— courtesy of Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools completed the 2025 graduation season Friday with ceremonies for AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy.
Sixty graduates received their diplomas in the two ceremonies, held at the Wayne Adcock Auditorium inside The Center for Innovation.
The day began with AdVance Academy’s commencement ceremony, where 36 students received their high school diploma. Principal Nowell Brooks, commended the graduates for their resilience and determination, and shared heartfelt well wishes as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Vance Virtual Village Academy celebrated 24 graduates in a ceremony that reflected the unique path of virtual learners. In his keynote address, Dr. Tim Hall, K–12 Social Studies Instructional Coordinator for Vance County Schools, reminded students that: “This is not just graduation—it’s transformation.” Hall added, “You persisted through isolation, you built community through screens, and you discovered new parts of yourself in the process. You learned that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest—it means being the most consistent, the most compassionate, the most courageous.”
The Vance Virtual Village Class of 2025 included many outstanding accomplishments, including more than $292,195 in scholarships earned among 8 acceptances to 2- and 4-year college and universities. Additionally, one student completed an associate’s degree from Vance-Granville Community College. Other accomplishments include graduates with latin honors, as well as National Honor Society, National Beta Club, President’s Award for Educational Excellence and President’s Award for Educational Achievement.
Diplomas at both ceremonies were presented by school and district leaders, including Brooks, AdVance principal, and Dr. Jeffrey Batten, principal at V3A, along with VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Vance County Board of Education Chair Dorothy W. Gooche .
Together, the graduates of AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy represent the spirit of perseverance and potential. As they move forward, they do so with the support of their families, educators, and community—and with the confidence that they are ready to shape the future. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
