Raiders’ graduation honors memory of two classmates

ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Senior High School made sure to honor the memory of two seniors at this year’s ceremony who tragically died before reaching graduation.

Jacob Hughes passed away this January and Travis Nelson lost his life in 2019. Both were on track to graduate with the Class of ‘21. At the ceremony, their cap and gown were placed on empty chairs among the graduating seniors and the school released doves in their honor.

The first two dove’s released represented the spirits of Jacob and Travis. A student leading the ceremony said that three more doves symbolized the Holy Trinity, and a final group of six doves guided their spirits to heaven.

“I’ve been checked on several times by people from the school saying, ‘Can we do anything to support you?’” said Robin Caulder, Jacob’s mother. “They’ve really given me a new faith in humans and how kind strangers have been.”

Robin said she was touched by the doves. She didn’t think such a meaningful gesture would be allowed in other school districts.

Jacob has been posthumously included in a page of the yearbook, which was decorated with his photos and quotes from individuals. Caulder was also able to pick up Jacob’s senior sign from RSHS.

Caulder specifically recognized the Student Government Association and teacher Ashleigh Buie for their immense support.

“They’ve been really kind and make sure that my family felt included,” Caulder said. “Right after my loss, the student government took up donations to help with his headstone. It’s meant a lot.”

Caulder said that Jacob’s two sisters, Bailey and Emily, have also been so appreciative of all of the efforts to help.

“The way we honor our students that pass before Graduation is part of the Raider tradition,” RSHS Principal Jim Butler said in an email. “It is certainly something we never want any family to experience. But when it does happen, we want to make sure the family knows that the Raiders love and support our own and that their child is not forgotten.”

Butler said that graduation event coordinator Melissa Coulthard placed the caps and gowns with great care.

“It is important to honor Travis and Jacob and their families,” Butler said. “It is also important to let the Class of 21 remember their classmates on a very special night.”

Vivian Leake, the grandmother of Travis, said that her family appreciated being invited to the graduation.

“It was a sad and a happy occasion,” Leake said. “After the graduation, we walked on the field and just had a few words and moments.”

She said that she wants people to know that her grandson was a kind and gentle soul, and that teachers always thought highly of him.

“I would like to thank Richmond Senior High School and how they helped out when he passed,” Leake said. “They collected money. Everything was paid for. I didn’t even know half the people that did it.”

A drive-thru luminary was hosted by RSHS in February to honor the life of Jacob, as well as Caleb Johnson and Jalen David, underclassmen students who also lost their lives this school year.