When this year’s graduating class of thirty-eight began as Freshmen(some in 2017, some 2018), they  had no idea the challenges they would encounter throughout their high school years. Dealing with a pandemic, no normal school routine, abbreviated schedule, virtual classes, on-line classes, and mask mandates, they  still managed to meet their goals and graduate. They did not take their eye off the prize.  So, May 26, 2022,  at Greene County Wellness Center, parents, family, friends, and GEC staff, celebrated gleefully as each graduate’s name was called.  Twelve graduates of the thirty-eight completed the five- year program in four years.  Many received their LCC Associate’s degree on May 6 at the Kinston campus. 

After greeting  all in attendance, Principal, Dr. Rodney McNeill introduced Salutatorian, Allison Pate, who concluded her studies with a 4.39-weighted GPA.  She will be attending East Carolina University, studying marketing and communication.

 Allison spoke of success and its meaning to many people.  She addressed how her vision of success and its meaning had taken many turns and twists during her career at Early College. Graciously expressing appreciation and gratitude to all who helped her in her educational journey, Allison stated, “ I have received guidance on how to move forward along every step of my journey here. They{teachers and staff} have truly shown how school is not just the students and teachers; rather, it is the sum of a community working together to reach a common goal of seeing young individuals succeed.” 

She concluded her speech  by giving each in attendance a charge, directive, task. “ If you take nothing else from my speech today, I hope that you at least take into consideration how we can be successful outside of what may traditionally be considered it. As myself and my classmates move forward with our lives, I ask that you continue believing in us. We have made it this far, but there’s still so much for us to learn and experience. So, I ask that you ride along and see how far we can truly go.” 

Valedictorian, Sarah Oakley, completed her academics studies with a 4.59 weighted GPA, and will be attending North Carolina University in the fall to study computer engineering. Sarah’s address had two positive observations for GEC graduates. First they were to be proud of what they had accomplished. She told her classmates, “. . .congratulate yourself! Don’t just nod and smile when someone tells you congrats, you worked for this! Tell yourself good job, because you did an amazing one!”  She stated in her second observation about completing their future four- year degree  “My fellow classmates, look at me when I tell you this–do not make yourselves miserable over some imaginary, made up date that you’re supposed to graduate at. The day you’re ready is the day you’re supposed to graduate. You deserve to be happy, because you exist in the world and you’re putting good into it just by existing as yourselves.”  

Sarah’s final thought, as she called it, “the sweet part” to her fellow class mates, “I know each and every one of you have what it takes, either going directly into the workforce, the military, or continuing your education at your chosen university. You graduated despite one of the tensest exchanges of power in the 21st century, a global pandemic.” 

Then, Dr.  McNeill presented graduates their diplomas as Counselor Arriana Harris recognized each.    Superintendent, Dr. Patrick Miller congratulated each graduate.  The ceremony concluded as Madia Harris, SGA President, stood before her classmates and  excitedly led the much-anticipated and long-awaited turning of the tassels.