Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Spectators at Saturday morning’s commencement at Hiwassee Dam High School study the program before the start of the ceremony.

Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Wayne Crow of The Oaks Academy, worked hard to be able to walk across the stage a year early Thursday. He plans to have a career in electrical engineering.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Class President Wesley Morgan gives his speech, while Cherokee County Board of Education members and faculty look on, at Andrews High School’s graduation Thursday.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent The seniors’ Silly String flew after the graduation ceremony ended at Nantahala High School’s Class of 2025 graduation Friday night.

Cannon Crompton/sports@cherokeescout.com Tri-County Early College celebrates the Class of 2025 on Friday evening as confetti falls and caps fly.

Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent A call went out at about midnight on May 21 for emergency personnel to respond to a residential structure fire on Ranger Road. Multiple fire departments arrived as well as Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services. The three-story, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home suffered extensive damage as a result of lightning brought about by a severe thunderstorm. There were no injuries, as no one was home at the time.

Photos by Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Corresponden: Murphy High School’s 2025 seniors made it loud in the early morning Thursday, as they cruised on their motorbikes with a few juniors through the drop-off area and parking lot on Senior Skip Day.

Photos by Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent: The Lloyd and Scott families enjoy a day at Konehete Veterans Park in Murphy without rain.