Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) celebrated the achievements of its winter graduates in a special ceremony on Thursday, December 16, 2023. The event, held at the Tara Stadium, recognized the students who completed their high school requirements in the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year.
A milestone for the district and the students
The winter graduation ceremony was a milestone for both the district and the students, as it marked the first time that CCPS held such an event. According to the district, the winter graduation was created to provide an opportunity for the students who finished their coursework ahead of schedule to receive their diplomas and celebrate their accomplishments.
Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, the superintendent of CCPS, congratulated the winter graduates and praised their resilience and perseverance. He also encouraged them to pursue their dreams and goals, and to continue their education and lifelong learning.
“You have demonstrated that you are ready for the next phase of your life, whether it is college, career, or military service. You have shown that you can overcome any challenge and achieve any success. You are the future leaders of our community, our state, our nation, and our world,” Dr. Beasley said.
A diverse and talented group of graduates
The winter graduation ceremony featured a diverse and talented group of graduates, representing 11 high schools in the district. The graduates included valedictorians, salutatorians, honor graduates, dual enrollment students, career and technical education students, fine arts students, athletes, and student leaders.
Some of the graduates shared their stories and aspirations with the audience, expressing their gratitude to their teachers, counselors, principals, families, and friends for their support and guidance. They also reflected on their high school experiences and the lessons they learned along the way.
“I am proud to be a winter graduate, because it shows that I have worked hard and stayed focused on my education. I have learned to be disciplined, organized, and responsible. I have also learned to appreciate the diversity and culture of our district, and to respect and collaborate with others,” said Alexis Poole, a graduate of Forest Park High School who plans to attend Georgia State University and major in nursing.
A celebration of hope and optimism
The winter graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of the students’ achievements, but also a celebration of hope and optimism. Despite the challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the students and the district were able to adapt and overcome, and to create a memorable and meaningful event.
The ceremony was attended by the CCPS Board of Education members, district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and families of the graduates. It was also live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel and social media platforms, allowing the wider community to join the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with the conferring of diplomas, the turning of tassels, and the tossing of caps, as the winter graduates officially became alumni of CCPS. They left the stadium with smiles on their faces, diplomas in their hands, and hopes in their hearts.
