HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (March 31, 2025) â What might seem like a small token holds great significance for Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS). For decades, HCPS, in collaboration with community partners, has gifted incoming kindergarteners with a commemorative âClass ofâ T-shirt, fostering excitement and a vision for their educational future.
However, some graduating classesâincluding the Class of 2025âwere missed in receiving their shirts as kindergarteners. Recognizing this, HCPS, with the support of local businesses, made it right by presenting these students with special Senior Class T-shirts, continuing a tradition that symbolizes their academic journey.
This yearâs presentation mirrored a heartwarming event from last year, when HCPS gifted the Class of 2024 with their own commemorative shirts. What made the occasion even more special was the involvement of current kindergarteners, who personally handed the shirts to graduating seniorsâcreating a full-circle moment that bridged the beginning and end of their school careers. Adding another meaningful touch, student leaders from all six HCPS high schools collaborated to design the T-shirts, ensuring they reflected the spirit and unity of the graduating class. Just like the original kindergarten shirts, all seniors received the same design, signifying their shared experience and reinforcing the meaning of the #HCPSFamily.
âThis tradition has always been about creating a sense of belonging and encouraging students to see the big picture of their education. Itâs great to be able to bring that full circle for these seniors as they prepare for their next steps,” said Mark R. Garrett, HCPS Superintendent.
HCPS extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors who made the Class of 2025 shirts possible: Blue Ridge Community College, the Henderson County Sheriffâs Office STAR program, Hendersonville Family Dental, Mills River Family Dental, the Henderson County Education Foundation, and 1st Choice Graphics.
