WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Street School, a small private alternative education program here in our community, is celebrating a couple of milestones this year.

First, students, faculty and staff will be completing their first year in their new location at 630 W. 6th Street.

“We are so grateful for the seven years in which we were able to operate out of Rosemont Baptist Church,” said Director David Morgan. “Pastor Reed and the congregation were so gracious to us for giving us the space as a gift-in-kind. We are forever grateful to them.”

The new space – Winston-Salem Center for Education and the Arts – has allowed the school to quadruple its square footage to better serve more disenfranchised students who need and are seeking their high school diplomas.

Also, this year’s graduating class will be the largest ever for the school and the first time ever since it opened in 2004 that more than 100 graduates will receive diplomas.
“The students have worked really hard. I am very proud of them,” said teacher Katisha Blackwell. “They continue to impress us with their resilience in the face of tremendous adversity.”

Lead Teacher Cindy Watson added, “Our work is not limited to the classroom as we try to provide ancillary services which help move our students forward. It is not always easy but it is very rewarding to serve our students and our community.”

Graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Fifth Street. The guest speaker will be Dr. George Banks, pastor of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church. The community is invited to attend this celebration.

Since it is funded by individuals, churches and foundations, the WS Street School depends on the public’s support.

Find opportunities to donate dollars or time at www.wsstreetschool.com or by calling 336-721-1110.