by Shawn Nowlin
Ever since coming home four years ago to discuss how their first day of high school went, hundreds of Roanoke City parents had their child’s Graduation Day circled on the calendar.
After years of hitting the books, surviving a pandemic, making memories with friends, and much more, seniors at William Fleming (WF) High and Patrick Henry (PH) High officially closed the high school chapter of their lives last week. What began with Mother Nature in a great mood on the mornings of June 7 and 8 culminated in a memorable graduation ceremony.
Approximately 750 students were part of Roan
oke City Public School’s (RCPS) latest graduating class. This year, PH and Fleming had 68 and 16 distinguished scholars, individuals with a 4.0 GPA or higher, respectively. Kenneth Green, Lynda Hayslett, Traci Ray-Carr, and Seraya Torres-Mone served as interpreters.
Tears started to stream down many faces when the graduates began walking to their designated seats. Dad, Matt Walker, says the floodgates to his eyes opened as soon as he saw his baby girl and she waved at him.
“No words describe just how proud me and Amy (mother) are of Alaskka. The road that got us to Fleming’s Graduation was not easy as it involved many setbacks, disappointments,
and inconveniences,” Walker said. “Through it all though, Alaskka put on her ‘big girl’ pants and didn’t let anything get in her way. Honestly, this day was even better than I imagined.”
When Paris Smith walked across the stage, mother Sandra Castano’s cell phone was fully charged to capture the entire moment. “While Paris leaves William Fleming with many beautiful memories, she is ecstatic to start her next life chapter. Fleming has prepared my baby for what is next to come,” Castano said.
Addressing all in attendance, PH Student Council Association President Liliana Ponce, said, “We are here to celebrate not only ourselves but our families, teachers, and friends, many of whom we have known our entire lives. I know that I am not standing here today without my strong support system.”
A day of celebration included a somber moment to honor Jaquice Kearney, a PH student who tragically lost his life to gun violence in April 2021. LeShay Kearney, his mother, accepted the diploma on his behalf.
After Salutatorian Theo Halsforf, an openly trans individual, spoke about their personal journey, they received a standing ovation. “I am a magician, and I’ve always done card tricks. When I
was a freshman, I had one teacher who asked me to show her a magic trick every single class period. If she ever missed a day, she would text the substitute teacher to say that I owe her two magic tricks. She and I became very tight over the last four years, and that teacher is Mrs. Grey. Thank you my friend for being someone I could always talk to,” she said.
College is not for everyone, something that was discussed during both ceremonies. While some of the 750-plus graduates will further their education in the fall, others will enter the workforce or join the military. Regardless of where life takes them, Superintendent Verletta White said she and other RCPS personnel will always root for them from the sidelines.
“We all have an opportunity to reflect and learn from our past experiences, and to look ahead to new beginnings. Keep in mind, however, that you did not get here alone. Along the way, you have had the help, the love, the support, and the encouragement of so many people. I want you all to know that doesn’t stop today. Congratulations, seniors.”
