Another amazing academic year comes to an end, and with it, thousands close the book of childhood as they graduate from high school and begin new journeys into the workforce. After crisscrossing the state to attend over 15 graduation ceremonies, our Superintendents of Schools reflected on what they witnessed at charter school graduations this year.
Dr. Brakefield, Superintendent of Schools, said, “Graduations are a powerful reminder of the impact schools have on students and their families. Attending ceremonies across our network showcases the true value of educational choice, as we witness inspiring stories of personal growth, academic achievement, and lasting relationships formed over time.” She further noted how each school graduation she attended personalized its ceremony. While the typical aspects of a high school graduation were the same across most ceremonies, each school incorporated its own unique traditions and symbols that reflected the spirit and culture of the school. Mr. Sinclair, also a Superintendent of Schools, described one of these unique traditions when he spoke about Thornwell, which had its graduates stand on the perimeter of the room with candles before processing down the middle aisle to start their ceremony.
Mr. Sinclair also added to the discussion how touching it was to see the communities of these schools come together to support the children graduating. In particular, he spoke about Midlands STEM’s graduation in Winnsboro – “It was probably a 20-to-1 ratio of audience to graduates. There were only eleven [graduates], and easily over 200 people attending. It’s encouraging to see how much impact our schools are having on the communities they serve.”
Both noted that despite the differences of tradition, location, or class size, there was a common theme woven throughout each ceremony – schools made a distinct effort to celebrate each graduate as an individual. It’s easy to think of schools or classes as single entities, but it is important to step back and recognize the impressive individual achievements each graduate has made as they walk across the stage.
Graduations are not the end of a story, just the start of a new book. They are celebrations of individual journeys, family triumphs, and community support. It’s an honor to witness these stories unfold, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside our schools, our families, and most of all, our children, as they shape their futures.
