LAURINBURG — For Jaquez Williams, the weekend’s graduation for Scotland Early College High School was bittersweet.

Williams, the president of the SEarCH Class of 2017, said he and his fellow students, like all graduates, are trying to look back and look ahead.

“Today marks the beginning of tomorrow for myself and many of my peers. It marks the end of an era that will make us the leaders of tomorrow,” Williams said at Saturday’s graduation ceremony at St. Andrews University.

This year’s class has a total of 52 graduates. Of those, 42 members of Scotland Early College High School also received associate degrees from Richmond Community College. Students are able to begin college courses at no charge upon completion of 10th grade. The associate’s degree was made possible through RCC’s dual-enrollment program that allows high school students to take both high school and college course.

“All of our hard work, dedication, sleepless nights, tears, and stressful days have led up to this moment,” Williams said. “As we nervously await to see what the future holds for each one of us we would like to thank you the teachers, parents, faculty, staff, superintendent, and board of education for standing behind us every step of the way.

SEarCH’s class of 2017 valedictorian, Yampiere Lugo-Acosta and salutatorian, Gus Purcell, also spoke during the ceremony and were also among those who earned their associate’s degree.

Zetanye Bostic, the younger sister of Trejah Bostic, one of the graduates, sang the National Anthem to start off eventful milestone for the SEarCH graduates.

“For the first time, we have complete control over our own destiny. Some of us want to be engineers, some want to pursue a career in the medical field, but most of us have no clue what we want to do,” Lugo-Acosta said. “I mean, how are we supposed to choose between being the next Einstein or even the next Kanye?”

Graduates were presented with their diplomas by Scotland County School System Superintendent Ron Hargrave, and the turning of the tassel was led by Patrick Peed, SEarCH principal.

“Some of us will start working right away. Some of us will be going to the military,” Purcell said. “Some of us will be leaving this college campus with a degree to go to another college campus to get a degree.”

Shaw Academy will hold its commencement exercise on June 9 at the school at 9 a.m. Scotland High School will hold its 2017 graduation ceremony on June 10 at Pate Stadium at 9 a.m.

Courtesy photo Scotland Early College High School students walked across the stage Saturday to receive high school diplomas and 42 of them came home with Associates degrees from RCC as well.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_search.jpgCourtesy photo Scotland Early College High School students walked across the stage Saturday to receive high school diplomas and 42 of them came home with Associates degrees from RCC as well.

By Nolan Gilmour

[email protected]

Reach Nolan Gilmour 910-506-3171