Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools March 2014 | Page 10
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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.