by Shawn Nowlin
Four years ago about a thousand freshmen entered the two Roanoke City Public High Schools – Patrick Henry (PH) & William Fleming (WF) – and on Friday (5/29) over 700 of those students walked across the stage inside the Berglund Civic Center to receive their diplomas. Proud family members, friends, neighbors and teachers filled every inch of available auditorium space to cheer them on.
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. a sea of blue, yellow and white filled the venue as the WFHS students graduated first followed by Patrick Henry’s ceremony that was just as impressive, even though it rained. Despite being cross-town rivals both schools supported each other. Tears of joy flowed as many reminisced on the journey leading to the momentous day classically captured by those who took pictures that hopefully will last a lifetime.
Kicking off the Colonels graduation ceremony was the William Fleming Orchestra followed by an inspirational rendition of Katy Perry’s “Fireworks” from the school’s combined choir. Class president Jamel Hale delivered an address followed by SGA President Dona Tran introducing the honored guests.
Dr. Rita Bishop, Superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, spoke passionately during both ceremonies. “The Class of 2015 has been a renaissance of the new William Fleming High School,” she said. “It is truly phenomenal.”
Dr. Bishop had equally positive words for Principal Archie Freeman adding, “Every single year under his leadership the school has done nothing but improve.” She also acknowledged the students who went twelve years without missing a single day of school, several honor graduates and mentioned the overall number of students who will attend college in the fall.
Valedictorian Jonah Orevillo and Salutatorian Jewel Hurt also spoke heartfelt words before Freeman awarded diplomas to the class of 2015. A comparable itinerary took place during Patrick Henry’s service as well.
“I’m just a really proud father” said Sheldon Johnson. “My daughter Jade will be attending Old Dominion University and wants to be a reconstructive plastic surgeon.”
Some graduates had as many as twenty-five family members there for support. Even though the audience was asked to monitor their applauses until all of the diplomas were given out some in the stands couldn’t resist letting out a celebratory “whoop” or sounding an air horn as their grad’s name was called. Imagine having a last name like Williams or Smith in a high school graduation that features over 350 students. “At one point I thought my mom and dad would be sleep by the time my name finally got called,” joked one Patrick Henry graduate.
A good percentage of the recent graduates did so with honors and even more will be furthering their education in the fall or joining the military.
“I’ll be attending Radford University in the fall and I can’t wait,” said Fleming honor graduate Ja’Land Robinson. “I want to major in sports therapy and find a career in the field.” When the students moved their tassels from one side of their cap to the other before throwing them in the air, an overwhelming flow of emotions filled the hall.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015 as RCPS Graduates!!!!
