WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

The 8th grade Promotion Ceremony held on Friday, June 7, at Forsyth Tech West Campus was similar to other middle school ceremonies held last week with one exception: these students rarely saw their fellow classmates in person. These nearly 75 students progressing to high school put to rest the notion that learning virtually is less successful than in-person learning. There were 19 students who made the A & B honor roll and 12 students who are Crosby Scholars, along with numerous award recognitions.

As the students progressed into the auditorium, they were surrounded by family and friends standing proudly in the bleachers, many of whom were holding bouquets or gifts for their child or grandchild. NyKiera Stubbs led the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Principal Holbrook. 

Three students were chosen to give speeches on behalf of their class: Sally Rivas-Alva, Dakota Beck and Otto Hellinger. They all offered inspiration to their fellow classmates to continue with the “grit and determination” that has helped them to this point in their academic progress. Otto Hellinger remarked that even though they were not together as a class, they formed their own “community” and encouraged each other during the year.

The close relationship between teachers and students was evident as they presented awards, received hugs and wiped away tears. Some students shook the teachers’ hands while one young man reverently bowed to his teacher. The graduates enthusiastically applauded as each student received an award.

The following students received awards or recognition for their accomplishments:

Caleb Allen, Physical Education

Katherynn Ascano, ELA Superlatives, Social Studies Superlatives

Dakota Beck, Good Citizen Award, Music, Crosby Scholar

Meredith Bowles, Science Superlatives

Michelie Brown, Social Studies Superlatives

Michelle Brown, Physical Education

Ethan Cason, Team Player Award

Jayden Cummings, Crosby Scholar

Zachary Cundiff, Good Citizen Award, LEGO Robotics Club, Crosby Scholar
Jordan Cunningham, LEGO Robotics Club, Crosby Scholar

Chase Davis, Spanish

Ayden Duplisea, Science Superlatives, Music

Ava Fraga, Math Superlatives, C.T.E.

Jacob de Guzman, Band, Crosby Scholar

Otto Hellinger, Team Player Award, Science Superlatives, Human Relations Award, Crosby Scholar

Amelia Hercules, Science Superlatives, Spanish

Javen Jackson, Team Player Award

Jayson Langston, Social Studies Superlatives

Natalie Martinez, ELA Superlatives

Aallyah Miller, Art

Zaye Miller, ELA Superlatives, Social Studies Superlatives, PTO Board, Crosby Scholar

Zy’Airr Nicholson, Good Citizen Award

Kira Parmlee, Crosby Scholar

Sally Rivas-Alva, Band, Crosby Scholar

Jontae Sheff, C.T.E.

Braelyn Sheppard, Good Citizen Award

NyKiera Stubbs, Team Player Award, Crosby Scholar

Ta’Miyah Thornton, Math Superlatives

Malic Torain, ELA Superlatives, Math Superlatives

Nathaniel Weaver, Math Superlatives, Art

Nyema Wisley, Crosby Scholar

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Katherynn Ascano

Dakota Beck

Michelie Brown

Kayden Cameron-Fuller

Ethan Cason

Emery Chambers

Jordan Cunningham

Jacob de Guzman

Ava Fraga

Ashton Green

Otto Hellinger

Amelia Hercules

Javen Jackson

Michelle Jenkins

Brayton Jones

Jayson Langston

Jaxon Looney

Aallyah Miller

Zaye Miller

Gregory Peeples

Bralynne Shadrick

NyKiera Stubbs

Malic Torain

Natiria Veness

Nathaniel Weaver

THE CHRONICLE/FC HISTORIC RESOURCES ESSAY CONTEST

2ND Place – Zaye Miller, “Mrs. Lilie Little”

3rd Place – Otto Hellinger, “The Greek Festival”

Honorable Mention – Amelia Hercules, “Reynolda Museum and Historic House”

Following the graduation ceremony, the students enjoyed a decorated cake together before they met up with their waiting parents and family.

To learn more about the WSFCS Virtual Academy, visit https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/virtual.