Marble – The fact that the Oaks Academy held three different graduation ceremonies on May 26 was due to COVID-19 protocols, but it also was indicative of the personal impact of the alternative school’s one-on-one approach.
A total of 14 seniors received their diplomas on May 26 before small but enthusiastic crowds of whistling family members and friends, who were overheard using the phrase “so proud” to describe how they feel about their graduate.
“We have some pretty great kids,” Principal Mickey Noe said. The school’s family like atmosphere was demonstrated just in the way he introduced staff members.
“Believe in yourself,” Noe added. “Work hard until your weaknesses become strengths. And when your back is against the wall, don’t give up.”
Oner of those students who never gave up is Arryana Pressley, who graduated high school despite being only 16 years old. The average graduate is age 18.
“It feels amazing,” she said afterward. “I just buckled down and did what I had to do to graduate early with the seniors.”
Pressley plans to pursue a career in cosmetology, starting at Tri-County Community College.
Roe played a rousing video, “I can do this!” to inspire the students, telling them to not make excuses nor look back.
“It was an honor being your principal,” he added, with teachers nodding in agreement.
Cherokee County Board of Education members Joey Shore and Joe Wood were on hand for the 11 a.m. ceremony and came away impressed by what they saw.
“The Oaks Academy is one of the county’s hidden treasures,” Wood said.