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Granville Early College High School holds graduation



HENDERSON — Granville Early College High School offered 53 candidates for graduation from high school and Vance-Granville Community College on Friday, May 19 in front of a packed auditorium on the college campus.

The class of 2023, the Spartans completed high school courses while earning an associate degree from the community college South Campus.



Many of the candidates for graduation were honored with Granville County Public Schools Students of Merit and North Carolina Academic Scholars, with some being designated summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude.

In addition to being honored, it was announced that the GECHS students, as a whole, received $2,271,000 in scholarships from various colleges, universities and private funding.

Jayla Marie Gregory led the proceeding with the “Pledge of Allegiance” before Jackie Harris, principal of GECHS, gave her remarks.

Glenda Williams, chair of the Board of Education, offered greetings from the board. Williams said the road the Spartans traveled to get to this day was bumpy and full of stop signs, but nothing kept this group from completing this amazing trip to graduation day.

Taylor Smith, class salutatorian, told fellow students, “Cherish the time you have left as a kid and don’t forget where you came from.” Smith said you show gratitude toward those who aided in your success.

Charlie Vestal delivered the valedictorian’s address. Vestal said he knows everyone is capable of great things and this class will shatter the expectations at the next level. 

“One thing we have learned over the past few years is that we can overcome adversity. No matter what life throws at you, keep going,” Vestal said.

GECHS students received their high school diplomas from Harris and their associates degree from Rachel M. Desmarais, president of VGCC. 

Alisa McLean pronounced GECHS students graduates to thunderous applause from family and friends.