Perquimans County High School’s long list of alumni now includes the 95 members of the Class of 2024.
On Friday, May 31, the nearly 100 PCHS graduating seniors received their high school diplomas on the Charles H. Ward Football Field at the Nixon Athletic Complex in Hertford.
Perquimans Schools Superintendent Dr. Tanya Turner lauded graduates for their accomplishments, noting that Class of 2024 members had been awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships, and of that amount, $654,476 had been accepted. She also said graduates had submitted a total of 218 college applications and received 174 acceptance letters.
“That is an 80 percent acceptance rate,” Turner said. “Seventy-five percent of you are college, trade, or technical school bound; 20 percent are career bound; 1 percent are military bound; and 4 percent are still making your decision.” Ten graduates who’ll be attending college plan to play collegiate sports, she added.
In addition, members of the Class of 2024 will be attending 20 different institutions of higher education, and 12 have already earned either an associate degree or a trade diploma from College of The Albemarle, Turner said.
Perquimans High School Principal Mickey Drew offered remarks at the commencement. He told graduates and their families that it had been his privilege to work with so many talented and gifted students.
Drew reminded graduates that one of his favorite quotes is from author and speaker Charles R. Swindoll: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
“What you choose will determine where you go, what you do, who you do it with and how you do it,” Drew told graduates. “The ability to choose is the most powerful tool you will ever possess.”
Drew also told graduates that he hopes they will choose to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
“My wish for you is that you will respond with grace and humility in all situations,” Drew said. “My prayer for each of you is that you will find contentment and fulfillment in a life full of good choices.”
Following the ceremony, as graduates exchanged hugs and high fives and posed for photos showing off their diplomas, several reflected on the choices they made in high school and how they expected those choices to help them in the next chapter of their life.
Blair Russell, the class valedictorian who lives in Tyner, said she had enjoyed her high school years. She said she joined clubs clubs and organizations she believes will help her when she attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in chemistry.
“I definitely liked that it was small, a close-knit school here,” she said. “That’s important to have a group of people who will show up for you. I know everyone in my class.”
Mary Woodard, a Hertford resident, said she had participated in HOSA, the Health Occupations Students of America club; the Interact Club, a community service club; and the Beta Club which encourages academic achievement and community service.
“I chose HOSA because it was a way to learn about the kind of career I wanted to pursue,” Woodard said. “I loved all the teachers here.”
Reflecting on her most impactful choices in high school, Amira Tarda said she had participated in the school band but her decision to perform in school theater productions called for a different level of courage.
“I decided to try acting when I took a class and heard my teacher talking about theater and knew I wanted to try it,” Tarda said. “This year I was Wednesday (Addams) in ‘The Adams Family.’ it was my first lead role. ... I expected it to be fun. Of course there were hardships but in the end I had a great experience.”
Keaisa Kee, a Hertford resident graduated along with her sister, Ken’Naisha Kee. The Spanish Club was a good challenge for her, she said, because she plans to study psychology at College of The Albemarle.
“I want to become a therapist. I want people to know not everyone is out to judge them,” she said.
Kee said she valued her high school years because they helped her learn how to manage her personal relationships.
“Meeting new people is good, the friendships you form, but my advice to those coming in to high school is be yourself,” she said. “You are going to make some friendships and lose some along the way.”
Dawson Brickhouse, the class salutatorian and a Hertford resident, said he is the sixth Perquimans County High School graduate in his family. He plans to attend East Carolina University and major in computer science.
“I was in the Beta Club and it was great experience where we learned about leadership, how to coordinate events,” Brickhouse said. “I remember my junior year we went to Camp Cale for an event. Those experiences will definitely help me in the future.”
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