Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 valedictorian Wyatt Meyer gives his valedictory address during the 2025 CCHS Graduation Ceremony on May 22 at the Akins Ford Arena. CCHS Class of 2025 graduate Juanita Langa-Attipoe moved to Athens from London two years ago and recognized the differences between her previous school and CCHS. “It felt great to walk across the stage. In London, we don’t have (ceremonies like today), so it was exciting,” Langa-Attipoe said. “I’ve enjoyed everything. It’s really different from high school in London. I’m going to miss it.” Photo by Kye Streetman
Several speeches were delivered at the Class of 2025 Graduation on May 22, including CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff, valedictorian Wyatt Meyer and salutatorian Kai Menke.
Dr.Swade Huff’s Presentation of the Senior Class
Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Swade Huff delivers his Presentation of the Senior Class Speech at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Iliana Tejada
Members of the board of education, superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker, district leaders, faculty, staff, family, friends, and other distinguished guests…welcome.
It is an honor to stand before the esteemed Class of 2025 in Akins Ford Arena to celebrate our beloved 419 graduates, the largest graduating class in our school’s history. Today marks the closing of one chapter and the exciting yet uncertain beginning of another. Before we officially close this chapter, please allow me to highlight some of our Gladiators’ successes.
This graduating class has accumulated over $6.1 million in college scholarships and counting. Please give them a heartfelt applause.
Our valedictorian, Wyatt Meyer, who also served as the Editor-in-Chief for the Odyssey Media Group, will transition to Harvard University this Fall, where he has earned a full scholarship due to his pursuit of academic excellence for the past four years. As a leader, Wyatt will mesh well with Harvard’s recent decision to withstand political pressure, and as the late Representative John Lewis would say, “Get into some Good Trouble.”
Kai Menke, our salutatorian, will attend Tufts University in Massachusetts as a dual major to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Book Art and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics.
Hezekiah Millender, one of the most skilled quarterbacks to grace Billy Henderson Stadium, turned down several college football scholarships, including the University of Florida, and enrolled early at the University of Georgia to continue his love for the sport. Heze, good luck on November 1st, and as always…Go Gators!
Our Student Government Association Public Relations Officer, Aniyah Buckely, will become a Rattler at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, also known as FAMU.
Sofia Morales will enhance her artistic creativity by attending the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Swade Huff stands with Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker at the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony in Akins Ford Arena on May 22. Photo by Iliana Tejada
Our graduates received numerous accolades for their academic focus, athletic talents, and extracurricular participation throughout the school year. Please, let’s give them a standing applause for representing our school community.
To the incredible faculty and staff of Clarke Central, thank you for guiding us through another successful year. Your dedication and tireless support have not only shaped our education but also our character. From the early mornings to the late nights, from lesson plans to life lessons, you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure that every student had the opportunity to grow and succeed. Clarke Central would not be the strong, spirited community it is without each one of you. Your patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, your professionalism are deeply appreciated.
Class of 2025, before we transition to the portion of the program for which your family and friends are in attendance, I’m leaving you with a simple message. Aniyah, Kyndle, Lyracle, Dominique, Cate, Chloe, Kiareyah, Heidi, Zacarian, and Adah, you all got a preview of the message on Tuesday morning during the senior prank, so do your best to stay engaged!
I challenge each of you to live life with no regrets!
What does that mean?
It means waking up every day with the courage to be the best version of you. Not the version the world expects. Not the version your parents hoped for. Not the version that your least favorite teacher envisioned, but anhonest and authentic version of you!
To the graduates transitioning to college or technical school: live your life without regret by embracing the freedom that comes with independence, but don’t forget the discipline that got you this far. In your new environment, no one will wake you up for class, remind you of deadlines, or assess if you’re still displaying your Glad Pride. Find a balance between your academic responsibilities and the perks of being a college student. Enjoy the late nights without a curfew, new friendships, and the space to grow, but stay grounded in your purpose. Make decisions that your future self will thank you for later in life.
To graduates who have chosen to serve our country in the military: whatever branch you’ve committed to, step into it with pride, purpose, and a sense of duty. Be the soldier who stands out for your discipline and leadership. You’re not just wearing the flag but defending what it stands for. Freedom isn’t free, and your sacrifice helps preserve the democracy we too often take for granted. Be proud. Be ready. Be your best.
Clarke Central High School Principal Dr. Swade Huff prepares to walk on stage before the Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony in Akins Ford Arena on May 22. Photo by Iliana Tejada
To the graduates entering the workforce: know that every day you show up to work, you’re not just doing a job—you’re being interviewed for your next opportunity to advance your career. Your attitude, reliability, and work ethic will speak louder than your resume. Use your soft skills to communicate effectively, be a valued team member, and demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s success. To the graduates who are undecided, you still have time to draft an itinerary for your life. However, don’t take too long because we can never recapture time.
Gladiators, today you are a high school graduate. Tomorrow, you will be celebrating your 21st birthday, graduating from college, receiving your orders after completing basic and advanced individualized training, or maybe welcoming your first child into the world. Whatever your future holds, live each day as if it’s your last. Always approach life with the belief that there is no such thing as a bad day, only opportunities to grow, learn, live, and love.
Live life with no regrets because one day soon you will turn 52, look back on your life, and ask yourself:
Did I speak up for others and myself when I had the chance?
Did I show up for those in my life who mattered most when they needed me?
Did I challenge the status quo and apply for that job knowing it was already filled due to politics, as sometimes it’s not about what you know, but about who you know? If selected for the position, did I stay true to myself?
Did I love sincerely, forgive freely, and live fully?
Whatever your future holds, live each day as if it’s your last. Always approach life with the belief that there is no such thing as a bad day, only opportunities to grow, learn, live, and love.
A few I have for you that will be answered by your daily actions as you navigate the challenges of life:
Will you be the best son or daughter who supports your parents as they age, just as they supported you over the years?
Will you be the sibling who doesn’t allow petty disagreements to fracture bonds that should never be broken?
Will you be the parent your children look up to as someone they trust and admire, not because you are perfect, but because you are present, honest, and loving?
Will you be the version of yourself whose reflection smiles back when looking in a mirror?
Remember, “The best version of you is the closest to perfection.”
So to the Class of 2025 — go forward, chase your dreams, make your mistakes, and write your story. The most beautiful life is not the one lived without failure, but the one lived without regrets.
Congratulations, graduates, and as always…Go Glads!
Kai Menke’s Salutatory Speech
Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 salutatorian Kai Menke delivers their speech at the Graduation Ceremony at Akins Ford Arena on May 22. Photo by Iliana Tejada
Good afternoon. I’d first like to say a huge congratulations to the Clarke Central class of 2025!
Today is a momentous occasion. Being here now is incredible, we have all worked so, so hard over these past four years. We have worked tirelessly to prove ourselves and continue on to this next chapter of our lives, and I know that the future holds so many opportunities, experiences, and pathways for all of us. I hope that as we leave this place we recognize that Clarke Central is not only a place for learning and education, but also a place for connectivity and community. It’s what makes this place so unique.
Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 salutatorian Kai Menke walks to their seat in Akins Ford Arena on May 22. Photo by Iliana Tejada
I know that had I gone to any other school I would not have formed such valuable bonds and relationships with my peers. Clarke Central has taught me—has hopefully taught all of us—the importance of being a part of a community and how much joy can be derived from being a part of something greater than oneself. We have all learned how much encouragement can be gained through the support of our friends and our peers; that as a classroom, an advisement, a school we can achieve more than we ever thought we could. That is what you standing here today proves: that individually we can be great, but together we can do great things.
It is not you or I who is graduating, it is we who are graduating. This is the culmination of the bridges we have built and the obstacles we have overcome as a community. And I know that as we move on to the next chapter of our lives and grow beyond who we are today, there will always be one thing that unites us all: our time spent here.
We will always be gladiators, we will always be the Clarke Central High School class of 2025!
Wyatt Meyer’s Valedictory Speech
Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 valedictorian Wyatt Meyer delivers his speech at the 2025 graduation ceremony on May 22 at the Akins Ford Arena. Photo by Iliana Tejada
Good afternoon, Class of 2025!
When I was in Mr. Johnny Anderson’s Human Geography class in my junior year, he introduced me to a concept: a sense of place. According to him, a sense of place was an “emotional and cultural connection people form with an area.”
Over my last few months of high school, I’ve thought about this idea as it relates to Clarke Central High School. In many ways, Clarke Central is just like Cedar, Oconee, or Athens Academy — same four years, same core subjects, same tedious end-of-year tests. But, I think everyone here today can agree that there is something different about the red and gold of CCHS.
So, what sets our school apart? What gives us that sense of place?
Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 valedictorian Wyatt Meyer receives his diploma at the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on May 22 at Akins Ford Arena. Photo by Iliana Tejada
For me, the answer lies in every student’s unique experiences. We, as the Class of 2025, celebrate our differences with more passion than any group I’ve ever met. We care more about our elementary school pride than our freshman P.E. grade. We are, each for our own reasons, unwilling to purchase a parking pass. Yet, we embrace our distinct identities as athletes, artists, students, and seniors to create a sense of meaning on campus.
In a society that strives for conformity to achieve unity, we proudly reject the illusion. We are similar only insofar as we are different, and we have no intention of pretending otherwise. As I look out at the students here today, I have never felt more grounded in this diverse community — of proud families, of inspirational faculty and staff, and of outstanding students.
To that end, I want to ask everyone for one favor. Take a look to your left (pause). Take a look to your right. Now find a friend in the crowd. No matter who these people were to you, you will always and forever be connected with them.
Even as we leave Akins Ford Arena and go our separate ways, I urge you to hold onto these people, these relationships, this sense of place. However ephemeral, however intangible, however momentary, these are what bring us together now and will bind us together forever as Gladiators.
