Every morning on the announcements, NC Warriors hear “Inspire Excellence,” yet certain students soar beyond expectations. For these ambitious bunch, school faculty and organization representatives awarded certificates and scholarships at the annual honors program. NC’s Culinary Class met families with delectable sweets as they walked into the Performing Arts Center (PAC), starting at 6:30 p.m. The reception allowed students to celebrate their accomplishments together and for teachers to see familiar faces from families. To begin the ceremony, which started at 7 p.m., NC’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) demonstrated an impressive flag routine. Principal Bell then officially greeted the audience and presented a poem written by senior Rosalyn Schwanke.
Recognition started with scholarships gifted to graduating seniors. Organizations, such as the Pearl Foundation and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, gifted scholarships to students with academic prowess and exemplary ambition. Magnet senior Jasmine Robinson received the Acworth Mayor’s Cup from Mayor Tommy Allegood to highlight her athletic accomplishments and impressive grades. Peers and parents cheered the recipients on, watching them receive recognition for their well-deserved achievements to support their future endeavors.
“I think it was so great being able to see my classmates get awards and get honored last night. I also just really enjoyed myself and earned a scholarship. I got to see what all my high school’s work has gotten me to. Getting recognized for my achievements made me notice that all my hard work didn’t go unnoticed. The money from the Delta Sigma Sorority is definitely also going to help out with college and my living expenses. The night overall was a nice, full circle moment in high school with my friends,” magnet senior Madison Aldridge said.
The program then progressed into the Principal’s Awards and then individual subjects’ honors. Teachers selected an exemplary student from each class, ranging from language arts to physical education, to proudly walk the stage. Faculty and staff also recognized regional social studies and science fair winners, Governors’ Honors Program (GHP) finalists, Skills USA finalists and Career and Technical Agricultural Education (CTAE) student of the year.
The night ended with closing remarks from Bell thanking parents in supporting students’ journeys toward success. As families exited with their heads held high and awards in hand, it became clear that the talent present at NC truly inspires excellence. Students’ potential shows no end, and this night only marked a milestone on their journey to success. A majority of these students demonstrate talent in multiple areas, with their accolades in their best subject merely scratching the surface of their abilities. The program only highlighted a handful of students; the list of aspiring young minds barely scratches the surface of NC students’ merit.
“I got to see so many students come together and celebrate their many great achievements. I think it’s a great positive energy where we take an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of all the amazing students we have at NC. It’s one of the reasons that we’ve added all content areas to the awards so that there are more chances to celebrate how great they are,” Magnet Literature II teacher Alexandra Yeganegi said.
