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 “Class of” T-shirt, fostering excitement and a vision for their educational future.
However, some graduating classes—including the Class of 2025—were 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 year’s 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 seniors—creating 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.
“This tradition has always been about creating a sense of belonging and encouraging students to see the big picture of their education. It’s 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 Sheriff’s Office STAR program, Hendersonville Family Dental, Mills River Family Dental, the Henderson County Education Foundation, and 1st Choice Graphics.
