Hertford County High Students Plan For Future

By Thadd White, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

Published Thursday, May 14, 2009

AHOSKIE - Hertford County High School seniors will soon be graduating and moving on.

Those who have committed to further their education at a four-year college or university, a two-year college, a trade school or in the military were honored May 8 for their choices during Decision Day 2009.

"We want this to be a special time for you," said HCHS Principal Jerry Simmons. "This hour is your hour."

Approximately one-half of the HCHS Class of 2009 has made a decision to further their education or join the military, according to Simmons. He said he was extremely pleased to see so many students moving on to a better and brighter future.

"We want to highlight those of you who come to school every day and do the right thing," he said. "I'm very proud of this senior class."

Students were recognized for their decisions by Simmons, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael G. Basham and Assistant Superintendents Larry J. Cooper and Dr. Debbie Harris Rollins. They also received a pizza party, door prizes and a t-shirt that was purchased for them by Simmons as a personal gift. The t-shirt was designed by senior Nadia Ogunfowora.

"You are to be celebrated," Simmons said. "I stand here proud of the job you do as a student body. Thank you for your hard work and success you have achieved."

The program was the brain-child of Austin Hill, who serves as College Advisor at both HCHS and Bertie High School.

"I can't begin to say how proud I am of you," Hill told the students. "We wanted Decision Day to be a day set aside to show how proud we are of your accomplishments."

Hill said the achievements of the class meant even more since so many of them did not have parents who were able to go to college.

"Some of you, your parents didn't graduate from high school or even dream of going to college and look at you," she said. "I just can't say anything, but how proud I am of all of you."

After the opening remarks, students were able to pick up their t-shirt. They were then greeted by Simmons, Basham, Cooper, Rollins and Board of Education member J. Wendell Hall.

The Rev. C. David Stackhouse, pastor of New Ahoskie Baptist Church, provided the invocation and also offered his congratulations to the students.