Yadkin Early College Class of 2024

Yadkin Early College students concluded their high school careers on Friday with a commencement ceremony held at Union Grove Baptist Church in Yadkinville. All of the 54 graduates completed college credits in addition to receiving their high school diploma, with most also obtaining an associates degree from Surry Community College.

Yadkin Early College Teacher of the Year Blake Johnson was among those who addressed the graduates during the ceremony. Johnson has taught at the Yadkin Early College for 13 years.

Johnson congratulated the seniors on this “major life milestone” and their four to five years of hard work.

“I can’t help but think of all the parts of your journeys that I’ve been privileged to watch and be a part of,” he said. Johnson said that most educators would agree “the best part is watching students leave our classrooms to live good, happy productive lives.”

“We hope the things you learned and experienced in our classrooms have made positive impacts and will help you throughout the rest of your lives,” he said.

Johnson said that he loves learning and teaching history as, “understanding people’s stories and experiences can help guide us through our own challenges and make life more rich and meaningful, however it’s probably ok if you don’t remember who won the presidential election of 1840.”

“Even if you don’t remember all the details there are lessons to be learned,” Johnson went on, explaining that William Henry Harrison, who did win the presidential election of 1840 gave the longest inauguration speech in presidential history, on a cold and rainy spring day, and then came down with pneumonia, dying barely a month later.

“Long speeches are bad for your health,” Johnson said, drawing chuckles from the crowd.

Johnson concluded telling the graduates he “couldn’t wait to see” what they did next.

Also addressing students during the ceremony was guest speaker Michael Groce, who spoke on the importance of kindness, and Yadkin Early College high honor graduates Madelyn Holleman, Annette Angeles-Arellano, Ethan Brewer and Angelyna Modesta Castro.

The students were presented with their diplomas by Principal Chris Lyon who also gave a final charge to the graduates of the Class of 2024.