Powhatan High School honors eight graduates in summer ceremony

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Powhatan High School honored eight students joining the Class of 2025 during its annual summer graduation ceremony, held the evening of July 15 at the Pocahontas Landmark Center (PLC). Six of the eight graduates participated in the ceremony, which was attended by proud family members, friends and staff from Powhatan County Public Schools (PCPS).

The summer ceremony provides an opportunity for students who either complete their credits early or need additional time to fulfill requirements. This year, seven of the eight graduates earned their diplomas ahead of schedule—including all six who took part in the event.

Six Powhatan High School students participate in summer graduation ceremony.

PCPS is incredibly proud of all of these young men and women for reaching this milestone and preparing to take the next step toward their future. Offering greetings on behalf of the Powhatan School Board, Vice Chair Jeanne Wade reminded students that while summer graduation “does not contain all the glitter and glam of the spring graduation,” the moment is equally meaningful.

This event also marked the first official appearance for new PHS principal Michael Pierce, who began his role on July 1. Although new to the division, he expressed pride in helping these students reach the culmination of their K-12 education.

“I am sure they have done it because they have a goal in mind, so they are clearly driven. It is great to see kids doing that,” he said.

Powhatan High School principal Michael Pierce presents the six students with their diplomas.

Each graduate arrived at this moment with a unique story and vision for the future.

Caleb Fuentes, one of the students who completed his coursework early, plans to apply to become a firefighter once he turns 18 later this year. To make that happen, he took classes during both his 10th-grade summer and again this summer.

“I think it’s a great ceremony to have for the people who want to participate, and, for their families, I think it is a great celebration of those who are graduating,” Fuentes said.

Mary Fens followed a similar path. Determined to pursue a career in emergency medical services, she drove herself this summer to complete the three classes she needed to earn her diploma.

“I am getting my EMT this fall through Brightpoint Community College, and then I am getting my Advanced EMT in the spring. During the summer or fall of next year, I am getting my Paramedic (degree), so I can be hired throughout the whole process,” Fens said.

Carolina Mooring said that with just two classes left, she was ready to wrap up her high school journey and take the next steps toward her future. She completed both courses this summer and plans to begin community college in the fall to study business administration, with the goal of transferring to a four-year university and eventually attending law school.

“I am glad to graduate. I am glad I had the people I love around me and that we can share this moment together,” she said after the ceremony.

Powhatan High School and the entire PCPS community celebrate the achievements of these eight graduates and wish them continued success in the years ahead. Events like the summer graduation exemplify the division’s commitment to its Strategic Plan goals of Academic Excellence—by supporting every student’s path to success—and Family and Community Engagement, through meaningful celebrations of achievement.