Clayton High School is a public high school in Clayton, North Carolina.Clayton High School Date Retrieved. 1 March 2015.
History
2026 graduation speech incident During the 2026 commencement ceremony on May 28, 2026, valedictorian Leen Hijaz gave a welcome speech. At the closing of her speech, she diverted from approved remarks, saying,"Who Is Leen Hijaz? North Carolina Valedictorian at Center of Viral Graduation Speech Controversy" Times Now (June 3, 2026)https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article315976516.html
As she concluded her remarks, Hijaz was interrupted and pulled off the stage by Clayton High School Principal Melissa Moore Hubbard, and returned to her seat.https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/johnston-county-news/clayton-high-school-valedictorian-says-diploma-being-withheld-after-principal-cuts-off-graduation-speech/ The video of the speech and subsequent interruption was live-streamed, and went viral on Instagram, Reddit and TikTok."Valedictorian's speech cut after unscripted immigration comment" USA Today (June 3, 2026)
On May 29, 2026, Hijaz posted on her personal TikTok account and claimed her high school diploma was being withheld for deviating from her approved speech."Clayton High School valedictorian says diploma being withheld after principal cuts off graduation speech" CBS 17 News at 11 (June 3, 2026)
Johnston County Public Schools provided a statement to WRAL, writing, "School administrators intervened in order to maintain the integrity and focus of the program in real time. This action was not about limiting a student’s voice, but about ensuring that a school-sponsored event remained consistent with its intended purpose." On June 2, 2026, Johnston County Public Schools said Hijaz had been awarded her diploma.
On June 2, 2026, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement condemning Johnston County Public Schools officials for an "effort to silence" Hijaz, writing "Whether one agrees with Leen Hijaz’s views or not, interrupting a valedictorian for calling attention to humanitarian crises and the plight of immigrant families sends a troubling message that certain perspectives are unwelcome in public discourse. Schools should encourage thoughtful civic engagement, not suppress it."
Notable alumni Chris Archer, MLB player and 2x All-Star selection Gary Clark, NBA player Johnny Dutch, USA Track & Field athlete Kendra Harrison, world record setting hurdler, silver medalist at 2020 Summer Olympics in women's 100 meter hurdles Corey Lee, MLB playerCorey Lee - The Baseball Cube. The Baseball Cube. Retrieved September 23, 2019. Evan Phillips, MLB playerEvan Phillips - The Baseball Cube. The Baseball Cube. Retrieved September 23, 2019. Ed Renfrow, American politician and pastor Rodney Rowe, track & field athlete James Talacek, professional aquanaut
References
External links
Clayton Marching Comets web site