“Commitment to Graduate Ceremony” Binds Class of 2017 to Future Success

For the first time ever, North Atlanta High School will hold a “Commitment to Graduate Ceremony” for the sophomore class. The student-led ceremony will take place on Friday, May 15, at 11 a.m. in the Linda Stevenson Theater.

The ceremony is an inaugural program sponsored by the 10th Grade Academy. The event is being spearheaded by Deidre King, Academy 10th Grade Academy Director, and Dee Williams, 10th Grade Academy Counselor. The “Commitment to Graduate” program is unique to the entire Atlanta Public Schools district and no other school within the district is holding an event of this nature.

The end of sophomore year marks the “half-way” point for high school students, King and Williams said they want students to feel motivated and excited about graduating. “We are also trying to instill a sense of pride within each class as they matriculate through North Atlanta,” Williams said.

The main goal is not only to get students excited about graduating, but to also to see them commit to being the best they can be both inside and outside the classroom. The ceremony has been widely publicized to draw in as many students as possible.

Parents of sophomores are encouraged to attend the ceremony. Both King and Williams want to communicate to parents that they share in the commitment to the student’s ultimate success. They also want parents to know that the 10th Grade Academy administration and teachers are there to support their children in helping them reach their goal to graduate, go to college, and become career-ready.

The success of the program will be demonstrated by the percentage of sophomore students who go on to graduate. Williams said the goal is for 90 percent or more of the current sophomore students to graduate in 2017. The ultimate goal is to reach and sustain a10 percent graduation rate.

The “Commitment to Graduate” Ceremony will feature performances, an inspiring video, and speaker Darrell Hall, a minister associated with the Conyers location of the Elizabeth Baptist Church. During the event, each attendee will sign a pledge card to reflect a commitment to be an on-time graduate of the Class of 2017.