Loose Leaf Notes

-I’ve covered the Floyd High Graduation for The Floyd Press for about 10 years in the past. The following was written for the paper but it wasn’t used and there was no coverage on the Graduation.

The Floyd County High School graduating class of 2025 filed into the gym to the music of Pomp and Circumstance on the evening of May 16^th for the school’s 62^nd Graduation Ceremony.

Principal Barry Hollandsworth welcomed families, friends, dedicated teachers and the graduates, who he referred to as an exceptional group of individuals.

“You’ve grown not only in knowledge but in character, and you’ve done it together with support, friendship and spirit that lifted everyone up,” Hollandsworth said. He thanked retiring teachers and family and friends of the graduates for providing them “with a foundation of love and support.”

Superintendent Dr. Jessica Cromer also addressed the graduating class. “We hope that we’ve given you more than an education. We hope we have given you roots, a sense of belonging.”

“As you step into your future whether that’s college, a career, military service or something entirely your own, please remember where you come from. Remember the values planted here: hard work, kindness, integrity, hope… We are your past but you are our future and we couldn’t be more proud,” she continued.

Music teacher Sandra Smith conducted the school chorus in singing the school Alma Mater… Like the tow’ring rund her, pointing to the sky, emblem of a noble vision, Floyd County High.

The chorus also sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Hold Fast to Dreams” during the ceremony.

Class President Lissie Jane Goff spoke from the podium. Thanking her teachers, she said, “You didn’t just teach us things like Math and English, you taught us to think for ourselves and aim for success.” She also thanked her family, her cheerleading teammates, her classmates and God.

The Salutatorian address was given by Enzo Luz Nunez. Valedictorian William Harrison Schroeder incorporated some humor as he reviewed some of the challenges and highlights of senior year in his address. He stated that success in life is not defined by material gain and encouraged his fellow classmates to try to find success that is lasting and impactful.

Principal Hollandsworth presented seniors with their diplomas with the assistance from Assistant Principal Travis Cantrell and Director of Collage and Career Readiness Mrs. Brittany Quesenberry. Cheers erupted as Dr. Cromer announced the confirmation of graduates. – Colleen Redman

Photos: 1. Graduates line up outside to enter the gym for the ceremonies. 2. Principal Hollandsworth welcomed the full house of family, friends, teachers and graduates. Pictured to Hollandsworth’s left is Superintendent Cromer. 3. Graduating seniors who spoke at the podium were Valedictorian William Harrison Schroeder (pictured speaking), Class President Lissie Jan Goff and Salutatorian Enzo Luz Nunez (back). 4. Music teacher Sandra Smith conducted the chorus in singing the school Alma Mater and other songs. 5. Following the school Alma Mater, the school chorus sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “Hold Fast to Dreams.” 6. Graduate Annaleise Sowers holds her diploma as she leaves the graduating stage. 7. Graduating students applaud as their classmate’s names are called to the stage. 8. Following the pronouncement confirmation of graduates by Dr. Cromer, some students threw their mortar board hats.9. Graduates file out to celebrate with friends and family in the school parking lot.
10. The parking lot scene after graduation. 11. The Sweeney family celebrate the graduation of Porter Jones Sweeney.