Jubilant summer graduates turn their tassels
Posted: August 6, 2025
Newport News Public Schools graduates for summer 2025 were presented with their diplomas at a ceremony on August 5 at Heritage High School.
A total of 51 students from the city's five high schools combined completed their diploma requirements to graduate this summer.
School Board Chairman Dr. Terri Best, Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell and Director of High School Leadership Dr. Eleanor Blowe spoke at the ceremony. Principals for each high school handed out diplomas to their proud graduates.
Blowe noted that among the graduates were those who worked full-time jobs, cared for family members, overcame language barriers or dealt with personal loss and financial hardships all while finding the time to study on lunch breaks, nights and weekends.
"This moment is special," Blowe said. "And not just because of the caps and gowns, but because of what the caps and gowns represent. Tonight we are celebrating a group of students who did not give up.
"A group who chose to finish what they started no matter how long it took or what obstacles stood in the way."
Family members, friends and community members cheered, applauded and took copious photos afterwards on an evening of tassels being turned on caps and diplomas being admired.
"You have been given all the necessary components to make it a bright future," Best said. "And it will be bright if you give serious thought to your ambitions and set challenging, but realistic goals. Goals are necessary to chart a course through life."
Mitchell assured students that they are prepared for whatever path they choose and that graduation is not an end point, but a beginning for all that lies ahead.
"What a joyful and meaningful day this is," Mitchell said. "Graduates, congratulations, you did it. Today is a celebration of your hard work, your determination and your unwavering spirit.
"Each of you has shown what it means to be resilient. You kept going; even when the path wasn't easy. You stayed focused on your goals. And now because of your perseverance, we have the privilege of watching you walk across this stage as graduates."
Click here to view the ceremony video and Facebook photo album.
