June 7, 2024 – Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is in full graduation mode this week, and Carter High School kicked things off strong on Thursday night as they celebrated the Class of 2024.
Carter is a nontraditional high school that specializes in providing students with vocational training and transitional services. In their quest to obtain their certificates of completion, the school’s Class of 2024 have had to show creativity and determination to adapt to disabilities that impact the way they learn in the classroom. The electric atmosphere at Thursday’s graduation was indicative of the passion that these students have for education and growth.
“Our journeys haven’t always been easy,” said Senior Trey Tobias in a speech to his classmates. “We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve shown that we can always push through and give ourselves the best outcome possible.”
It wasn’t just about academics, either. These graduates were student athletes, student government officials, club members, and active participants in their communities. Numerous awards were handed out during the ceremony that marked their citizenship and their resolve to go the extra mile in their studies. Principal Shawnna Penn believes that the Class of 2024 has had a permanent beneficial effect on the culture of the school.
“Each of you have left a mark in your own special way here at Carter High School,” Penn said. “You have plotted a course and set a high bar for the ones who will come behind you.”
The Class of 2024 has faced plenty of unique obstacles in their academic careers. Most notably, this year’s graduates are among the last whose high school experience was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the distance learning measures that were implemented because of it. These graduates have had to develop an uncommonly high sense of resilience to succeed, and no matter what they plan to do after high school, that strength will serve them well.
“There will be days when the road ahead seems overwhelming, but remember that you’ve already overcome so much,” said Keynote Speaker Dr. Sabrina Taylor “Never let doubt hold you back.”
WS/FCS is sending off 3,509 graduates this year, with Glenn High School having its ceremony on Friday night on their campus and 12 more schools celebrating at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. This is an incredibly decorated class, boasting more than $75 million in scholarships from various colleges, universities, and military service academies between them. WS/FCS is proud to have been a home to so many talented students, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things they achieve in the future.
“Your dedication and commitment have contributed to your success,” said Board of Education Chair Deanna Kaplan. “We encourage you to continue to pursue your dreams, set goals, strive for greatness, and make a positive impact on this world.”
For more information on WS/FCS graduations, visit our graduation page.