'They're a really close class': North Shelby students celebrate graduation

Rebecca Sitzes, The Shelby Star
·2 min read

There aren’t many dry eyes during North Shelby School’s graduation ceremony.

Paula Stevens, principal of North Shelby School, said there are too many meaningful stories about this year’s eight graduates to even list.

The small handful of students overcame health, learning, and disability challenges to reach the special day and through the combined efforts of parents, caretakers, staff, teachers — and their own hard work — they have made it the finish line.

Stevens said although the graduates may not meet the same milestones as other students, they have learned and grown so much over the years.

“They are some of the most compassionate and loving students you’ll ever meet,” she said. “They’re a really close class, they just love one another.”

Gabriel Magruder gives his crying mother, Julie Callahan, a rose during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.
Gabriel Magruder gives his crying mother, Julie Callahan, a rose during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.

The eight graduates filed into the North Shelby School auditorium Thursday morning as "Pomp and Circumstance" ushered them in while a crowd of staff, family and fellow students stood ready to celebrate them. One girl raised her hands in a silent cheer.

Tears were shed throughout the ceremony as the students were recognized for their achievements and character.

Cleveland County School Superintendent Stephen Fisher read out unique facts about each graduate before they were presented with a certificate. The student then presented a red rose to their mother or caretaker.

The students were recognized for their love of Kyle Bush, their gentle hugs, laughter, dance moves and work ethic. Some students planned to travel with family following graduation while others will pursue a post-secondary education through North Shelby School.

Hunter McDaniel turns his tassel during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.
Hunter McDaniel turns his tassel during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.

Once each member of the class of 2023 had received their certificate, Stevens instructed them to move their tassel from right to left to signify their movement from student to graduate. The crowd erupted with applause and cheers. Several teachers wiped away tears.

Three scholarships were handed out to students, including the Dr. Launita Proctor Memorial Scholarship, Whitley Mangum Memorial Scholarship and Carolyn G. Hopper Memorial Scholarship.

Several awards were also given and a senior tribute video was played to close out the ceremony.

Julian Moreno-Lemus shows his certificate to his mother during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.
Julian Moreno-Lemus shows his certificate to his mother during the North Shelby Graduation Ceremony held Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, in the gym at North Shelby School.

This year’s class of 2023 consisted of:

Ronnie Caleb Downs

Gabriel Thomas Magruder

Hunter Dakota McDaniel

Julian Moreno-Lemus

Carla Jane Parker

Emily Hannah Perez

Nevaeh Jordan Simpson

Michael Isaiah Tracy

Reporter Rebecca Sitzes can be reached at rsitzes@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Meet the North Shelby graduating class of 2023