February 02, 2024 -- Columbus City Schools (CCS) is incredibly proud to celebrate the Winter Class of 2024 graduates.
On February 2, students from eight CCS high schools, their principals, and District leadership converged inside the District’s south administrative building theater to celebrate the strength and dedication of the seniors who worked hard to complete their graduation requirements.
Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman praised the students' resilience. Throughout their educational careers, the students spent countless hours working towards the ultimate goal of graduation. Now, Dr. Chapman welcomed them into the CCS alumni community.
“Graduates, your dedication, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence have propelled you to this significant milestone,” Dr. Chapman said. “Today is a testament to the countless hours of hard work and perseverance invested in pursuing knowledge.”
While earning a diploma requires great effort on the part of the student, keynote speaker Board Vice President Dr. Tina Pierce highlighted the importance that others have on a student’s success. She praised the audience members who celebrated this momentous occasion alongside their graduates and reiterated that students benefit when they are surrounded by a strong community.
“I want to thank and acknowledge the family members and caregivers of this year’s graduates,
Dr. Pierce said. “Your vision, sacrifice, and dedication to your graduate is unprecedented. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and [you] have done that.”
Centennial High School graduate Kayah Chaffins credits her family with helping her succeed. In a heartfelt speech to her fellow graduates, Chaffins spoke about the important role her grandparents played in who she grew up to be.
“Remembering who I am and where I came from will always be a big deal,” Chaffins said. “My grandparents – my best friends, my inspiration. They always filled the house with love and fun as they helped guide [me.] I don’t think they ever realized that the person I wanted to be most was them.”
This ceremony is a testament to the resilience of the Winter Class of 2024 and the power people play in a student’s life. To all of the graduates – congratulations! And to everyone who helped the graduates throughout their educational careers – THANK YOU!
