Francis Marion School will celebrate its graduating seniors with commencement exercises on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Albert Turner Sr. Gymnasium. The ceremony is being coordinated by administrator Dr. Theresa King, school counselor Mrs. Kornika Todd, and senior sponsor Mr. John Bolding.
This year’s valedictorian is Jade Turner. She is the daughter of Mr. Jamaal Turner and Mrs. Jocelyn Tubbs-Turner. She is the Class President and Valedictorian of Francis Marion School’s Class of 2025. Jade has worked hard to balance academics, leadership, and service throughout her high school journey. She is the co-captain of the Lady Rams volleyball team, president of the Lambda Iota Tau (PEARLS) mentoring program, a dual enrollment student at Wallace Community College, an office aide, a student ambassador, and a peer helper. She’s also a proud member of FBLA, SGA, and A.L.O.T (Aspiring Ladies of Tomorrow), and she proudly represented Alabama in the national LifeSmarts competition in San Diego last year.
Outside of school, Jade works at her family’s restaurant and remains committed to giving back to her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, baking/cooking, and listening to music. She plans to attend Alabama State University in the fall, where she will major in Sports Management and minor in Business. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree. Jade’s goal in studying Sports Management is to help HBCUs better market their sports departments, as she believes they deserve the same recognition as other Division I schools.
Jade believes all of her success comes from God and the constant encouragement of her family. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:5 — “God is within her. She will not fail.”
The Salutatorian for 2025 is Tanireah Bates. She is the daughter of Mr. Kelvin and Mrs. Tanika Bates. She’s active in school and the community, serving as secretary for Lambda Iota Tau (Pearls) and FBLA. A cheerleader for over six years where she served as the co-captain her senior year and has won multiple cheer awards. She won two 1st place awards in business communication. She’s involved in church activities like the choir and enjoys movies, dancing, reading the Bible, and music. Tanireah plans to attend Jacksonville State University for a BSN in Nursing, followed by a BSN in Business Administration.
She credits God and her family/friends for who she is today. Tanireah believes anyone can achieve their goals by prioritizing God, allowing His presence to transform them from within.
The Francis Marion School Class of 2025 includes the following graduating seniors: Tanireah Bates, Charleeyah Black, Jakyrria Bradford, Shamyah Briggins, Da’Quarrius Brooks, La’Dasia Brooks, Terrance Brooks, Akeelah Burrell, Andrea Chandler, David Dallas, Amari Dedrick, Jayden Deyampert, Jada Dial, Danielle Evans, Javien Fuller, Takeldric Fuller, Destiny Giles, Crystalyn Greene, Dewayne Harris Jr., Ty’Keria Hawkins, Serenity Hollis, Keyshun Johnson, Kayla King, Dermarius Lapsley, Kaleb Lapsley, Kalese Lapsley, Timothy Lapsley, Jasmine Lardell, Ja’Niya Martin, Marquez Melton, Ja’Mardric Moore, Kendric Moore Jr., Zharia Moore, Jamaricus Murphy, Jason Pue, Akeelah Rawls, Donovan Rogers, A’kevion Rollins, Devonte Russell, Omarion Rutledge, Ja’Kylia Sewell, Amariyah Smith, Ralpheal Smith, Tyteerrion Smith, Emily Stabler, Monique Stabler, Mya Thomas, Shantres Tobin, A’Naja Tubbs, A’Nijha Tubbs, Nicholas Tubbs, Jade Turner, Akeelay Wilson, and Desmond Woods.
