Early College graduates 44
by Carolyn Steeves, The Enquirer-Journal, May 11, 2012

Union County Early College graduated its second class of students on Thursday evening.

The 2012 graduating class had 44 students.

Of the 44 graduates, 37 students are attending four-year schools, four students are attending two-year schools, one student is entering the military and two students are entering the workforce. Three students have dropped out since ninth grade.

The graduating class earned a four-year total of $1,053,500 in scholarships.

Many of the students graduated with a high school diploma and an associate's degree. However, not all students complete their associate's degree, some only earn college credit.

Stephen Culhane, who plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall, earned college credit, but not his associate's degree. He intends to study electrical engineering. He graduate cum laude, meaning his grade point average was between 3.71 and 4.13.

As Culhane stood in line to enter the SPCC Conference Room, wearing his cap and gown, he felt overwhelmed.

"When I think about it, it's overwhelming," Culhane said. "Five years are ending now."

Culhane said he will miss the friends he made the most.

"We've got a lot of good teachers here that I'll miss," Culhane said.

However, he was excited for the future. He said he was most excited about going off to college.

"It's going to be so much fun," Culhane said.

"It is definitely a great graduating class," Taletha Reyes, a school counselor, said.

"I've really enjoyed working with this group," School Counselor Jes McFadden said. "They're a fun group. They're almost like a family. I was watching them (Thursday) when they were getting their picture made and they're very close."

Mackenzie Kelly will attend Wingate University in the fall. She plans to study special education. She graduated Thursday with her high school diploma and an associate's degree.

Kelly said she will miss "everything" about her high school experience.

The 44 students are very close, she said.

"I'm excited about moving on from high school and starting something new," Kelly said.

Kelly graduated magna cum laude, meaning her grade point average was between a 4.14 and 4.56.

Union County Early College is a five-year program in partnership with South Piedmont Community College. It is six years old. The school follows the community college calendar and students earn college credit while enrolled in high school. As a public school, it is free for students.

Heather Kania graduated Thursday with her high school diploma and an associate's degree. She plans to attend The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She hopes to study business and get her birth to Kindergarten license, so that she can open a day care center. She was most excited to make new friends.

Kania chose Union County Early College in order to meet new people and attend college classes. She will also miss the people the most.

"It's like a big family," Kania said.

Kania was a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated magna cum laude.

"They're a really close-knit group," McFadden said. "I've watched them grow and mature over the five years."

"As a counselor, I have really felt privileged to get to know each one of these students on a personal level and not only the student, but getting to know their family as well," McFadden said.

"Most of them are going off to a four-year university," McFadden said. "Of course, I hope that they are successful and that they're able to find successful careers. But I also hope that they continue to grow as independent individuals."

"I hope that each student achieves their goals and that they can create a life for themselves that they're proud of," McFadden said.

Four students, Leyna Crane, David Culhane, Dillon Kiker and Joshua Remele, graduated summa cum laude, meaning their grade point average was a 4.57 or higher.

Deputy Superintendent Mary Ellis gave the commencement address at the ceremony.