Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - It's official! The Cherryville High School Class of 2026 has completed its first week as graduates. Whether they're enjoying the start of summer, preparing for college, or entering the workforce, now is the perfect time to look back at the 2026 graduation ceremony.
While many seniors may have envisioned receiving their diplomas outside at Rudisill Stadium, this year's graduation season brought a series of storms to the Piedmont region, delivering much-needed rainfall across the Gaston County area. As a result, several ceremonies were moved inside. The graduating class of Cherryville High School held its ceremony at Starnes Auditorium on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Despite the location change, many cultures mark rainfall during ceremonies as a symbol of good fortune and new beginnings, which felt appropriate as these graduates transition from high school students to young adults.
After the ceremony began, with junior marshals ushering graduates to their seats, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services of Gaston County Schools, Dr. Rebekka Powers, delivered a welcome message on behalf of Principal Mitchell Allen, who could not attend because his daughter was graduating that same day. One standout moment from his message to the Class of 2026 was a quote from Maya Angelou:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
- Maya Angelou
On behalf of the Gaston County Board of Education, Beverly Lovelace, representative of Cherryville Township and longtime resident, delivered remarks to the class of 2026. Her message encouraged graduates to remain curious and committed to serving others.
"Never lose your intellectual curiosity, and most importantly, give back and lift others up as you climb."
- Beverly Lovelace
She concluded her speech with the phrase "Vaya con Dios," a Spanish expression meaning, "Go with God."
The first student to address the graduating class was Cameryn Bell, the Class of 2026 salutatorian. Her speech was filled with themes of nostalgia and childhood memories, encouraging graduates to reflect on the moments that shaped them. Bell suggested that while milestones may have a burst of "momentary dopamine," it is the memories we create and carry with us that help guide us through life's trials and tribulations.
Senior Bailey Owens delivered the valedictorian address, focusing on themes of new beginnings and the importance of being present in the moment. Drawing inspiration from the famous phrase carpe diem, meaning "seize the day", Owens encouraged everyone to embrace the moment:
"Time is fleeting, and before you know it, the things you have been anticipating your entire life have arrived."
- Bailey Owens, Class of 2026 Valedictorian
Keynote Speaker Dr. Allison Abernathy | May 22, 2026
Dr. Allison Abernathy was selected as the keynote speaker because of her academic background in higher education. With a degree in nursing, she serves as the Dean of Health and Human Services at Gaston College. Being involved in numerous colleges to advance and innovate healthcare education, she continues to inspire others to succeed.
Reflecting on her own high school career 36 years ago, Dr. Allison Abernathy, a member of Cherryville High School's Class of 1990, shared several meaningful themes with the graduating class. She encouraged students to:
As students received their diplomas, they had the opportunity to shake hands with:
Before Dr. Powers could even finish her speech, all 120 graduates started throwing their caps in the air after moving their tassels from the right to the left.
Congratulations to the Cherryville High School, Class of 2026! Watch the video below to look back on this memorable milestone.
