WCU Cherokee Center

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

05/24/2026

The Commencement Ceremony for the Cherokee High School (CHS) Class of 2026 was held on the morning of Saturday, May 23 in the Charles George Memorial Arena for 92 graduates.

05/24/2026

As the Director of the Western Carolina University Cherokee Center, I was honored to announce the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Jerry Wolfe Gadugi Awards, Ms. Francesca Armachain and Mr. Tayvin Bark-Cruz, during this morning’s Cherokee High School Graduation Ceremony. Congratulations to both of these outstanding students for representing the spirit of gadugi through their leadership, service, kindness, and commitment to community. 🪶 ✨❤️💛

The Dr. Jerry Wolfe Gadugi Award was created to honor students who embody the spirit of community, service, kindness, leadership, and uplifting others through both their actions and character. The award reflects the legacy of Beloved Man Dr. Jerry Wolfe, who dedicated his life to preserving Cherokee language, culture, and community. This year’s recipients truly reflected those values in remarkable ways. Francesca shared that she “has a responsibility as a Cherokee person to carry on the language and traditions and to not forget where she came from.” Tayvin, when asked what gadugi meant to him, he stated, “It’s how you should live as a Cherokee person… Gadugi is the highest Cherokee core value.”

Through academics, leadership, athletics, cultural involvement, and service to others, both students continue carrying forward the values and responsibilities that strengthen our community and culture for future generations. 🪶✨

Also a special thank you to Jake Stephens, Dr. Wolfe’s grandson, for helping present these honorable awards alongside me. Having the Wolfe family represented made the moment even more meaningful.

The 2026 graduating class has an incredible list of accomplishments, and it was inspiring to celebrate such an important milestone with all of you today.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓
And congratulations to all of the parents, families, educators, and supporters who helped guide these students along the way.



[Photos contributed by A&M Sports and The Cherokee One Feather/Brooklyn Brown]
Egwa sgi. 🙏🏼📸

05/20/2026

Congratulations Jaelyn! We were just made aware of your acceptance into WCU! The sky is the limit! Go Cats! 💜💛✨🙌🏼

05/19/2026

Congratulations Vanessa! Welcome to the Whee! 🙌🏼💜💛

05/19/2026

Stop by the WCU Bookstore for the Pre-Inventory Sale! 40% off select hoodies, crews, jackets, hats, and drinkware💜

05/19/2026

Congratulations Donna! 🙌🏼💜💛

Congratulations to Donna Thompson of the Big Y community. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a concentration in health and wellness from Western Carolina University.

Congratulations, Donna 🎉

05/16/2026

Congratulations Diane! 🙌🏼💜💛✨