BY KARISSA MILLER
Iredell-Statesville Schools Virtual Academy held an in-person graduation ceremony for its 32 seniors on Thursday afternoon at Unity Center in Statesville.
Principal Kelly Hinson said she is proud of the Class of 2023. She described them as a special group of students who overcame medical challenges, worked to help support their families and that each person has a “unique story and reason that they are here.”
The Virtual Academy graduation ceremony featured a theme of the Keys to Success, and Hinson elaborated on this theme in a message to the graduates.
“It is today that you are being presented with the key, so to speak. A key that will open the door in what comes next in life’s journey,” Hinson said. “There is a world out there waiting for you.”
She shared three keys to success. First, don’t let your key end up in someone else’s pocket. Take responsibility for your actions. Secondly, your key is unique — don’t compare yourself to others. Lastly, your key provides power and influence.
“You get to choose what type of doors you will open,” she said.
Hinson told students their influence has an impact on everyone around them.
“You can choose every day to light up a room or leave it in darkness,” she said.
Honor graduation speaker Laura Ferguson reminded her peers that they were able to pull through the toughest times to achieve their goals in the middle of a global pandemic.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our schools in the middle of our freshman year, we have been in what most would call a freefall,” she said, “never fully knowing what is going to happen next but trying to push through an uncertain future.”
It is also comforting, she said, to know that no matter how dark things feel they can and will always get brighter.
“No matter how trivial or cliché this may seem now — You exist. Your life has purpose,” Ferguson said, adding that the graduates are the only ones who decide what comes next.
Honor speaker Amia Gibson spoke about fighting against all the odds to be where she is today.
“We have worked extremely hard to get here, so let’s take a moment to applaud our efforts,” she said. “Thank you, my fellow classmates, for rising to the challenge and valuing your education as part of your divine destiny.”
Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou, she shared how “Still I rise” resonated with her as she overcame health challenges and pushed through anxiety and doubt.
“Take chances. Persevere. Reach out for help. Be you. And, lastly, rise to the challenge. I believe in you,” Gibson said.
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to cupcakes and bottled water.
About the Virtual Academy
The Virtual Academy is a K-12 free public-school option that provides a flexible learning environment for students. It is in its second year of operation and is continuing to grow. The program provides designated office hours for students to receive help from their teachers each week and other resources to help them succeed.
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