LCLA graduates praised for making right choices
Da’Marie Gray and fellow Lenoir County Learning Academy graduates get an enthusiastic send-off after commencement exercises on Tuesday. LCLA’s ceremony was the first of four this week for LCPS high schools, with seniors at Kinston, North Lenoir and South Lenoir high schools all set to graduate on Saturday.
Graduating seniors at Lenoir County Learning Academy were reminded that the diplomas they received during Tuesday’s commencement ceremony were emblematic of the right choices they had made in recent years.
“This class is sitting here today because they made the decision to make the right choices in their academic career,” the Rev. Dr. Larry Walston, commencement speaker, said. “Today you are able to wear the cap and gown because of the decisions and choices you made along the way.”
LCLA awarded diplomas to 11 seniors during the graduation ceremony in the chapel at Kennedy Home, where the school is located. The school also recognized seven eighth-grade students in its Rights of Passage Ceremony, intended to provide momentum as they move on to high school.
Stephanie Smith, principal of LCLA, the district’s alternative school, expressed her pride in this graduating class, “not because necessarily how you got here but because of the obstacles you have overcome to be here today,” she said.
“The diplomas you receive here today will take you as far as you want to go,” Smith told the graduates. “Don’t stop here. Go and do great things for you and your community and your family. The world is waiting for you, so go and make a difference.”
Recognized as outstanding students were graduating senior Hayley Miller and middle school student Logan Smith.
Dr. Walston, a behavior specialist with Lenoir County Public Schools who has pastored and worked with youth groups at several churches in eastern North Carolina, focused graduates on their commencement ceremony as a starting point.
“Class of 2023, now is the time to embrace the opportunity to change the world,” he said. “All things begin with a purpose. Don’t let anyone prevent you from becoming and doing all you that you are born to be and do.”
Awarded diplomas were Ceasia Lanise Daye, Jacob Blaine Jones, Leonardo Daniel Cansino, Ar’Moni Na’Zere Grant, Da’Marie Jyz’Mire Gray, Marquez Khalil Johnson, Aquavion Tyjean Keys, Adrianna Renee Lynch-Foster, Hayley Aurelia Miller, Arias Nyrell Felipe Swinson and Chateria Lanese Taylor.
The LCLA commencement was the first of four this week for LCPS high schools. Seniors at Kinston, North Lenoir and South Lenoir high schools will all graduate on Saturday.
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