On May 19, the stadium-style seats at the Garland Special Events Center were filled with parents and other family members who beamed with pride for the 2011 graduating class of Evolution Academy Charter School. The graduates marched in to the traditional, “Pomp and Circumstance,” but for many, their stories of triumph and perseverance are not traditional at all.
When Dwayne Richards came to Evolution Academy in 2009, he was a sophomore and homeless after his mother was incarcerated. With determination, a loving aunt who took in him, and dedicated teachers and administrators, Richards, who was selected as senior class president, graduated with honors and is on his way to college. In the fall, Richards will enroll as a journalism student at Richland College, with plans to transfer to Southern Methodist University in the future. “Dwayne has been an exceptional student,” said Lynn McCall, student advisor. “He has a 3.39 grade point average, is ranked as No. 3 in his graduating class, and got a near-perfect score on the SAT, with a score of 1580.”
The graduation ceremony was a shining moment for Richards and his fellow classmates. Dezzerick Greer led the Pledge of Allegiance and Cindy Zermeno, senior class vice president, welcome the crowd. Michael John saluted his class as the salutatorian of the class of 2011 and Russell C. Jackson offered inspiring words as the valedictorian. “The potential of our minds is limitless,” said Jackson. “It’s up to you to make an impact in this world.”
W.L. Stafford, senior pastor of Fellowship Christian Center Church in Allen, encouraged the students in a moving keynote address.
“High school graduation sets the tone for everything else you will do in life,” Stafford said. “Class of 2011, you did it! Keep moving and keep improving!”
Several students and teachers were recognized for their achievements. Dankeyah Key and Renato Porter were recognized as Panther Award Recipients. Vernell Trigg, Jr., campus consultant and CEO of Cynergy Collaborative Consultations, awarded scholarships and book awards to several students, including a $500 Valedictorian Scholarship to Russell C. Jackson, $250 Salutatorian Scholarship to Michael M. John, and $100 Book Scholarships to Dwayne M. Richards, Adan C. Penaloza, Cindy Zermeno, Dezzerick J. Greer, and Lovell Q. Porter. Staff members who were recognized for five years of service include Shadé M. Badejo, Sherron D. Davis, Karen Easley, Tami Eli, Roger L. McNeil, Ty Andra Pogue, Gregory Trigg, Mariot Valcin Jr., and Tina B. Williamson.
The graduation was even streamed live through a partnership with InCommand Broadcasting. The graduation ceremony was broadcast live and available on-demand immediately after the ceremony and can be watched on any computer from anywhere in the world. This allows out-of-town friends, relatives and parents in active-duty military service to take part in this landmark event.
Evolution Academy was founded in 2002 by Cynthia Trigg, a school administrator with 19 years of experience.
“We are very proud of our students,” Trigg said. “We have high expectations and a rigorous curriculum. The seniors worked hard and have risen to the occasion.”
The mission of the Evolution Academy Charter School is to enable its students to achieve academic, social and career success. With its mission at the forefront, Evolution Academy has an academic offering that is unmatched by other public, charter, or private schools. With a low student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the progressive charter school is able to offer the one-on-one attention and instruction that many students need to advance them to the next level.
Evolution Academy is focused on providing vocational opportunities to equip its graduates with tangible skills that can be used in the real world. During the 2011-2012 academic year, the school will serve breakfast and lunch to all students, provide DART passes for transportation and will also offer music business courses where students will learn to write and produce music in the newly added state-of-the-art music studio.
Evolution Academy is a public charter high school, serving area students grades 9-12. The school offers two convenient sessions, Monday – Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Open enrollment for the upcoming school year starts in June and classes begin on Aug. 22.
For more information, visit www.evolutionacademy.org.
yes i was wondering if youll would be able to send me the magazine of May 24, 2011 The one that talks about the school Evolution academy