WS Chronicle

More than a dozen high school students and their loved ones became very familiar with the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum last week as they participated in not one, but two graduation ceremonies on the same day.

Students from Early College of Forsyth County (ECF) officially kicked off graduation season in the area when they held their ceremony at the coliseum last Friday morning, May 11.

As if graduating from high school isn’t enough excitement for one day, students returned later that evening to receive their associates’ degree during the Forsyth Technical Community College commencement ceremony.

At Early College of Forsyth County, located on Silas Creek Parkway, all students take college level courses in the associate arts program beginning in their freshman year. While some students admitted the workload was a bit much at times, they said in the end it was all worth it.

Class of 2018 valedictorian, Helena Brewster, who managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA in her college courses said, she was grateful for everything her teachers at ECF did to ensure her success.

She said, “We all owe every teacher here at ECF a thank you for sacrificing every ounce of themselves to our well being.”

During the graduation ceremony, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ Board of Education Chair Dana Caudill-Jones encouraged students to keep going and enjoy the journey.

“Remember to enjoy the journey. You only get one shot at this life. So smile, laugh and say thank you at least once every day,” continued Caudill-Jones. “… I leave you with one of my favorite quotes. The most important trick to being happy is realizing happiness is a choice you make and a skill you develop.”

“You choose to be happy and then you work at it. Just like building muscles. Congratulations Class of 2018.” Superintendent Dr. Beverly Emory and Forsyth Technical Community College President Dr. Gary M. Green also congratulated the Class of 2018 on their accomplishment during the ceremony.