Jaxon McDonald and Katherine Murphy will lead the Mathews High School Class of 2025 on Saturday when they receive their diplomas at the school’s 86th commencement exercises, beginning at 10 a.m. in the school’s Harry M. Ward Auditorium.

McDonald, the son of Billy and C.J. McDonald, was selected as this year’s valedictorian, with a GPA of 4.72. Murphy, the salutatorian and daughter of Brian and Karri Murphy, ended her academic career at MHS with a Grade Point Average of 4.46.

The program will begin with the procession of the 58 members of the Class of 2025 into the auditorium, with “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the MHS Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mark Givens.

MHS principal Dr. Andrew Greve and senior class president Suki Zheng will welcome the assembled family and friends, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. David S. Daniel will introduce the special guests in the audience.

Following that, assistant principal Ken Noonan will introduce Murphy, who will deliver her salutatorian address. Senior members of the MHS band will join their colleagues for one last performance together.

The presentation of awards will be followed by Greve introducing McDonald for his valedictorian address. Katelyn Dodge, the MHS director of counseling, and school counselor Shannon Duff will then present this year’s scholarship recipients.

Greve and senior class sponsor Susan Sanderson will then do what everyone is waiting for—presenting diplomas to this year’s graduating class. School board chair Dr. Mari Gibbs will make it official by the conferring of diplomas, as students move their tassels from right to left before marching out of the auditorium and into the gymnasium, where families will gather to greet the graduates, take photos and give congratulatory hugs.