Starkville High School Celebrates Class of 2025 Graduation

Graduates celebrating at Starkville High School graduation ceremony

News Summary

The Starkville High School Class of 2025 celebrated the graduation of 320 students, showcasing academic achievements, career readiness, and diverse futures. With many preparing for community colleges, universities, and military enlistment, the graduates also demonstrated their dedication through certifications and dual diplomas. Notable academic honors were awarded, including membership in national organizations and recognition for excellence in AP exams and ACT scores. The graduation ceremony will take place at Humphrey Coliseum, highlighting the class’s commitment to education and career preparedness.

Starkville, Mississippi – The Starkville High School (SHS) Class of 2025 celebrated the graduation of 320 students, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys. With plans to attend various institutions, including over 25 community colleges, four-year universities, and enlistments in the military, these graduates are poised to embark on diverse futures.

Among the achievements highlighted during this year’s graduation, a notable number of graduates have begun their careers ahead of their peers by earning certifications and skills for immediate employment. Additionally, four graduates achieved dual diplomas from Starkville High School and East Mississippi Community College through participating in dual credit and dual enrollment courses, further exemplifying their dedication to education.

In terms of academic accolades, more than 34% of the Class of 2025 secured membership in prestigious national academic honors organizations, including the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and National Beta Club. Furthermore, twenty-three students were recognized in the Advanced Placement (AP) program for their commendable scores on national AP exams. Concurrently, forty-three graduates achieved scores of 25 or higher on the ACT college entrance exam, indicating strong college readiness.

Additionally, the class included a National Merit Finalist, an elite recognition granted to only 15,000 students nationwide. More than 45% of the graduates received special diploma designations beyond the traditional Mississippi diploma. Specific recognitions included 37 students with an Academic Endorsement, 50 students with a Distinguished Academic Endorsement, and 58 students with a Career and Technical Endorsement. Notably, thirty-two graduates also earned the Mississippi Tech Master Scholar designation for their accomplishments in technical and vocational studies, emphasizing the importance of STEM fields.

The graduation ceremony will take place on May 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Humphrey Coliseum. To facilitate security and logistics during this event, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) will implement a district-wide early release day on the same date.

The graduation class exhibited a strong focus on career readiness, with over 34% identified as Career and Technical Education (CTE) completers, demonstrating successful completion of one of SHS’s fourteen CTE pathways. Additionally, more than 29% of students earned Gold, Silver, or Platinum designations on the ACT WorkKeys, a national workplace readiness assessment.

Involved in athletics as well as academics, twenty-two student-athletes signed letters of intent to play sports at various community colleges and four-year universities, further showcasing the diverse talents of the Class of 2025.

Overall, the graduation of the Starkville High School Class of 2025 represents a diverse and accomplished group of students. The graduates have made notable achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, and career preparedness, setting a foundation for success as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.