HAMLET — Thirty-six graduates of Richmond Early College High School received diplomas during their Friday night ceremony at the Cole Auditorium.
Last Saturday, the graduates laid claim to the hard-earned associate degrees that are part of the highly-competitive program. Thanks to a unique partnership between Richmond County Schools and Richmond Community College, students who complete the academically-rigorous course of study earn two years of college credit a year faster than students who graduate from the traditional high school before entering RCC as freshmen.
Richmond County Schools Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman had positive words to say about the students’ determination.
“I am so proud of our 36 graduates,” she said in a statement to the Daily Journal. “Tonight’s accomplishment speaks toward the hard work and dedication of not only our students but their families. And it is my understanding that Richmond Early College’s Class of 2016 had a 100 percent graduation rate.”
Dressed in formal black caps and gowns, the graduates wore elegant silver collars emblazoned with an image of three wolves above the word “WOLVES,” the mascot for REaCH. They are a proud pack for good reason — the competition to enter REaCH is fierce, and only the best of the best make the cut.
“There’s the application process and then the interview was what stood out the most,” said SGA President Jessica Walters. “Because they ask you all these hard questions, and being like a 12-year-old coming into a new high school and talking to the principal was pretty scary. That was Mr. (Michael) Chapman at the time when I first got in, but now we have Ms. (Tonya) Waddell. But he’s the one who actually accepted us in.”
Admissions decisions for REaCH are made by Richmond County Schools faculty and staff. Richmond Community College is not involved in the process, according to RCC’s website.
Savanna Purvis, a friend and fellow graduate of Walters, agreed that getting into the program is not as simple as signing a few papers.
“It was competitive,” Purvis said. “I think, like, when I came in 100 and something applied maybe, and they let 50 of us in. And only 36 of us are graduating now, but that doesn’t mean the others left. There’s about 10 or 12 who are graduating next year, and there’s a few that transferred to Richmond (Senior High School).”
Linwood Huffman, former Rockingham Jr. High Principal and current counselor for REaCH, said the parents and families of each graduate should be especially proud.
“They’ve done a fantastic job,” Huffman said. “Most of them know where they want to go after this, and have put in a lot of effort in graduating two years of college in high school. It’s a great program. It’s definitely not an easy program. I know the first year they had it, one of the teachers told me I believe only about half made it all the way but I think it was probably a little bit more than that now. And they’ve got a staff here of eight teachers who push and pull and shove and whatever they need to do, they really do a great job with the students.”
Paul and Nikki Davis, parents of graduate Cailey Jo Davis, said their daughter chose REaCH knowing it would be a challenge.
“We didn’t have to push her,” Nikki Davis said. “This was something that she wanted to do and of course she had our complete support to graduate with a two-year degree. We encouraged her, but she didn’t have to be talked into it.”
Paul Davis said Cailey Jo wants to become a radiologist. Nikki Davis is currently in college herself, studying to become a teacher. She has been an assistant teacher for several years.
State Sen. Tom McInnis delivered the keynote address. He told the graduates not to give up on their dreams, relating the story of how he was told — and even polls showed — that he couldn’t win the senate seat.
Several students were eager to share their dreams, and each seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do next.
Justin Estridge, who received his Associate in Science degree last week, said he plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte after taking a semester off to rest.
“I’m going to major in Spanish,” Estridge said. “I want to teach as a Spanish teacher. I’m excited, and glad to get it all done with tonight.”
Teressa Brown is putting off her ultimate academic goals for a good cause before diving into college.
“Twenty days after today I will be shipped off to Oklahoma for basic training for the Army Reserves,” Brown said. “Then I’ll be going to Campbell University to study biology. I’ve already been accepted. I want to become a physician’s assistant.”
Archie Chavis, whose teachers at Rohanen Middle School encouraged him to apply for REaCH due to his outstanding grades, said he plans to study fire engineering and safety.
“Where I’m going, right now it’s a choice between Fayetteville State and Wrightsville Beach,” Chavis said.
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.
