Graduation marks end of high school years

Chris Cash Jr. went to four different area high schools between ninth grade and 12th grade, searching for the right fit as he grieved the loss of his father yet sought to challenge himself academically.

He finally found the right fit in his senior year attending Faith Christian School, and graduated this year with a $20,000 scholarship and increased faith.

“I had a rough time my first couple years (in high school). I don’t know if it was the schools or how I dealt with things,” Cash said, speaking of the challenge of losing his father who was killed in 2004 while deployed to Iraq with the N.C. National Guard. “I changed schools every year. My last year at Faith was definitely my best.”

Cash, who is undecided on a career, is one of many Faith Christian School, Rocky Mount Academy and Rocky Mount Preparatory School high school graduates who said they’ll most miss the bonds forged with friends and teachers at the small schools.

Rocky Mount Academy, with 36 graduates, and Rocky Mount Prep, with 34 graduates, held ceremonies Friday evening. Faith Christian, with 22 graduates, had its ceremony on May 29. Many of the students said they were sad to leave their high school years behind them, but excited about going to college in the fall.

“I was really nervous at first (about graduating) because there are a lot of uncertainties, but when I walked into the big auditorium (for graduation), I was pretty darn excited,” Cash said. “Everything I went through finally paid off.”

Elizabeth Weeks said she was homeschooled until 10th grade, when she began attending Faith Christian for more challenging schooling. She got involved in sports and clubs, and graduated as the Salutatorian of her class. Weeks said she will attend N.C. State University to work toward being a registered dietician.

“It’s still surreal (that I have graduated). It feels really good,” Weeks said. “I’m glad everything is over, but I don’t think it (has) sunk in yet.”

Faith Christian’s Valedictorian Abby Barnes had attended the school since third grade and said she enjoyed being at a smaller school. She said she was able to go to school and church with most of her friends and knows that many of them are looking forward to the next step.

“I think everybody is ready to get out of Rocky Mount to go to college,” said Barnes, who plans to study speech pathology at Appalachian State University.

Rocky Mount Academy graduate Lee Whitley began attending the school in ninth grade, looking to benefit from the smaller class sizes. He didn’t suspect that he’d be involved in sports but said it became a huge part of his high school years, and he was able to speak about athletics during his Friday graduation. Joining the junior varsity football team his freshman year got him off to a good start at the school, he said. Whitley will be among the third generation of his family to attend N.C. State University, where he will major in sports management.

“I really enjoyed all of my class of 2009, and I wish them the best of luck,” Whitley said. “I hope we stay in touch.”

Rocky Mount Academy graduate Ashley Warren attended the school since kindergarten and said she loved every minute of high school. She said she’ll cherish the memory of the school’s senior trip to New York City because it was “neat to all be in the same place so far from home.” Warren plans to attend Wake Forest University to study English or psychology.

“I’m sad we’re going our different ways, but it’s a good thing because everyone is going where they want to go,” Warren said. “I’m glad everyone is doing the right thing for them.”

Rocky Mount Prep Salutatorian Tracynda Batchelor said the school’s seniors recently had a day of fun at the bowling alley, skating rink and mall that was sponsored by the school’s teachers. The event turned bittersweet while the group enjoyed each other’s company but realized it would be one of their last times together as high school students, Batchelor said.

“Toward the end we all sort of started crying, thinking it was the last time we’d all get together, so it kind of got us all emotional,” she said.