PHOTOS BY TANYA TOPAZIO
STORY BY DEBBIE PAGE
Class of 2023 iAcademy graduates received their diplomas at Iredell-Statesville Schools’ Career Academy and Technical School on Thursday afternoon in a room packed with proud parents and well-wishers.
After Mayson Galliher led the Pledge of Allegiance, class speaker Toby Cavin commended the graduates for their unique educational experiences. He noted that the high-quality education they received and skills they developed will help them meet future challenges.
Cavin said the group was blessed to gain strong academic abilities, time management skills, and independence through their iAcademy experience as they begin the next chapter in their lives.
Superintendent Jeff James told graduates that they have proven that one size does not fit all in education. He warned them as they embark on their futures that change is inevitable but asserted that their unique educational journey has prepared them for whatever comes next.
James urged the graduates to continue to be pacesetters and to continue thinking outside the box because the world needs American innovators.
“More often than not, we are the ones who are trendsetters when it comes to tech. We are the innovators,” he said. “I think it is because of the public education system and what we provide and our thinking outside the box.”
“I commend you guys for doing things non-traditionally and showing that it can work. As we always say, we feel like we are the choice program in Iredell County. You don’t have to hunt for it — we offer everything from A to Z.”
James also noted that CATS programs, which are available to iAcademy students, are continually expanding, with pharmacy tech as one of the newest additions.
After the superintendent’s remarks, Kaylee Sherrill sang Carrie Underwood’s “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.”
Honors speakers Nick Benfield, Emily Campbell, and Landon Ottone also shared words of wisdom with their fellow graduates.
Benfield, who attended iAcademy from sixth through 12th grade, expressed his appreciation for the iAcademy’s flexibility so he could learn skills and a trade while still working in the family business.
“I can’t lie. There were times I wanted to quit , but Mr. Rogers believed in me and knew with a little tough love and perspicacity I’d make it to graduation.”
“Graduates, remember one thing: Goals in life may seem impossible — until you try.”
Campbell, who attended the program from seventh through12th grade, attended part-time at first and then went full-time in ninth grade. Though the online learning curve was not always easy, “being able to do my school through iAcademy allowed me to walk through doors I would have never been able to sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day.”
She also noted the program’s students had an advantage during COVID-19 closures since they were already acclimated to self-driven online learning.
Even though she attended high school online, Campbell was still active and making friends through sports, clubs, and community activities while also working part time at the YMCA.
Campbell also urged her fellow students to follow Christ’s example of placing others before self for a fulfilling life and to dedicate themselves to service to others.
Ottone, who entered iAcademy in seventh grade, earned two associate degrees along with his high school diploma, thanks to meticulous schedule planning with counselor Sonja Lewis. He told students that it was a “gift to be as prepared as we are” because of the program’s flexibility and opportunities for academic excellence.
Ottone quoted Eleanor Roosevelt: “You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.” He then urged his peers to be brave enough to accept and face the future and to “persevere through the next steps, even if we think we might fail.”
After a memories slide show, Lewis talked about the privilege of serving as these students’ counselor and expressed appreciation to the parents who partnered with the program to foster student success and preparation for college, community college, or careers.
“They will contribute their fair share and make this world a better place,” concluded Lewis.
Principal Larry Rogers urged the graduates to “use your power” and to use the strength gained through challenges to do positive things.
“Changing the world will not happen overnight, but each generation bears some responsibility for the future it creates. Those challenges are not all on your shoulders alone,” he explained.
“I am going to challenge you today to redirect your energy, your thoughts, and your achievement by using those advances to help create a more perfect union.”
“Your generation does have the power to begin to turn things around. You have the power to look in the mirror and make the person you see in the mirror a kind person, a person who respects people for who they are.”
“You have the power to help people who are less fortunate. You have the power to support leaders who respect our climate, our thoughts, and our deeds.”
“You have that power because you may become a generation of leaders who desire to create an environment of acceptance, celebration, respect, diversity, and safety. You can be a generation that reunites our country.”
“You can say ‘yes’ to acknowledging a higher power, say ‘yes’ to looking through the eyes of faith, hope, growth, and seeing each other as a member of a human race that is valued and respected.”
Rogers concluded by asking graduates to create “a world with opportunities for everyone. I truly believe that your generation has the courage, the strength to do what’s right.”
After presentation of diplomas, Rogers declared the Class of 2023 as graduates of the iAcademy, with students turning their tassels and recessing the ceremony to James Brown’s, “I Feel Good” amid the crowd’s cheers.
About iAcademy
The nontraditional iAcademy K-12 program is a unique approach to public education through a hybrid in-person class and online learning approach with available academic supports available as needed. The program, which started in 2010, allows students and their parents to choose which learning experiences will most benefit the unique student situation and to create a customized learning plan. For more information, visit https://www.issnc.org/schools-programs/iacademy.
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