Families, educators and communities gathered across Robeson County to honor graduates as they crossed the stage into their next chapter
ROBESON COUNTY — Cheers erupted, cameras flashed, and tassels turned as the Public Schools of Robeson County proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 during ceremonies held Friday across the district.
From packed gymnasiums to the stage of the Givens Performing Arts Center and the football field at Red Springs High School, graduates were surrounded by proud families, friends, educators, and community members who gathered to recognize years of dedication, perseverance, and achievement.
“These ceremonies represented the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth for our students,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “When challenges arise, I encourage graduates to remember their roots, stay true to their values and continue growing into everything they are meant to be.”
St. Pauls High School
The St. Pauls High School Class of 2026 celebrated a historic milestone on Friday, June 12, as the school honored the largest graduating class in its history during a 9 a.m. ceremony at the UNC Pembroke Givens Performing Arts Center.
During the ceremony, 308 graduates were honored.
“This remarkable group of students has demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence, and I could not be more proud of all they have accomplished. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will make as they begin the next chapter of their journeys,” Principal Jason Suggs said.
Families, friends, educators and community members gathered to recognize a record-breaking group of seniors whose achievements reflect years of dedication, perseverance and Bulldog pride.
The commencement ceremony featured the traditional processional, posting of the colors by the St. Pauls High School JROTC Bulldog Battalion Color Guard and student-led moments that highlighted the voices of the Class of 2026. Elena Hernandez Velazquez welcomed attendees, Nicholas Shawn Strickland Jr. recognized the junior marshals and James Jamir McKoy II and Brandon Lee Tuggle delivered student addresses before diplomas were awarded. The ceremony also included an invocation by Josiah Thomas Oxendine and a benediction by Savannah Nicole Godwin.
Principal Jason Suggs, joined by Assistant Principal Joel Brewington, presented diplomas and officially conferred the graduates, celebrating not only the school’s largest senior class but also the academic excellence and accomplishments represented throughout the ceremony.
Lumberton High School
The Lumberton High School Class of 2026 was honored during a 9 a.m. commencement ceremony held in the school's gymnasium, where graduates celebrated the successful completion of their high school journey.
During the ceremony 399 graduates were honored.
The ceremony featured the traditional processional, presentation of colors by the LHS JROTC Color Guard, musical performances by the LHS Choral Ensemble and reflections from student leaders before the presentation of diplomas.
Senior Class President Charley Anne Whitley delivered remarks titled “The Value of this Moment,” encouraging classmates to embrace the significance of their accomplishments, while Student Government Association President Destiny Nevaeh Wynn shared “A Legacy in Motion,” highlighting the lasting impact of the Class of 2026 on Lumberton High School.
Principal Larry Brooks welcomed guests, presented awards, delivered the charge to seniors and officially pronounced the graduates, marking the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance.
“Class of 2026, as you step to the edge of this new plank in life, remember that every journey requires courage. Some leaps will be smooth and graceful, while others may feel more like a belly flop, but each one is part of the adventure,” Brooks said.
“No matter what lies ahead, take every leap of faith with confidence, knowing that you carry the strength, pride, and spirit of Pirate Nation with you wherever you go. Congratulations, Class of 2026. I love you all and wish you nothing but success, happiness, and fulfillment as you take your next great plunge into life. The best is yet to come,” he added.
The celebration reflected Lumberton High School’s commitment to preparing students for success in college, careers and life beyond the classroom.
Red Springs High School
Family and friends filled the stands at Red Springs High School Football Field as graduates participated in the 9 a.m. ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity and promise.
During the ceremony, 191 graduates were honored.
The program featured the traditional processional and posting of the colors by JROTC cadets, followed by the National Anthem performed by Prudence Muhamba. Student leaders also played an important role in the ceremony, with Alaiyah Sumpter delivering the welcome, Rut Ariza Secundino offering the invocation, Isabel Alejandro Trejo sharing the Senior Reflection and Camaijah Finklea presenting the class poem. The Class Song, “The World’s Greatest,” included lead vocals by Kylee Epps and Jorge Castro Dominguez.
Principal Steven Sinclair delivered the commencement address and later conferred the graduates before leading the traditional turning of the tassels. The ceremony also recognized honor graduates and student achievements, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication demonstrated by the members of the Red Springs High School Class of 2026 as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. The longer you live the more you realize how true those words are because the reality is you cannot control every setback that happens to you,” Sinclair said.
“Often your response matters far more than what happens to you. Resilience will take you farther in life than talent ever could. Class of 2026, your journey is just beginning,” he said.
Purnell Swett High School
The Purnell Swett High School Gymnasium was filled with celebration during the 9 a.m. commencement ceremony as seniors received their diplomas and looked ahead to their futures.
During the ceremony, 328 graduates were honored.
Family members, friends, educators and community supporters gathered in the school’s main gymnasium as seniors marked an important milestone in their educational journey.
The ceremony featured the traditional processional and posting of the colors by the Ram Battalion Color Guard, musical selections from the Purnell Swett High School Choral Ensemble and remarks from student leaders. Student Body President Kierstein Scott delivered the senior reflection, while Senior Class President Brylie Wilkins shared words of inspiration before graduates received their diplomas.
Principal Clyde Leviner welcomed guests, presented commencement remarks and officially conferred the graduates, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2026. The celebration also highlighted the many academic honors and achievements earned by members of the graduating class as they prepare to pursue college, careers, military service and other opportunities beyond high school.
“Today, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, but also the perseverance, character and determination that brought them to this milestone. Each graduate has worked hard to reach this moment, earning academic achievements and creating memories that will last a lifetime. As they take the next step toward college, careers, military service and other opportunities, we are confident they will continue to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and excited to see what their futures hold,” Leviner said in a statement.
Fairmont High School
The day's celebrations concluded at 1 p.m. at the UNC Pembroke Givens Performing Arts Center, where Fairmont High School seniors were recognized for their accomplishments and officially joined the ranks of PSRC alumni.
During the ceremony, 177 graduates were honored.
Surrounded by proud families, friends and educators, graduates celebrated the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and achievement as they officially became Golden Tornado alumni.
The ceremony featured student-led moments that highlighted the accomplishments and leadership of the senior class. Chief Marshal Gracie Freeman delivered the invocation, while Summa Cum Laude graduate Kaydon McKee welcomed guests. Chloe Locklear offered words of inspiration, and senior representative Logan Locklear performed a special musical selection accompanied by Dylan Jackson on piano and featuring vocalist Kendra Chavis. Principal Dr. Anthony Barton delivered commencement remarks before presenting diplomas and conferring the graduates.
“You do not have to have your whole life figured out today. But the small choices you make now will shape who you become later,” Dr. Barton said.
“The life you want tomorrow is built by the choices you make today. Work hard, take advice, accept feedback, and listen more than you talk,” Dr. Barton added.
Fairmont High School also recognized the many academic distinctions earned by members of the Class of 2026, including Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude honors, North Carolina Academic Scholars, Beta Club members, National Honor Society members, National Technical Honor Society members, Superintendent’s Honor Award recipients and ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate earners.
The program also included a heartfelt tribute to Ta’Nyah Pittman, a senior who passed away in May, whose memory was honored throughout the ceremony. The dedication recognized her lasting spirit, friendships and impact on the Fairmont High School community, reminding those in attendance that she would forever remain a part of the Class of 2026 and “Forever a Golden Tornado.” A moment of silence was held after her name was called followed by applause in celebration of her legacy.
“As you leave this chapter and step into the next one, it is important to remember one of our own that was not able to be here with us today. Ta’Nyah’s spirit, beauty, and grace will forever be a part of the Class of 2026 and Fairmont High School. You can truly honor her memory by moving forward, making good decisions, and becoming your best self,” Dr. Barton said.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Summa Cum Laude graduate Haley Britt.
Throughout the district, graduates reflected on memories made in classrooms, on athletic fields, in performing arts programs, and through countless extracurricular activities that shaped their high school experience. As they stepped into the next phase of life, they carried with them not only diplomas but also the support of an entire community.
“The Public Schools of Robeson County congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success as they remain rooted in Robeson and ready for the world,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey.