BY BRANDY TEMPLETON  

Vikings Stadium was packed on Saturday morning as South Iredell High School celebrated the Class of 2025.

In her graduation speech, Student Body President Liz Winterhalter discussed the changes ahead for the Class of 2025.

“It feels different today— it feels real,” she said. “For the first time, we’re not watching others graduate. We’re doing it ourselves.”

She told the graduates not to be afraid of change.

“Change isn’t just something we go through. It’s something we have the power to create,” Winterhalter said. “What really matters is knowing we can change not just ourselves but the situation we step into. Change isn’t something to fear. It’s something to own.”

Former South Iredell High principal Tim Ivey was the guest speaker for the event, sharing a few words of wisdom with the graduates. His son, Ethan, graduated from South in 2022 and his daughter, Marabel, is a member of the Class of 2025.

He offered three pieces of advice.

“Number one: Never underestimate the power of words. Words have the power to tear down or build bridges.”

Ivey’s second piece of advice to the grads was to “never stop being coachable.” Even the most successful athletes, musicians, and actors accept criticism in their quest to improve, he explained.

“You need to learn, reflect, and hear the truth even when it’s hard,” he told the graduates.

Finally, Ivey shared, “growth doesn’t come from already knowing, but from keeping an open mind.”

Along with Principal Robert Little, distinguished guests included Kelly Cooper, chief secondary academic officer for Iredell-Statesville Schools, and school board members Brian Sloan and Mike Kubiniec.

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