Early College HS first-ever Commencement, article & photos
History was once again made on the campus of Delaware State University, as its Early College High School celebrated its first class of graduates during its May 15 Commencement held in DSU’s Memorial Hall Gymnasium.
For images from the ECHS Commencement, click on the below links:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/sets/72157693795389522/show
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/sets/72157696313474374/show
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/sets/72157696313562024/show
The first-ever ECHS Commencement was happily witnessed by a near-capacity crowd of families and friends who watched the first historical class of 71 graduates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.
While all of the students have been accepted to attend DSU, some have been accepted at other prestigious institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University and Spelman College.
Dr. Evelyn Edney, ECHS director, noted that like other educators who are “lifelong learners,” she tries to learn something new every day. “But to see a new school through the eyes of students who are experiencing something in high school for the first time, is the best education that we old dogs can get,” she said.
The ECHS director noted that she learned from the students how to be brave and persevere
They took the risk of coming to a brand new school away from the peer group they grew up with, and not knowing what to expect,” Dr. Edney said. “They worked through challenging high school and college curriculum to be before you tonight, collectively earning 2,681 college credits.”
The ECHS graduates earned an average of 38 college credit hours. Four students earned 60 or more, led by Levi Jordan Anderson, who earned a total 77 college credit hours during his high school years. Destiny King earned 67, followed by Gavin McNatt and Gihane Rachid, who each earned 60.
Delaware U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, the keynote speaker, noted that the Class of 2018 were pioneers, conquerors, explorers and super heroes.
“You embody this century of transformation,” Rep. Rochester said. “You are diversity and you accept people for who they are.”
She urged the graduates to go forward and not just dream big, but “dream bigger” and make good use of every gift and talent that they each have.
“Be authentically you and be brilliant,” the Congresswoman said. “Keep your eye on the prize.”
Delaware senior U.S. Sen. Tom Carper also attended the ceremony. He recalled that more than five years ago he suggested to then-DSU President Harry L. Williams that the University establish a college-preparatory high school.
Sen. Carper called on the graduates to strive to become the country’s future leaders. Using a sports analogy, the senior senator said when Hockey Hall of Famer great Wayne Gretzky was asked why he took so many shots at the goal, he responded “When the time come that a shot can be taken, I miss every shot I never took.”
“So never give up,” Sen. Carper said.
Interim DSU President Wilma Mishoe and Provost Tony Allen and the ECHS Board of Education were also in attendance, as well as Dr. Judy Coffield, the inaugural ECHS director.
Valedictorian Willow Bowen talked about the Class of 2018’s ECHS experience.
“Who we were (four years ago) is not who we are now,” said Ms. Bowen, whose 4.4975 GPA is the highest in the Class of 2018. “We have learned more about college life than most high graduates.
The marching order for the first-ever ECHS graduating class may have been best said by the Christiana Malone, class salutatorian.
“Hornets, you got this,” Ms. Malone. “Now go and conquer the world!”
The Commencement musical support came from ECHS Band and Choir, who both performed in public for the first time. Commencement also featured the first-ever presentation of the ECHS Alma Mater, written and sung by Devin Scott Mercer, choir director, and musically arranged by Jovan Wilson, band director, who also accompanied him on piano.