Graduates reflect: Innovation yields preparation
June 12, 2012 - Since the first of North Carolina's growing number of innovative high schools held their first commencements five years ago, upwards of 10,000 graduates have earned diplomas that reflect a different kind of high school experience.
For many students who may have otherwise struggled unsuccessfully in a traditional high school, their diplomas represent a critical goal achieved -- all the more so since most have already or will soon take the next key step to college or other career preparation. For others, their diplomas are a ticket to advanced standing in college because of the associate degree they also earned through early college high school.
But for all, the piece of paper doesn't really tell the whole story of what students experience as part of North Carolina's nationally recognized efforts to transform high school to reach all students more effectively so that all students graduate well prepared for college and career.
That story is best told by students themselves. Here's what a few members of the class of 2012 said about their experience in early college or at an innovative STEM school with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
"Not just another face"
"At Early College you feel like you are a part of something. And not just another face at school. There are many ways to get involved with the school and to have your voice heard. Here you don't have to be afraid to be yourself because we are all different in some way. After being at the Early College of Forsyth I do feel very prepared for college life. We were taught independence through this school. There was not always a constant reminder of what we had to do.
"I learned something from every moment I spent here - from the field trips, to the after-school student study groups, from drama club to sitting in class. My memories from Early College will never be forgotten, and I feel that it has helped me become a better person."
Sierra Gulley
Early College at Forsyth
Class of 2012
"As prepared as I ever could be"
"Teachers and students are more connected, and I think teachers felt that they could learn from the students as well. Our classes were taught mostly by discussion. There wasn't just a one-way flow of information. We did a lot of collaborative work. When I started here, I was more of a loner, but I learned an appreciation for collaboration - to work together to achieve an end that would benefit all of us.
"I feel that I'm as prepared as I ever could be. If I'd gone to a regular high school I don't think my mind would be as open to all the possibilities. Wayne School of Engineering really broadened my horizons. I think I'm better able to exercise my potential."
Tyler Sullivan
Wayne School of Engineering
Class of 2012
"Moving forward with confidence"
"Coming from an early college, I am moving forward with confidence that I can succeed in whatever I put my mind to and the knowledge that I am supported at each step along the way. We are surrounded by teachers who care about us and who work hard each and every day to help us achieve our goals. They are not satisfied with anything except knowing that we are striving to reach our full potential; each classroom is a progressive, adaptive environment where relationships, learning, and growth - academic and personal - are fostered. I truly believe this is the key to our success and happiness here in our early college community."
Michael Howell
Caldwell Early College High School
Class of 2012
"Life lessons"
"I feel part of a small family and a tight community of people who have similar goals in life. I feel that I have learned life lessons, not just lessons from a text book. Every teacher I had encouraged me to do my best. They pushed us to be all we could be and to imagine how we could be more. Every teacher I had was there for me, in school and out. They are like friends but an authority figure at the same time.
"I've been enrolled in college classes for five years, and I feel I am both prepared and excited to go off to university. I had five amazing years with wonderful teachers and wonderful friends."
Elizabeth Gantt
Caldwell Early College High School
Class of 2012
"Learning in all types of ways"
Attending Caldwell Early College High School gave me the opportunity to experience smaller classes and form closer attachments with my peers than I would have at a larger school.
"My teachers challenged me with team-based and project-based learning. I had to develop the ability to work with others in a group. The hardest thing about Caldwell Early College is that students have to formulate the ability to learn in all types of ways. We learn individually in lecture in the majority of our college classes, and we learn in a group that presents in the majority of our high school classes. We learn by listening, reading, writing, and teaching. By the time we graduate, we are prepared for any work a college can throw at us."
Amelia Hawkins
Caldwell Early College High School
Class of 2012
"Opportunity to grow"
"Many times I found myself struggling in class and during those moments I have never had a staff member not willing to work things out with me. The staff of VPAC is very flexible and are always open to questions. To be truthful, the thing I loved most about early college was the flexibility from the staff.
"I believe that I would have never had the opportunity to grow so much if I had gone to a regular high school. After having attended VPAC, I feel that I am now much more prepared for college level courses."
Dang Pao Yang
Iredell-Statesville Visual and Performing Arts Center
(Early College High School)
Class of 2012
