At Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, we value traditions. 

One of the most poignant and heartwarming is the Senior Walk. 

As the school year draws to a close, it's not just a ceremonial stroll; it's a symbolic journey marking the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and achievement. 

This week, as we celebrated the Senior Walk for the seniors of Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College, we also shined a spotlight on the remarkable accomplishments of Roanoke Rapids Early College graduates at their commencement exercises.

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The Senior Walk is more than just a procession of our seniors, band drumline, administrators, and senior sponsors; it's a reflection of the passage of time, capturing the essence of the high school experience. 

For seniors, it's a moment to bask in the memories of laughter, friendship, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. 

Each step down the familiar corridors of Chaloner Middle School, Manning Elementary School, and Belmont Elementary School is a testament to resilience, determination, and the bonds forged within these walls. 

It is an opportunity for our seniors to see the teachers who have played such a significant role in their journey and to remember their steps in the faces of each elementary school and middle school student cheering for them.

Our seniors are an inspiration for each one of our younger students as well — every day in a classroom from pre-kindergarten on is a step in the journey to high school graduation and beyond. 

Likewise, our teachers and staff have the opportunity to see the remarkable young adults they taught. 

If you have a few minutes and can access our social media pages on Facebook, I encourage you to look at our posts from this week’s Senior Walk.

Roanoke Rapids Early College High School had their Class of 2024 graduation ceremony on Friday, May 17th at 8:00 PM in the RRHS Auditorium. 

This class has achieved remarkable academic successes, with nine students graduating Summa Cum Laude, five students graduating Magna Cum Laude, and two students graduating Cum Laude. 

Every graduating senior at RREC is graduating with transferable college credits!

Additionally, four students have earned three associate degrees, eight students have earned two associate degrees, and nine students have earned one associate degree. 

Collectively, the class has earned over $2,000,000 in scholarships, which reflect their dedication and hard work. 

During the ceremony, the two students with the highest grade point averages (GPAs) spoke. Bailey Layne Grissom achieved an impressive weighted GPA of 4.7231, and Austin Ky Vu earned an impressive weighted GPA of 4.7213. 

RREC Class of 2024, we are so proud of you and excited to see the wonderful things you will accomplish as you go out into the world!

We have been and continue to be so proud of our student athletes this year. 

They have shown grit, determination, and success with both the Lady Jackets softball team and soccer teams advancing in the playoffs. 

Our softball team celebrated a second round playoff victory with a 5 to 1 win against West Craven and advanced to the third round of the State Playoffs. 

On Wednesday, May 15th, the softball team faced a tough loss to Jordan-Matthews High School, ending the game with a score of 2-8. 

The RRHS Girls Soccer team celebrated a second round victory of 7-3 over Northwood on Thursday, May 16th, and Casey Neal was named the player of the game. 

The soccer team advanced to host NCSSM in the third round at Hoyle Field on Monday, May 20th at 6:30pm.

Last week, Manning Elementary and Belmont Elementary hosted their Kindergarten Transition Night and Step-Up Night for Grades 1-5, and Clara Hearne Pre-K students were able to tour Manning and Belmont this week to explore their future schools. 

Chaloner Middle School Art Club/Yearbook and Battle of the Books students enjoyed a cultural outing in Raleigh and Durham, visiting the NC Museum of Art and attending a performance of The Lion King at DPAC. What a fantastic time for the students to immerse themselves in visual and performing arts!

On Tuesday, May 21st, the RRHS Athletic Department in partnership with the RRHS Sports Club will be providing sports physicals free of charge to current and prospective student athletes within the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. 

The physicals will start at 6 PM in the RRHS Gymnasium. All student athletes who attend must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (proof of identity is required). 

Please have all athletic forms, except for the Physical Examination Form, filled out prior to arriving. Athletes may pick up the form packet from the school office. 

Also on Tuesday, May 21st, the Board of Trustees will have their May Board Meeting in Building B at Central Office. There will be a full agenda for the open meeting that includes items from the four Board Committees as well as interviews of candidates and selection of a new Board member to fill the currently vacant seat. The Board will discuss and set the Roanoke Rapids supplemental tax rate during this meeting.

Finally, I would like to end with a note of personal gratitude. 

This weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in my doctoral graduation at William and Mary with my husband, Scott; son, Alex; and mama, Deborah Owen. 

This weekend’s ceremonies officially end that journey, and I am thankful for the many lessons that I have learned and have been able to put into practice here as Superintendent in Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. 

I truly appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement that I have received from our amazing students, staff, families, Board members, and community. Thank you all so much!