Hugs and tears were exchanged several times during the first Leak Street High School Graduation Project Senior Boards event Wednesday June 3. Thirteen seniors presented their projects to the group of panelists made up of school administrators, Board of Education members and community leaders. These seniors will become the first class to graduate from Leak Street High School since the late 60’s.

Katrice Crouch, completed her project on becoming a hairstylist. Crouch was a former Richmond Senior High student, who did not complete her project last semester. But, as she told the panelists during her presentation, with the help of her teachers, and support from her mentor, she completed the project.

“I really didn’t think I would be able to do this. I had given up on myself.” Crouch told the panelists. “But now, I know I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Daryl Mason, principal of Leak Street High School expressed his pride in watching the students as the made their presentations.

“I was totally overwhelmed with pride, to see how well Leak Street students performed during the presentation.” I can’t even describe the emotions I still feel right now, reflecting on how well our students represented our school in such a positive manner.

Project topics ranged from Greenhouse plants to photography to First aid and CPR. All of the students said they were nervous but felt so good after completing it.

Sharon Johnson, Graduation Project Coordinator for Richmond County Schools discussed how importance of the Graduation Project, not only for student confidence, but also in the way it sometimes influences the future plans of the students.

“We are all extremely proud of our seniors at Leak Street High School. They worked very hard to complete the Graduation Project.” Johnson said. “The project provides learning in so many different areas, needed for success in the adult world: decision-making and reasoning when choosing a topic; how to find reliable information while researching; developing an idea for a product, one that is realistic and beneficial; organizational skills; the ability to reflect and express thoughts; public speaking and communication skills; and above all, time management. The Graduation Project requires our students to grow, both academically and emotionally.”

Marquis Hasty, for example discovered his passion for working with At-Risk students during his work on his project. Hasty now plans to attend Lewisburg College for 2 years, and hopes to transfer to UNC-Pembroke.

“I feel complete now, because I enjoyed my project, and I think I did a good job.” Hasty said. “With all of the research I did, I learned so much, and now I want to become a teacher.”

Now students are focused on finishing their exams, and then it’s on to receive their diplomas. Commencement Exercises will take place next Thursday at 6 p.m. at Leak Street High school.