Greenville County Schools Class Acts 2024

CLASS ACTS

Celebrating the Class of 2024

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

To the Members of the Graduating Class of 2024, Graduation time is here, and what a journey it has been! I hope that you have enjoyed your senior year and all that it entails, such as Homecoming, prom, yearbook signing, performances, and all the milestone events to which many of you have looked forward with anticipation since you first walked through the doors of your high school four years ago.

This is a time of great change and anticipation. Some of you may feel grief over the prospect of leaving behind valued friends, teachers, routines, and activities. Others of you are eager to move on to your next phase, whether that be further education, entering the workforce, military service, or other endeavor. Very likely, you are experiencing a combination of these emotions. All of this is normal, and your feelings may change from day to day, or even moment to moment.

Whatever you do next, you will carry with you the lessons learned during your Greenville County Schools education. Our goal is for you to graduate prepared for your next opportunities in life, education, and career. This includes both your academic foundations as well as the “softskills” that are so important in every endeavor, such as effective communication, selfmanagement, and the ability to work as part of a team. Through your class offerings, extracurricular experiences, and/or work-based learning opportunities, you have gained these skills and more, and you leave us well equipped for both the expected and the unexpected in your future.

On behalf of everyone at Greenville County Schools, I want to express our immense pride in your perseverance and accomplishments. Congratulations!

Sincerely,

W. Burke Royster, Ph.D. Superintendent, Greenville County Schools

What is SmartARTS?

SmartARTS is the Metropolitan Arts Council’s successful arts education initiative, housed at the TD Center for Arts Integration, that partners with the Greenville County School District to provide teaching artists, art supplies, and professional development to facilitate arts-integrated residencies in science, math, history, and language arts classrooms.

The mission of SmartARTS is to improve academic achievement through artsrich experiences in the core curriculum to encourage career-ready creative problem solving and social-emotional intelligence SmartARTS is thrilled to be a partner in creating arts-rich schools across Greenville County.

SmartARTS not only helps at-risk students re-engage with learning and to find hope despite trauma, but the program helps build the vocabulary and context that students of poverty lack through dialogue, collaborative learning, and reflection as students explore the curriculum through the lens of the arts

Pairing SmartARTS teaching artists with 170 teachers from across 42 GCSD schools to plan and carry out rigorous arts-rich residencies

SmartARTS prioritizes mid-to-high poverty schools

This year, we worked with 18 high poverty schools and 11 mid poverty schools

The SmartARTS Education Institute, sponsored by the TD Center for Arts Integration and the SC Arts Commission, will train 99 teachers this summer in arts integration best practices, immerse them in 5 art forms, and connect them with a local teaching artist to plan a residency for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students at Beck create a unity-themed mural with Adam Schrimmer

Students engage in a science and theatre unit.

Local teaching artist Shayne Bryant instructs educators at the SmartARTS Education Institute

2024 CLASS ACTS Congratulations

BEREA HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Michelle Alexandra Rozo Bedoya

SALUTATORIAN: Francisco Israel Juarez

CLASS SIZE: 232

“A teacher who has had a positive impact on my education is my fifthgrade teacher Mrs. Surfus. She would always help me and support me in whatever I needed. She is always someone I can turn to when I am struggling.”

BLUE RIDGE HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Marissa Annette Cannon

SALUTATORIAN: Allyssa Lynn Davis

CLASS SIZE: 220

“I have taken AP courses offered by my school since freshman year, and they have always had a positive impact on my education. Without these classes, I wouldn’t have been able to challenge my brain and grow my intellect alongside other students who were just as eager to learn.”

CAROLINA HIGH AND ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN: Ashley Garcia

CLASS SIZE: 180

“Ms. Altwam and Ms. Smith have helped me through college and career readiness over the years. Without them, I would not have applied to multiple colleges and programs which led me to have access to many opportunities. With their spirit and advice, I feel that I can do anything.”

CTE INNOVATION CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Wiktor Zukowski CTE COMPLETERS: 35

“Mr. Seay helped me realize the potential of a lot of industries, especially mechatronics and the ones that surround this career. He taught me various soft skills such as presentation, time management and employability skills. This educator made me be disciplined with my work and the focus of my career.”

DONALDSON CAREER CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Jamie Marie Brockman

CTE COMPLETERS: 188

“The Esthetics program at Donaldson has had a positive impact on my education by allowing me to explore in-depth the career field that I will be going into, exposing me to great opportunities and new skills.”

EASTSIDE HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Atharva Ashishk Shah

SALUTATORIAN: Caroline Rose Treanor

CLASS SIZE: 374

“Throughout my high school years, all of my teachers played valuable roles in my development. However, Mr. Carroll has always gone above and beyond. He coached me through the transition into high school, helped me start new clubs and sparked my enthusiasm for physics.”

ENOREE CAREER CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Richard Alexander Wise CTE COMPLETERS: 124

“My Firefighting instructor, Mark Crain, has made the largest impact on my education as a student. Since enrolling in his class at the Enoree Career Center he has driven me to be the best I can be as a fireman and as a person. Throughout my time with him, I have learned valuable lessons that will guide me for the rest of my life.”

FINE ARTS CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Claire Louise Shirley

CLASS SIZE: 120

“The Fine Arts Center is my safest and happiest place. Mr. Popat has fostered an incredible environment of support and camaraderie between the art areas. I owe everything I have accomplished to my teachers, Danielle Knox, Sherry Parrini, and Samuel Hunter who believed in me even when I did not and consistently reminded me of my worth as a human and not just a musician.”

GOLDEN STRIP CAREER CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Arion Eli Kazemzadeh CTE COMPLETERS: 241

“My marvelous Digital Art & Design teacher Mrs. Cherry is enthusiastic, has a heart that can overcome any obstacle, and a curiosity to teach my class about any fun design she’s found! Her bubbly personality puts a pep in my step. She always takes everything on for the sake of others!”

GREENVILLE EARLY COLLEGE

HONOR STUDENT: Nehemiah Dotson CTE COMPLETERS: 20

“One teacher that has had a positive impact on my educational experience would be my science teacher from 9th-11th grade, Ms. Cooper. She has pushed all of us to not sell ourselves too short and to apply ourselves to important tasks and to the things that we are passionate about.”

GREENVILLE SR. HIGH ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN: Lilian Wells Sommer

SALUTATORIAN: Julia Ann Pascoe

CLASS SIZE: 331

“When I took Chemistry 1 with Mr. Bunce my sophomore year of high school, I didn’t realize how profoundly he would affect my education. Until then, I had never had a teacher who I felt truly cared about and respected his students the way that he did. He never hesitated to help me with tough college decisions.”

GREER HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Timothy James Lauriault

SALUTATORIAN: Sean Robert Arterburn

CLASS SIZE: 258

“The teacher who had the biggest impact on my educational career was Mr. Norman. He was my high school band director and mentor for two years before he passed away. He taught me the values of leadership, compassion and determination. I will always appreciate all that he did for me.”

HILLCREST HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Carter Steven Saccocio

SALUTATORIAN: Caroline Mae Earley

CLASS SIZE: 625

“While at Hillcrest High, I had the opportunity to attend the Fine Arts Center (FAC) and it has connected me with amazing mentors such as Jennifer John and Samuel Hunter and allowed me to cultivate my passion for music. FAC has inspired my values of human ingenuity and gratitude for others.”

J. HARLEY BONDS CAREER CENTER

HONOR STUDENT: Joshua Michael Clarke

CTE COMPLETERS: 220

“I would like to mention Chief Harvey and Mr. Hill as influential teachers. They have both had a great impact on me and my future career as a firefighter. They have really helped develop my passion for this career field. I would also like to thank Bonds for giving me many opportunities.”

J.L. MANN HIGH ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN: Annika Narayan Krovi

SALUTATORIAN: Eden Danielle Burrell

CLASS SIZE: 494

“JL Mann Speech & Debate, led by Ms. Kathleen Emelianoff, has been an incredibly impactful educational experience for me. Through Speech & Debate, I grew in confidence as a public speaker and became a more effective leader.”

MAULDIN HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Samuel William Hodges

SALUTATORIAN: Avery Claire Simon

CLASS SIZE: 592

“I am very grateful for Coach Snoad. He is extraordinarily well-versed in his classes and is a personable teacher. He has enabled me to truly understand politics and our world’s economies which ultimately has strengthened my ability to be a well-informed individual.”

RIVERSIDE HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Zane Kaz Holley

SALUTATORIAN: Jack Carroll MaGill

CLASS SIZE: 400

“The speech and debate team at Riverside High School has had a profound impact on my education. It has improved my public speaking abilities, analytical skills and strength as a writer. It has also opened my mind to diverse perspectives and taught me to persevere in the face of adversity.”

SOUTHSIDE HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Jamia Brenay Rosie Sanders

SALUTATORIAN: Charliene Alyssa James

CLASS SIZE: 198

“I joined the Academic Team my Sophomore year and it has done wonders for my ability to recall and store information. Often when I study in preparation for tournaments it also aids me in my regular classes, not to mention the amazing group of people I’ve met because of it.”

TRAVELERS REST HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Rian Morrissey Sharp

SALUTATORIAN: Morgan Hailey Glaze

CLASS SIZE: 265

“The IB Diploma Program at TR High has had a positive impact on my education. Throughout my last two years, I participated in rigorous, seminar-style coursework and developed close relationships with some of TR’s most dedicated staff members. My IB Biology teacher, Mr. Henslee, inspired me to pursue a career in biochemistry and pre-medicine.”

WADE HAMPTON HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Brittney Nguyen

SALUTATORIAN: Annabelle Kay Williams

CLASS SIZE: 414

“Mrs. Bekki Benjamin has worked with me for three years, and throughout this time, she has changed the trajectory of my life. Academically or personally, she has guided me in all aspects of life. Her unwavering support and caring demeanor exemplify a teacher who goes above and beyond.”

WOODMONT HIGH

VALEDICTORIAN: Ashlyn Blake McCain

SALUTATORIAN: Margaret Elizabeth Dunlap

CLASS SIZE: 490

“Chelsey Nesmith has been my teacher and my coach for 4 years, and has become an incredible mentor. Through our experiences together, she has taught me the importance of embracing all aspects of my high school experience, including athletics, academics and my social life, helping me become a well-rounded student.”

“If I must give any of you advice it would be say yes. Say yes, and create your own destiny.”

MAYA ANGELOU

1,423

1032

1003 GCS SAT AVERAGE SCORE

ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 2022-23 ABOVE STATE AVERAGE OF 1020

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA COLLEGE CREDIT INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION

GRADUATION PLUS: Building a Better Graduate!

10,442 4,978

75% OF GRADUATING CLASS EARNING CCR STATUS INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS COLLEGE AND CAREER READY (CCR)

79%

17-POINT INCREASE SINCE 2012 AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS

Recognizing that jobs in today’s workforce require more than a high school education, Greenville County Schools is committed to graduating students with a diploma, plus college credit, and/or industry certification.

7-POINT INCREASE SINCE 2012 PUPILS IN POVERTY 2022-23 STUDENTS EARNED

Graduation Plus is a district-wide initiative from pre-K through high school to ensure all students are career and college ready.

76%

62%

29-POINT INCREASE SINCE 2012 STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: Carolyn Styles, Area 17, Chair | Debi Bush, Area 19, Vice-Chair | Glenda Morrison-Fair, Area 23, Secretary | Amanda Brett, Area 26 Jeff Cochran, Area 28 | Sarah Dulin, Area 27 | Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Area 25 | Lynda Leventis-Wells, Area 22 | Ann Marie Middleton, Area 18 | Angie Mosley, Area 21 | Anne Pressley, Area 24 Charles J. Saylors, Area 20

Graduation

All ceremonies will take place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024

7:00 PM – The Fine Arts Center McAlister Auditorium, Furman University

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024

10:00 AM – Washington Center Washington Center

MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024

8:00 AM – Mauldin High

11:30 AM – Carolina High & Academy

3:00 PM – Wade Hampton High

6:30 PM – Berea High

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024

8:00 AM – Woodmont High

11:30 AM – Southside High

3:00 PM – Greenville Sr. High

6:30 PM – Blue Ridge High

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024

8:00 AM – J.L. Mann High Academy

11:30 AM – Greer High

3:00 PM – Hillcrest High

5:30 PM – Lifelong Learning Wade Hampton High Auditorium

6:30 PM – Greenville Early College Younts Conference Center

301 E. Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601

infoline@greenville.k12.sc.us | INFOLine 864-355-3100

www.greenville.k12.sc.us

Follow Us on Social Media @gcschools W. Burke Royster, Ph.D. Superintendent

6:30 PM – Project SEARCH Completion Ceremony (Bon Secours interns only)

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

8:00 AM – Eastside High

11:30 AM – Travelers Rest High

3:00 PM – Riverside High