Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools March 2014 | Page 10

Ever wanted to sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet? Do you want to learn how an airplane flies? Have you been to see the “Miracle on the Hudson” airplane yet? Come experience all this and more at the Carolinas Aviation Museum Present this ad for $2 off regular admission prices Good for up to 4 admissions Carolinasaviation.org 704-997-3770 8 • March/April 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine  Jumpstarting careers Six hundred CMS seniors graduated Feb. 3 Approximately 600 high school seniors graduated during CharlotteMecklenburg Schools mid-year graduation ceremonies Feb. 3. Among them was North Mecklenburg High student Billy McNair, who graduated early to pursue a career in the military. Billy has known he wanted to be a U.S. Marine since childhood. During his freshman year, he became involved in the JROTC program and joined the wrestling team. By his sophomore year he met with armed forces recruiters to discuss his goals and options. He began to think about graduating early. “I met with my school counselor right away and told her I wanted to graduate early,” said Billy. “We talked about it, looked at my transcript and came up with a plan.” Matthew Hayes, principal of North Meck, says students have many reasons for graduating mid-year. Whatever the reason, it always begins with the student and the counselor, who together develop an exit plan that fits the each student’s needs. “We have to individualize pathways for each of our students,” said Hayes. Mid-year graduates must fulfill the same graduation requirements as their peers who will graduate in June. “It’s really exciting,” Billy said. “I know I will be missing my prom but starting my career is more important to me.” He’ll also miss the state wrestling competitions. “It is a tough sport and I enjoy it. It has helped prepare me mentally and physically,” Billy said. “It was another way to train for the Marines.” JROTC instructor Sgt. Limmy Summerville said Billy is a determined and focused student who made every decision knowing there would be tradeoffs. “He has been here since he was a freshman. His demeanor was impressive from day one,” said Sgt. Summerville. “He is highly respected by his peers and is a student leader. His level of focus and commitment is unparalleled.” After graduation, Billy will go to Parris Island, SC, at the end of February for military career training. “My military occupation specialty will be in crash fire rescue. It is exactly what I wanted,” he said. “I am looking forward to traveling and hope I get stationed in Japan at some point, but I will go where I am needed.” Quotes from other mid-year graduates “I am glad that mid-year graduation was an option for me. Now I can attend the Art Institute of Charlotte in March,” said Cody Garmon, Independence High. “I started my classes this morning at Umanah Healthcare Institute. I want to be a certified nursing assistant and eventually become a registered nurse,” said Megan Gillespie, Rocky River High. “I met my requirements and I know that I want to attend culinary school so being able to graduate now is great,” said Rafael Garcia, Cato Middle College. “I am going to be mother in a month. This option helped me stay in school and graduate. I plan to pursue a career in the medical field,” said Jasana Anderson, Vance High School. “I needed to get back on track and I was ready to be done with high school. I took online courses. I plan to attend community college or join the air force,” said Kevin Williams, Myers Park.