Compiled by Jesse Wood
June 16, 2014. Avery High School held its Class of 2014 graduation on Friday evening at the high school stadium, and 11 seniors received a standing ovation at the Avery County Blue Ridge Academy (B.R.A.) graduation last Thursday at the Chapman Center.
Below are photos of the event and some of the recognitions and awards that students received for their hard work this year and throughout their school career in the Avery County Schools system.
ACS Students of the Year
Shannon Smith, Jake Hinshaw and Charles Brown, have been named the Avery County Schools Edward Jones Excellent Students of the Year for 2013-2014 year. These three 2014 graduates have exemplified what it means to be an excellent student and have earned their way to the top three students in the Avery County High School senior class. Shannon Smith was named the Valedictorian; Jake Hinshaw was named the Salutatorian; and Charles Brown, earned top honors ranking third in his class.
Standing Ovation for ACS Graduate Makenzi Hayes
Mackenze Hayes received recognition for never missing a day of school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Realizing the challenge of this amazing accomplishment, her 2014 graduating classmate saluted Mackenze with a standing ovation.
Graduates of Avery County Blue Ridge Academy
Eleven seniors received a standing ovation at the Avery County Blue Ridge Academy (B.R.A.) Graduation last Thursday, June 12, at the Chapman Center.
Students, families, stakeholder, and administration met to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of this fine group of graduates.
Graduate Eric Jackson charged the students to set their goals high and to go over and above those goals for success. Former Principal Mark Garrett thanked the B.R.A. Class of 2014 for teaching him many lessons about perseverance, character and uniqueness.
He stated, “In education, we have to realize that ‘one size does not fit all.’ Some students need a different means to reach their goals; and through the B.R.A. these students have been able to use different as their means to reached their goal to graduate from high school. I am honored to be here with them and so very proud of each one.”
On behalf of the B.R.A., Principal Ricky Ward would like to extend his sincere appreciation to the Avery County Board of Education, Avery County Commissioners, High Country Council of Governments, Allen Cook, Blue Ridge Academy Staff, Avery High School Principals and Counselors, Avery School Health Team Nurses, Williams YMCA, and Mayland Community College.
“There are many educators and stakeholders that donate their resources and time to this academy. We could not foster success without the teamwork and council of these dedicated professionals,” Ward said.
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