AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance Graduation

— courtesy Vance County Schools

The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 at the AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance High School was held during the evening of June 9 at McGregor Hall in downtown Henderson.

There were 56 seniors in the class who received their high school diplomas.

Principal Stephanie Ayscue presided over the commencement ceremony.

Kaitlyn Tant, a junior at Southern Vance High School, sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and also sang a song dedication for the graduates.

Dawn’Sha Smith, a member of the Class of 2017, made the valedictorian address to her classmates and those in the audience. Akayla Hawkins, another member of the graduating class, provided words of appreciation from the Class of 2017.

Those dignitaries presenting diplomas to the graduates were Principal Stephanie Ayscue; Assistant Principal Alice Hinson; Marsha Harris, counselor; Gloria J. White, chairperson of the Vance County Board of Education; Dr. Anthony Jackson, superintendent; Dr. Cindy Bennett, assistant superintendent; Dr. Trixie Brooks, assistant superintendent; and Jennifer Bennett, assistant superintendent.

In addition to Smith and Hawkins, members of the graduating class included: Leshawn Alston, Joseph Archie, Skyler Ayscue, Adaiah Bradberry, Vincent Brown, Winfred Brown, Ubaldo Chavarin Flores, Shay’daza Daniels, Desmond Davis, Jabriel Davis, Shon’kale Davis, Ty’Jhane Davis, Zaria Davis, Aaliyah Daye, Dylik Downey, Anthony Elberson, Dajahnae Gilyard, Cassidy Godden, Loni Greenway, Joanne Hargrove, Terrance Hargrove, Leroy Hawkins, Mikel Henderson, Ricardo Hernandez, Donald Hunt, Rayquan Irving, Kiara Jones, Shikeim Jones, Ja’Qwasha Lewis, Juan Moreno-Ollis, Leonel Macedo, Alexus Palmer, Ty-Kerah Peace, Malek Perry, Tatianna Ragland, Rashad Rease, Alejandro Reyes, Rafael Rodriguez, Cindy San Juan, Michael Sanford, KyTavis Small, Qydarius Small, Mark’Quez Thomas, Seandarius Thorpe, Brianna Venable, Le’Creasha Venable, Jonas Wheeling, Batavious Wilkins, Antavious Williams, Antaza Williams, Treshon Williams, Ty’Quasia’ Williams, Star-Asia Wortham and Robert Wunderlich.