-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin
The second round of high school graduations concluded for Vance County Schools on Friday, June 14, with a total of 83 students turning tassels and receiving diplomas in two separate graduation exercises for AdVance Academy and Vance Virtual Village Academy.
Fifty-three students received their diplomas from AdVance Academy in a ceremony that began at 3 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.
AdVance Academy Principal Nowell Brooks expressed excitement for the Class of 2024 and said the day marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Brooks shared well-wishes with the graduating class as they embark upon their next journey.
As part of the ceremony, graduates were each presented with a rose to share with someone who supported their journey toward achieving this milestone. During the commencement ceremony, scholarships were awarded. Courtney Tenbosch, the Vice President of Campus Operation for Graduation Alliance awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,250 for students to continue their education. Recipients included Autumn Chambliss, Damien Jones, Shadaja Galloway and Dineshia Glasco.
Dr. Ralphel Holloman, Sr. presented the Ronald E. Gregory Scholarship to Dineshia Glasco.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett and Board of Education member Dr. Omega T. Perry joined Brooks in presenting the diplomas.
Another 30 students from Vance Virtual Village Academy received their high school diplomas on June 14, with a ceremony that began at 6 p.m. in the Wayne Adcock Auditorium at The Center for Innovation.
Vance Virtual Village Principal Dr. Jessica Perry shared words of wisdom with the graduating class encouraging them to embrace this moment. Perry emphasized, “I know that you, the Class of 2024, can conquer your doubts and take the risks. To do so, you must welcome new experiences. You must set goals and dreams and continue to go after them even when the journey seems unreachable.” She reminded them they must never give up or give up on their dreams.
VCS Superintendent Bennett and Dorothy Gooche, VCS Board of Education cice-chair, joined Perry on stage to present diplomas.
Class of 2024 Fast Facts:
- 3 students are graduating Magna Cum Laude (weighted GPA 3.6-3.9) ● 3 seniors have secured full-time employment.
- 16 seniors were accepted into a 2 or 4-year college/university.
- Students graduated with a variety of honors:
○ National Honor Society
○ National Beta Club
○ President’s Award for Educational Excellence
○ President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Vance County High School and Vance County Early College had graduation exercises in May.