Class of 2026 Honors Growth, Leadership and Achievement at Early College Graduation
Lenoir County Early College High School celebrated a historic Class of 2026 during Wednesday evening’s graduation ceremony, honoring students whose accomplishments set new records for the school in academic achievement, college degrees earned and scholarship offers.
The graduating class of 51 students earned more than $2.4 million in academic scholarship offers, the highest total in school history. In addition, 49 graduates, representing 96% of the class, will earn a two-year associate degree alongside their high school diploma. 13 students will graduate with two associate degrees in addition to their high school diploma, another milestone achievement for the school.
“This class is truly dedicated to leaving their mark at the Early College,” Principal Steve Saint-Amand shared during the ceremony. “Although few in numbers, their accomplishments are considerable.”
Superintendent Brent Williams praised the graduates for their perseverance and the example they have set for future students. He highlighted the class’s record-setting scholarship totals and praised the school’s staff, families and partners for helping students succeed.
“From where I’m standing tonight, our future has never looked brighter,” Williams told graduates. “There is no better example of excellence in education than the people in this room tonight.”
He encouraged students to continue living with purpose, integrity and compassion as they move into the next chapter of life.
“Continue to show up, stand up, and engage your time, attention, and talents in what matters most,” Williams said. “Continue to make the world a better place through selfless service beyond self and for the benefit of others.”
Throughout the ceremony, student speakers reflected on the lessons, relationships, and experiences that shaped their time at the Early College.
Graduate Jenna Van spoke about the curiosity and resilience that defined the Class of 2026, reflecting on experiences ranging from college readiness projects to early morning academic
competitions, saying those moments demonstrated how far the class had come since first interviewing to attend the school as eighth graders.
“As I look around this room, I see a class full of individuals who have made a plan and found their own ways to succeed,” she said. “As we move forward into this next chapter of our lives, I encourage you all to continue bringing those same values wherever you go.”
Graduate Taryn Barnett reflected on the impact teachers, family members and classmates had on her journey, and reminded classmates that graduation marks the beginning of a new journey rather than the end of one.
“This is not the end of our story,” she said. “This is only the beginning of our lives, and we have many more milestones to come.”
Graduate Amiyah Best shared a heartfelt reflection on learning to find confidence and belonging during high school, and spoke about the relationships and memories built through classes, clubs and daily interactions with teachers and classmates.
“We all have our own memories that make high school special,” she said. “Many of our stories don’t overlap and have different beginnings and endings, but today we all share the memory of graduating together.”
She encouraged classmates to embrace uncertainty and remain confident in themselves as they pursue their futures.
“Life might not be going the way you imagined when you were little,” Best said. “Don’t be afraid of not knowing what’s next, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms. Even if you think you don’t fit in, make space for yourself.”
Graduate Hayden Cauley challenged classmates to move boldly into the future and embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.
“Now that the path is no longer structured or defined for us, this is the opportunity for a new era of growth and progress,” Cauley said. “So I encourage you to live boldly.”
Cauley reflected on the courage it took for students to choose the Early College experience years earlier, despite not knowing what challenges or opportunities awaited them.
“Despite the uncertainty, we adapted to the new environment and remained persistent,” he said. “This proves that everyone here is capable of adjusting to the new lives you will lead.”
He encouraged graduates to view setbacks as opportunities rather than obstacles.
“The obstacles are not stopping you. They are the path,” Cauley said. “Every setback, every rejection, and every failure is not the end of the story. That is the part that builds it.”
As the ceremony concluded, graduates crossed the stage to applause from family members, friends, educators, and community supporters, celebrating a class that leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, leadership, and determination. From record-breaking scholarship totals and college degrees earned to the meaningful relationships and memories built along the way, the Class of 2026 demonstrated what is possible through hard work, resilience, and a commitment to growth.
Lenoir County Public Schools congratulates the graduates of Lenoir County Early College High School and looks forward to the many ways they will continue to lead, serve, and make an impact in their communities and beyond. Congratulations, Class of 2026!
