WS Chronicle

Special to The Chronicle

Quality Education Academy (QEA) held its eighth commencement ceremony with an audience of over 500 family, friends, and community members.  The graduating class, marked by its 100 percent graduation and 100 percent college acceptance rates, enjoyed the inspirational words of State Rep. Edward Hanes Jr. on Saturday, June 4.

Hanes shared his personal and inspirational story of how he overcame obstacles and how he had to start over several times before achieving his goals.  He also spoke about how dependent the world has become on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Hanes emphasized how the fields of STEM are imperative to every job that will be available to college graduates in 2020. While encouraging students to get involved in STEM, Haynes reminded them of the importance of working hard, being respectful, and never forgetting to thank those who helped you along the way.

Scholarships were awarded to students from The Winston-Salem Foundation, Crosby Scholars, The Skinner Foundation, as well as several full academic and athletic scholarships from a variety of colleges and organizations.

Rebecca Stuckey (Winston-Salem State University – WSSU) and Brandon Wilson (Universal Technical Institute) were awarded the MVVP scholarships. Valued at $5,000 each, the MVVP Scholarship is awarded for completing the Mission, Vision, and Values of Quality Education Academy while also achieving academic success.  The scholarships were provided by the Simon and Dollean Johnson Scholarship Fund and the J. Luther Covington and Family Scholarship Fund.

TaAndrea Morris is the 2016 recipient of the Jonathan LaRon Skinner Scholarship. She will attend WSSU in the fall.

Many of the students graduating from QEA have attended the school since preschool.  They are all excited about leaving, however, some are a little nervous.  Class president Dina Reyes (Catawba College) stated “This school is my second home. The teachers, administrators, and my counselor support me in everything I do. I feel prepared to go to college, work hard, and bring home a degree.”

Student athlete Renathan Ona-Embo (Tulane University) stated, “I have never come to a school that makes each student feel important.  They value my opinion and they push me to work hard.  I think I am going to be able to be successful as long as I reflect on what I have been taught here. I am going to miss my school.”

All seniors received dorm packages from the staff with items such as laptops, printers, digital cameras, irons, coffee makers, toasters, toiletries, spending money, books, school supplies, calculators, towels, bedding and other much needed items to help them begin their journey to success.

Each student has a staff member’S contact information for support throughout their college journey.  The staff members also will make campus visits to check on the students’ progress.  Quality Education prides itself on providing a holistic education that does not stop at gradation.