CM Prep Graduation – Parents & students gather to celebrate the Class of 2025
This past May, Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy (CM Prep) proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025 with an in-person ceremony at Devils Ridge Golf Club in Holly Springs, North Carolina.
Six graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, marking the end of their virtual high school journey. Families, friends, and faculty gathered to honor these students’ achievements and celebrate the strength and personal growth they achieved through CM Prep.
CM Prep Graduation Highlights
Graduation – Class of 2025 Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy
The event began with opening remarks from Principal John Lowe, who warmly welcomed students and families in person for the first time.
“It’s unique in a virtual environment, but it also shows you just the power of community when we all come together and celebrate this great achievement,” Lowe said, “Let us soak up these moments of celebration, acknowledge the hurdles jumped over, and imagine the possibilities that still lay ahead. They did it.”
Valedictorian Sincere Hooper gave an inspiring speech that reflected on the strength he gained during his time with CM Prep, thanking his teachers and mother especially for getting him where he is today.
“You taught me that no matter how tough things get, I can always rise above,” he said. “Graduating high school is a high accomplishment, but only the beginning. Life beyond these walls will come with its own set of challenges, and we must face them head on. Let’s go forward with courage, purpose, and determination to make a positive impact on the world. Congratulations to all of us — the best is yet to come!”
Student speaker Brianna Miller shared a powerful and emotional story of perseverance. When she almost dropped out of school altogether her 11th grade year, CM Prep offered her a life-changing solution.
“I found Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy,” she said, “My brother had been attending an online school, so I thought — why not give it a shot? I’m thankful I did, because now I’m here, graduating.”
Looking ahead, Brianna shared her dream of becoming a teacher.
“I want to go to college for early childhood education,” she said, “When I see my future, I see myself working with kids.”
Brianna ended her speech with a thank you and a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Graduation Closing Remarks & Celebration
Bruce Friend, co-founder of Coast to Mountains Prep, closed out the ceremony by reading the names of each graduate as they walked the stage, shaking their hand and symbolizing the end of a virtual high-school experience.
Following the ceremony, families and students enjoyed a reception with food, drinks, and plenty of photo opportunities. As a fun and memorable token, each graduate received a Class of 2025 water bottle and a custom rubber duckie — a symbol of the gratitude that Coast to Mountains Prep has for its students.
The Power of Online Education
This celebration was more than just a graduation — it was a testament to the success of virtual learning. Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy provides a flexible, supportive environment that allows students to thrive academically while pursuing their passions and overcoming life’s challenges. Whether it’s finding renewed purpose, like Brianna, or achieving personal growth, like Sincere, this year’s graduates proved the impact of personalized, online learning.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — your journey is just beginning, and the mountains ahead are yours to climb!
To Learn More about online learning and Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy, visit www.cmprep.k12.com.
