: Faith Bellas, Riley
Caraway, Karson Guthrie, Madison Hall, Daisy Hensley; (second row,
from left) Jackson McKinney, Spencer Memmel, Ethan Sesco
and Caleb Snow.
Not pictured is James Reid Simpson.

Patton Junior Ushers

Junior Ushers are ranked 11-20 based on the students GPA at the
end of the third nine weeks. Pictured (third row, from left) are: Chase
Carpenter, Kennedy Fisher, Shane Heeralall, Will Kirk, Samantha
Ledford; (fourth row, from left) Thomas Messenheimer, Santiago
Morris, Hunter Reid, Madison Rose and William Soper.

Senior Class Representatives

4th Row
The senior class representatives pictured (from left) are: Noah Eggers,
Hannah Ferree, Sana Mohiuddin, Noah Murry,
Sarah Sholar and Jenny Wheeler

patton

Class of
2015
Alisity Marie Abernathy
Gregory Samuel Adams
Mark Glen Adams
Jose Armando Agustin Mendoza
Kathy Huaracha Alanis
Jose Antonio Alvarado Gomez
Kolton Lee Ammons
Hannah Renee Anders
Lisa Maria Andres
Zachary Andrew Anthony
Edgar Daniel Ariciaga-Rivera
Cassie Jane Attaway
James Winfred Barnette
Samuel Edward Bartley
Kayla Michelle Beaver
Sheri Berduo Ortiz
Sara Devan Berry
Briauna Jordan Bias
Joshua Dale Biddix
Brian Austin Black
Cody Jason Bolick
Adam Paul Bonfield
Ericka Lindsey Bowery
Juliet Ruth Bowling
Nicholas Keith Breedlove
Darius Scott Bristol
Abigail Ira Brittain
David Alexander Brown
Michtavian Jartez Brown
Tressa Victoria Brown
Jenna Courtney Brownwood
Shan Nikole Bryson
Emily Elizabeth Buchanan
Benjamin Mark Buff
Jodie Noel Buff
Ashley Ann Burdette
Brian Nicholas Burnette
Frank Thurman Bush
Cade Isaiah Butler
Madison Brea Dixon Byrd
Casey Allen Calhoun
Colton Douglas Caraway
Alpha Odalis Cardenas
Hannah Michelle Carlton
Alexis Claire Carswell
Callie Elizabeth Carswell
Candis Blair Carswell
Cody Lane Garrett Carswell
Jessica Lynn Carswell
Nathan Dean Carswell
Nicole Ann Carswell
Monica Licetthe Castro-Mendez
Madison Blake Causby
Tonya Elizabeth Ceron
Nicholas Andrew Chester
Austin McKenna Childress
Caroline Rae Church
Ian Christopher Clapp
Hunter Andrew Clark
Raelyn Nicole Clark
Tamara Marie Clark

Benjamin Ryan Clary

Emma Jeanette Clay
Garrett Andrew Clemmons
Aaron Robert Cole
Miranda Brooke Cole
Taylor Aleigha Colley
Summer Lynn Collins
Nicholas Robert Conklin
Elvis Anibal Crisostomo-Morales
Sarah Lynn Crisp
Michael Heath Cristobal
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Crowder
Cody Michael Edison Crump
Morgan Bobby Curtis
Gabriel Da Silva Frechette
Andrew Scott Davis
Megan Elizabeth Davis
Monty Wayne Davis
Briana Abigail Day
Angela Nicole DeBruhl
Juan Del Valle
Clarence Mike Dellinger
Jessica Renee Denton
Lexus Alexandria Doak
Hunter Wayne Drum
Dakota Jeremiah Duncan
Noah Ethan Eggers
Sierra Rae Ennes
Brandon Scott Epley
Isiah Rashon Ervin
Francisco Escalante Mendoza
Jasmine Delores Espinoza
Joshua Manuel Espinoza-Stacy
Hannah McLaine Ferree
Zachary Daniel Ford
Brandon Kent Fortune
Tyler Israel Foster
Andrea Francisco
Meghan Taylor Bowers Franklin
Taylor Lynn Fredrickson
Kaleb John Freeman
Dustin Wayne Gallington
Erika Maria Garcia
Glenis Edita Garcia
Rachel Caroline Garrison
Ania Dywan-Shae Gilbert
Chelsie Nicole Gillespie
Brant Thomas Goforth
Marlen Alejandra Gomez Rodriguez
Anthony Robert Grady
Austin Mckinsey Gray
Steven Gilchrist Greene
Chad Christopher Grindstaff
David Allen Gullett
Chad Javier Guzman
Gage Logan Gwyn
Sierra Lynn Hagy
Brittany Michelle Hall
Andrew Collins Hamer
Mikahla Ruth Hammons
Kew Hang

Kayla Jean Harlan

Dakotah Shae Harlow
Leah OBrien Hasson
Jacob Ryan Hensley
Zachary Kyle Hensley
Cha Her
Alexander Derek Hickman
Austin Jack Holcombe
Stephen Blake Holden
Chelsie Taylor Huffman
Ashley Sierra Hurley
Kaley Nichole Jackson
Emily Ann Jarvis
Jordan Kathryn Jenkins
Maria Raymundo Juan
Destiny Kristine Kanipe
Chasie Darrin Keeter
Summer Lynn Lail
Nathan Lam
Katherine Margaret LeCroy
Karina Zhougeng Li
Jake Alexander Lindsay
Curtis Michael Lipford
Clinton Bryan Long
Tristin Michelle Lytle
James Dorian Tavias Mahala
Maria Mateo Miguel
Michael Payton Matthews
Patrick Norfleet McCann
Sarah Caitlin McCoy
April Michelle McKee
Rosa Maria Mejia Mendoza
Gustavo Adolfo Mendez Rodriguez
Sharley Madai Mendoza Perez
Sylvia Medina Miguel
Shantal Ivory Nicole Miller,
Sana Ghousia Mohiuddin
Trevor James Moody
Joshua Isaiah Morgan
Greyson Wesley Conway Moses
Joseph Livingston Mull
Howard Eugene Mungo
Hayden Patrick Murphy
Noah Thomas Murray
Jessica Nicole Norman
Autumn Star Northrup
Taylor Nicole Olshefski
Brittany Nicole Paige
Alexis Paniagua
Sahil Jaimin Patel
Vrajesh Jayesh Patel
Cody Graham Patton
Leah Danielle Patton
Diana Maria Pedro
Joshua Robert Pennington
Wilmer Perez Lopez
Lucas Perez Ortiz
Harley David Peters
Mason James Phillips
Taylor Suzanne Phillips
Hailey Nicole Prior

Savannah Kate Putnam

Makayla Deane Radford
Kenneth Zeigler Ramirez Gomez
Andy Omar Ramirez-Domingo
Sarah Kathryn Ramsey
Jessica Leena Ray
Jay Joseph Raymond
Truman Gray Riles
Shirley Massiel Rivera Shaul
Dona Jo Roberson
Jesus Angel Robles
Jason Anthony Rogers
Steven Ray Roper
Kayla Megan Rowland
James Dylan Rudisill
Max Alexander San Miguel
Jose Brandon Sanchez
Thomas Luke Schoeberle
Aiden Christopher Scoggins
Diamond Sasch Scott
Caroline Elise Seagle
Maria Jose Sebastian
Megan Michelle Shaffer
Dalton Russell Shipley
Sarah Anne Sholar
Alexandra (Lexie) Kay Shook
Luke Zaleb Short
Autumn Love Sibley
Kara Ashley Singleton
Savannah Elizabeth Sisk
Ciara Marie Smith
Clayton Colby Smith
David Kyle Smith
Emily Elizabeth Smith
John Austin Smith
Destinee Belle Sprinkle
Rebecca Marie Stewart
Trevor Dylan Stubbs
Shane Austin Suttles
Mekayla Ann Swink
Austin Jacob Taylor
Peyton Elizabeth Taylor
Allison Renee Tew
Francisco TigIla-Xec
Juan Carlos Tomas
Jacob Bryce Triplett
Kelsey Mykayla Tryon
Lucas Alberto Vallecillo
Brittney Nicole VanNorman
Lourdes Velasquez
Diamond Justice Villanueva
Stephen Kyle Watson
Molly Brooke Weatherman
Jenny Nicole Wheeler
Hunter Elijah Whisenant
Orion Alexander White
Cameron Wells Whitener
Hannah Elizabeth Willcox
Lily Ashlyn Williams
Katlin Alexis Wolfe
Asia Lynhiavu Yang

Graduation 2015

16 June 17, 2015

Patton Honor Grads

Symbol Key: * denotes- Senior Honor Student/

@ denotes NC Academic Scholar/ # denotes - Academic Exellence Medallion Recipient/ + denotes Presidential Scholar

Honor graduates pictured

First row, from left: Alisity Abernathy *, Lisa Andres @ #, Cassie Attaway @ #, Briauna Bias *, Adam Bonfield * @ # +, Nicholas Breedlove * @ # +, David Alexander
Brown *, Jenna Brownwood @ #, Madison Byrd * @ # +, Casey Calhoun * @ # +, Alpha Cardenas * @, Hannah Carlton @, Callie Carswell * @ #, Jessica Carswell * @ #;
Second row, from left: Austin McKenna Childress * @ +,
Caroline Church * @ #, Ian Clapp * @ # +, Benjamin Clary * @ # +, Miranda Cole * @, Summer Collins * @ # +, Elvis Crisostomo-Morales *, Kaitlyn Crowder *,
Andrew Davis * @ # +, Jessica Denton *, Dakota Duncan * # +, Noah Eggers * @ # +, Francisco Escalante Mendoza *, Joshua Espinoza Stacy * @ # +;
Third row, from left: Hannah Ferree *, Dustin Gallington *, Ania Gilbert * @, Brant Goforth * @, Marlen Gomez Rodriguez * @ # +, Grady Anthony * @ # , Chad
Guzman * @ +, Gage Gwyn @, Andrew Collins Hamer * @ #, Mikahla Hammons * @ #, Leah Hasson * @ +, Stephen Blake Holden * @ # +;
Fourth row, from left: Ashley Hurley *, Jordan Jenkins * @ # +, Katherine LeCroy * @ # +, Karina Li *, Clinton Long * @ +, Patrick McCann * @ # +, Sarah McCoy
*, Gustavo Mendez Rodriguez * @ # +, Sana Mohiuddin * @ # +, Trevor Moody *@ +, Greyson Moses *, Joseph Mull * @ # +;
Fifth row, from left: Noah Murray * @ #, Taylor Olshefski * @ #, Sahil Patel * @ # +, Vrajesh Patel * @ Leah Patton * #, Savannah Putnam * @ # +, Makayla Radford
@, Andy Ramirez-Domingo *, Sarah Ramsey *, Jessica Ray * @ #, Shirley Rivera Shaul #, Aiden Scoggins * @ #, Caroline Seagle * @;
Sixth row, from left: Sarah Sholar * @ # +, Luke Short * @ #, Savannah Sisk * @ # +, Ciara Smith * @ # +, Emily Smith * @ Destinee Sprinkle * @ # +, Peyton Taylor *
@ +, Brittney VanNorman, * @, Lourdes Velasquez * @ # +, Molly Weatherman * @ #, Jenny Wheeler * @ # +, Cameron Whitener * @ # +, Hannah Willcox * @ # +;
Seventh row, from left: Lily Williams @ #,Katlin Wolfe * @ # + and Asia Yang *. Students not pictured are: Mark Adams *, Hannah Anders *, Hunter Clark * @ # +,
Sarah Crisp *, Nathan Lam * @ # +, Sharley Mendoza Perez *, Max San Miguel * and Shane Suttles * @.

Letter From

Kathy Amos
Dear Class of 2015,
In 1915, the graduating class at West
Point was known as The Class the
Stars Fell On because a third of
that class achieved the highest rank
and number of stars awarded in the
military.
It is ironic that 100 years later,
the Robert L. Patton High School
graduating class of 2015 could also
be known as The Class the Stars Fell
On because of its exceptional overall
leadership skills.
Here are just a few statistics from your
extraordinary class of 232 students:
11 students are the first in their
families to graduate from high school
39 students are the first in their
family to go to college
88 students will attend a community
college
10 students will enter the military,
two full scholarships to the ROTC
Program at Appalachian State
University and the Air Force Academy
in Colorado Springs, Colorado
43 percent of you will attend a fouryear college or university
28 students accepted into the
University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill out of 31,331 applicants;
32 students accepted at North
Carolina State University; 10
students accepted at Wake Forest
University; two students accepted
at Duke University; and numerous
students accepted at UNC-Charlotte,
Appalachian State, Western Carolina,
UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Greensboro
8 students will enter the workforce
4,215 hours (equals 105 work
weeks) of volunteer service hours
were provided for our local nonprofit
agencies and community

Over $2 million has been awarded to

your class in academic scholarship and
finical aid money
Thirteen years of dedication,
determination and roll-up-your-sleeves
hard work have achieved these
accolades!
A great British preacher once said,
Every leader has to have the mind of
a scholar, the heart of a child and the
hide of a rhinoceros.
A large number of students in the class
of 2015 exhibit these strong leadership
qualities. You are future artists,
mechanics, scientists, technicians and
teachers!
The class of 2015 will accomplish many
fabulous things in the future because
you are driven and have true grit!
As future alumni, always remember
your teachers, coaches, parents and
family members are beyond proud of
you and your accomplishments. Please
know that we will pray for you, support
you and welcome you home anytime!
We love hearing your stories and being
a part of what you are doing in the
world.
In closing, continue to be leaders
who demonstrate wisdom, strength,
humility and good decision making
every day. My final wish for each of you
is one of my favorite Irish blessings:
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home. May
good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam. May peace
and plenty bless your world with joy
that long endures. May all lifes passing
seasons bring the best to you and
yours!
Godspeed,
Kathy Amos, Ed.S
principal
Patton High School

Graduation 2015

June 17, 2015 17

Homeschool

grad uat e s
Class of 2015

A Home School High School Graduation was held May 30 at

10:30 a.m. in the upstairs room at the Historic Burke County
Courthouse. The following homeschooled students graduated:
Kelly Butler
Kody Daley
Madison Eads
Lydia Kuehnert
Danielle Lowman
Mary Simpson

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Super

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CONGRATULATIONS
BURKE COUNTY GRADUATES

CLASS OF 2015
May you reach all of your dreams and
goals, graduates! Were proud of you!!

Individual graduate photos available at Morganton.com

Graduation 2015

18 June 17, 2015

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