Greene Early College 2023 Graduates Observe Decision Day
Graduate Decision Day in high school is a special event that celebrates achievements. Most high schools celebrate the commitment of a high school senior to a college or university in a particular sport in which he or she has excelled. But at GEC, that is not the case; it is very different. As a past principal once said, “Academics is GEC’s only sport.” So, on May 4, celebrating academic achievements, fellow students, staff, friends, and family, gathered at the beautifully decorated LCC pergola as GEC prospective graduates publicly announced their choice of college, school, university, or plans for fall 2023. This decision is not entered into lightly; it follows the completion of many forms and documents, and conversations with counselors, teachers, and parents. Graduates have had the awesome task of deciding which college or university will meet their educational goals to achieve their life’s dreams. Being a very exciting moment, it truly represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
GEC’s graduates are unique in that at graduation they will receive a high school diploma, and many will receive an associate degree from Lenoir Community College. Others will have completed numerous transferable college credits to any college or university. Students are offered this program to be completed in five years. However, some students complete the program in four years. This year’s class has 37 graduates, of which 13 have completed the five-year program within 4 years. Twenty-two of the graduates will receive their LCC associate degrees.
To begin the celebration, welcoming remarks were given by Mrs. Connie Faulkner. Then mistress of the ceremony, rising senior Jeidy Tevalan, announced each graduate and his/her future intention. Each prospective graduate signed an individual statement of intent as well as a poster displaying the chosen university or college’s logo. Serving as an inspiration for future students, the posters will be displayed in the school’s common areas as a constant reminder of educational possibilities.
The following is a listing of students and their chosen school for 2023.
Appalachian State University: Taylor Smith; Dominican University: Ana Zuniga-Sanchez; Elizabeth City State University: Daniel McKinley; East Carolina University: Nidia Acevedo, Cesar Felipe, William Sauls, Jenna Thorne, Jakeyia Dunn, Rachel Francis, Piper Mattingly, Abbygail Tripp, McKenzie Wilson, Anamari Zuniga; Full Sail University: Austin Brockway; Lenoir Community College: Elizabeth Estrada-Piedra; North Carolina Central University: Uriah Thompson; North Carolina State University: Maria Sanabria-Obando; Pitt Community College: Cooper Dunn, Montana Miller; University of North Carolina: Tyler Crawford, Tiffany Lin, Bowen Zheng, Wyatt Grantham; Western Carolina University: Elizabeth Avery; Winston-Salem State University: Jacinta Blow.
Having obtained transferable college credits and/or receiving skills certificates from LCC while completing required high school credits, some students have chosen to enter the workforce. Such is the case for Cara Walker. Having completed her Business Administration Essentials Certificate from LCC, she plans to continue her career as a manager at Outback Steakhouse. Likewise, Cory Jones and Vanessa Ortiz-Martinez, while amassing college credits and Digital Photography and Design certificates, are prepared to enter the workforce. Other graduates have already secured full-time employment: Brandon Garris, Raegan Dixon, Jada Morelock, and Ashton Dail.
Following the signing event, the 2023 graduates were honored with a reception.
Lenoir Community College’s graduation will be Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 on Main Campus. GEC’s high school graduation will be Friday, May 19, at 6:00 at New Direction Church on Highway 91
This special event was planned by Academic Facilitators Connie Faulkner and Renee Winarski and Super Senior Advisor Shontia Blount.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
