We celebrate our graduates and give thanks for their hard work, resilience, and growth. On Sunday, May 18, Mars Hill United Methodist Church honored and blessed our graduating students during worship—marking a sacred moment of transition and possibility.

Each of these individuals has journeyed through challenges, achievements, and transformation, and we are proud to walk alongside them in faith and community.

Our 2025 graduates include:

Dillon Beck
Eleura Jane Clark
Alice Guth
Lydia Guth
Noah Payne
Nicholas Varner
Reagan Matcalf

May God's grace continue to guide their steps, and may they always know they are loved, supported, and celebrated by their church family. Congratulations, graduates!

*Pastor Kelly celebrating our 2025 graduates on Sunday, May 18.*

Dillon Beck: University of North Carolina – Charlotte

Dillon moved to Mars Hill with his parents Greg and Kathy Beck when he was beginning kindergarten. As a child he enjoyed spending time with his grandmother, Jo Ann Croom, and her goats, especially with one named Cindy. It was during this time that he began to participate in the Mars Hill UMC Bell Choir under the generous tutelage of Lucy Butterworth and also where John Jalocha began his long-term supportive friendship with Dillon. John was successful into even coercing Dillon into periodic mowing of the church lawn. Pastor Wiley also took a special interest in Dillon by providing Sunday School even when it was often just the two of them. Dillon treasured those sessions as special.

After his mother died, Dillon made his home with Jo Ann while he attended Madison Early College. From there he entered UNC-Charlotte where he earned BS degrees in Psychology and in Criminal Justice and is currently enrolled in a MS program in criminology.

Eleura Jane Clark: Madison High School

Eleura graduates May 31, and is currently ranked 4th in her graduating class, and served as a junior marshal last year. She has been accepted into NCSU, Western Carolina, Appalachian State and UNC-Chapel Hill. She plans to attend Western Carolina University where she will pursue a degree in Elementary Education and English. Her plan is to return to the community to teach. Eleura has participated in the Varsity Volleball team for 2 years and the Varsity Softball team for 4 years. She is a member of the Student Government Association, and she currently serves as student body president. Recently she received a 4 year scholarship for having served as a long-term volunteer at Center Community Center.

Alice Guth: Davidson University

Alice Adelle graduates today (May18) from Davidson College. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate in Computer Science and Educational Studies. She loves the humanities, is a math wiz and has been a tutor in both subjects. Her research is in how to make STEM and computer science more welcoming for under represented groups. She was active in the Wesley fellowship at Davidson UMC. She will pursue her PhD at NC State in computer science education. She and her girlfriends are walking the El Camino at the end of May.

Lydia Guth: University of North Carolina Asheville

Lydia Maren graduated cum laude in Dec 2024 with a BA in Psychology from UNCA. She is passionate about children and will pursue her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Lenoir-Rhyne in August. She babysits, petsits and keeps the nursery at Land Of Sky UCC. And she's often traveling to watch her best friend play baseball. Paul taught her to enjoy pickleball, and Paula has helped her decide sour dough is too much work!

Raegan Metcalf – Mars Hill University

Raegan Metcalf – Raegan graduated from MHU with a major in music education and earned dean’s list recognition throughout most of her time at MHU. She completed her student teaching at Enka Middle School and is now seeking a teaching position in the region. We are grateful for the time she sang with the Mars Hill UMC choir as a music intern. Raegan is also known as mother to Jayden and fiancé of Nic.

Noah Payne – Appalachian State University

Having grown up in Mars Hill, Noah spent his grade school years serving as a greeter and acolyte here at Mars Hill UMC. He graduated from Madison High as valedictorian of his class and was an active soccer player. At Appalachian State University he has earned a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. He plans to continue at Appalachian State and pursue a master’s degree in Biology.

Nicolas Varner --Mars Hill University

Nicolas graduated from MHU with a major in English and minors in Appalachian Studies and History. Prior to attending MHU, he received an associate’s degree from Mayland Community College, Spruce Pine. His extra-curricular activities have included performing in the Mars Hill UMC Choir as well as the University choir, University Jazz Band, and Trinity Episcopal Church Choir in Spring Pine. While on campus he served as a departmental assistant for the Music Department. Nic has accept a ministry position at First Baptist Church, Weaverville.