On the evening of June 6, family, friends and community members gathered in the Feather River College gymnasium to celebrate the Plumas Charter School Class of 2025.
PCS Executive Director Taletha Washburn welcomed guests and congratulated the 32 graduating seniors, commending them for their dedication, perseverance and accomplishments. She noted that while some students have been with PCS for over a decade and others joined more recently, “regardless of when their journey with PCS began, we are honored to have been a part of their educational path.”
Washburn then introduced the Indian Valley Academy Concert Band, led by Dr. Jane Brown, who accompanied the graduates’ entrances and exits with live music.
Speakers
Two graduates—each representing a different learning center—addressed the audience with reflections and words of encouragement.
Ruthie Barrett, from the Quincy Learning Center, opened by welcoming family, friends, staff and her fellow graduates. She shared her personal academic journey, recalling how she once struggled with school and homework, but eventually learned to prioritize and shift her mindset. “Change can be scary, but it’s necessary,” she said. “Becoming the best versions of ourselves only comes with growth and change. Don’t be afraid to change, and don’t be afraid to grow.”
Indian Valley Academy graduate Savana Hymas followed with a thought-provoking speech, opening with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason but no morals.” She reflected on lessons learned from her teachers about how the decisions we make and how we apply them define our character. Hymas closed by sharing one of King’s most powerful questions: “What are you doing for others?”
Board President Steve Hill, who has served on the PCS board for 16 years, delivered the keynote address. Hill praised the graduates’ hard work and perseverance, while urging them to embrace life beyond Plumas County. Acknowledging his own British accent, he used the moment to encourage students to challenge assumptions and explore the world.
“Plumas County is a special place,” Hill said, “but beyond these mountains lies a world full of adventure, opportunity, and the occasional culture shock. Coming from a rural town doesn’t mean thinking small—quite the opposite. It’s made you resourceful and taught you the power of community.”
“New experiences will shape you,” he continued. “They’ll challenge and change you—and help define what success means to you.”
Ceremony
The ceremony continued with the presentation of scholarships, with representatives from the Indian Valley Thrift Store, Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greenville Rotary in attendance. “These organizations are incredibly generous, and their support goes far beyond scholarships for our seniors,” said Indian Valley Academy Site Director Ryan Schramel. He was joined onstage by presenters Kest Porter and Wesley Neer. Also recognized were Upward Bound TRIO program completers. (Scroll down to read the list of scholarships and awards).
Ten graduating seniors were acknowledged for completing one or more Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways. These students wore colored cords representing their field of study, signifying hands-on experience in career fields designed to prepare them for postsecondary education or the workforce. They stood to receive a round of applause.
The ceremony continued with the rose ceremony, during which each graduate handed flowers to the individuals in attendance who helped them along their journey.
Finally, the presentation of diplomas was led by learning center representatives: Keri Reed from Chester, Ryan Schramel from Indian Valley, and Brittini Wade from Quincy. Washburn and Hill presented diplomas as each student walked across the stage to cheers and applause.
High school teachers and staff lined up beside the stage to offer hugs and handshakes, forming the first receiving line for their newly graduated students before they made their way around the gym and returned to their seats.
Class of 2025
PCS offers a personalized learning model, allowing students to pursue academics at their own pace while balancing college coursework, employment and personal interests. Several graduates took advantage of concurrent college enrollment and some completed their high school requirements early.
The Class of 2025 now looks ahead to a variety of paths: four-year universities, local and out-of-area community colleges, military service, full-time employment and gap years.
Before the anticipated tassel turn and cap toss, Schramel delivered closing remarks. He reminded students to thank the people who helped them reach this milestone. “Achievements are rarely done alone,” he said. “There’s always someone—or many someones—who helped you along the way.”
Congratulations to the Plumas Charter School Class of 2025!
Graduates:
Lily Antrim, Cristianna Ashley, Ruthie Barrett, Jack Beckley, Caiden Brennan, Karlyn Bruns, Liam Carmichael, Kooper Clark, Jazmine Collier-Francis, Lucas England, Wyatt Fullerton, Callie Hensman-Rawls, Savana Hymas, Own Joseph, Genasea Klein, Niemah Lee, Wade Martin, Xander McGill, Jhett Neer, Gavin O’Reilly, Jonathan Pence, Wyatt Quade, Ali Roe, Bree Roper, Kyle Rose, Aubrie Schramel, Ozzie Sloan, Cyrus Stevens, Michael Taddei, Evelyn Thielman-Gifford, Mallory Tyler, Andre Valeriano, Bailey Williams, and Jacob Williamson.
Click here to watch the full ceremony on YouTube!
By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Scholarships and awards:
Scholarship recipients
4-H Scholarship California State Fairs
Jhett Neer
Brock-Preston Memorial
Jhett Neer
California High School Rodeo Association
Jhett Neer
Cattlemen’s Association
Jhett Neer
Clayton Floyd Neer Memorial
Jhett Neer
Elks Foundation
Savana Hymas
Aubrie Schramel
Greenville Rotary
Savana Hymas
Owen Joseph
Jhett Neer
Aubrie Schramel
Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce
Owen Joseph
Jhett Neer
Aubrie Schramel
Indian Valley Riding & Roping Club
Jhett Neer
Indian Valley Thrift Store
Savana Hymas
Owen Joseph
Jhett Neer
Aubrie Schramel
Mallory Tyler
P.E.O Quincy, Chapter KH
Genasea Klein
Plumas Association of Realtors
Genasea Klein
Jhett Neer
Plumas County Sheriff's Employee Association
Jhett Neer
Upward Bound Trio Program
Karlyn Bruns
Savana Hymas
Gavin O’Reilly
Ruth Barrett
Wyatt Fullerton
Genasea Klein
Cyrus Stevens
Evelyn Thielman-Gifford
Brianna Roper
CTE Pathway Completers
Agriscience and Natural Resources
Evelyn Thielman-Gifford
Art, Media & Entertainment
Xander McGill
Taylor McKinney
Brianna Roper
Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
Ruth Barrett
Wyatt Fullerton
Jhett Neer
Manufacturing
Owen Joseph
Jhett Neer
Software Systems (I.T.)
Wyatt Fullerton
Jonathan Pence
Cyrus Stevens
Album photos by Lisa Kelly-Thank you, Lisa!