PSRC ECHS Eagle graduates soar into future
LUMBERTON — The Public Schools of Robeson County Early College High School held its commencement ceremony on Friday honoring 59 graduates.
The PSRC ECHS Class of 2024 proudly walked across the stage on Friday in the A.D. Lewis Auditorium of Robeson Community College, leaving their high school days behind and stepping into their bright futures ahead.
The school’s program allows students to take college courses through the school district’s partnership with Robeson Community College, and graduate with a high school diploma and college degree or transferable credits. Some students previously participated in the college’s commencement ceremony on May 8.
“I’m really proud of this class,” said PSRC ECHS Principal Andrew Davis ahead of the ceremony. “They have faced a lot of challenges in their educational journey. These scholars began their high school careers virtually and their perseverance just shows how resilient they are.”
“I want these scholars to know that they can accomplish anything and that they are capable of amazing things,” Davis said.
The Posting of the Colors was conducted by the Fairmont High School Tornado Battalion Color Guard. PSRC ECHS Advanced Senior Kira Locklear performed the national anthem.
ECHS Chief Marshal Daniel Zeng welcomed graduates and esteemed guests and ECHS Advanced Senior Leah Paul gave the invocation.
Robeson Community College President Melissa Singler delivered congratulatory remarks and words of encouragement to graduates.
“The ability to shape the future lies within your grasp,” Singler said. “We are proud of you.”
The ECHS Advanced Senior Choir performed “Soar Now, Eagles” and “A Million Dreams” during the ceremony.
Oliva Parnell, an ECHS Advanced Senior, delivered a powerful student address to her peers.
Parnell told her fellow graduates to always have hope even in times of darkness and encouraged them to soar into a future of greatness ahead of them.
“No matter where we all end up … we have conquered big things like a global pandemic,” she said. “Remember those dark moments. Yes, there will be dark again, but when you are in those moments, use today as hope for your future.”
Principal Andrew Davis also encouraged graduates to continue on a path to a brighter future knowing that their education at PSRC Early College and Robeson Community College has prepared them.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2024. Always remember to treat others the way you want to be treated and never give up on your dreams,” he said.
PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson joined PSRC Board of Education members, PSRC Cabinet members and RCC officials on stage to shake hands with graduates and congratulate them as they received their diplomas.
“Class of 2024, your hard work has paid off,” Dr. Williamson said in a statement. “Pause for a moment to reflect on the journey, the long hours of study, and perseverance through challenges. Today marks the commencement of your journey into the future. May you carry forward the lessons gained here with wisdom and strength and always seek God’s guidance along the way. Your education is the key that will unlock doors of opportunity. Use it to pursue your dreams and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Congratulations, Class of 2024!”
PSRC will hold graduation ceremonies for its remaining high schools on June 14.
PSRC ECHS graduates took part in a ceremonial walk around the eagle at the school ahead of the commencement ceremony held Friday at Robeson Community College. The walk commemorated their time as students and symbolized soaring into their new journey after high school.