ELIZABETHTOWN — While most children have not returned to school yet, Bladen County Schools has been busy welcoming back Early College students and traditional school staff.
Bladen Early College High School welcomed 144 students to class on Aug. 15 as they officially began their 2022-2023 school year. Principal Haley Cheshire is looking forward to a great year with such a wonderful group of students.
“It is exciting to watch young people chase a dream and have an opportunity to help them get a head start on a college experience,” she said. “The Early College is an amazing place to grow and learn.”
Bladen Early College High School opened in 2017 and celebrated its first-ever graduating class last year.
As Bladen County’s traditional schools prepare to begin on Monday, Aug. 29, the district welcomed back staff and officially kicked off the 2022-23 school year with Convocation on Aug. 22. The convocation began with Samantha Zunun-Gonzalez, Shanyla Hunter, Sarah Hash and Lauren Hammonds, members of West Bladen High School’s Color Guard posting colors and Alison Carroll singing the National Anthem.
Superintendent Jason Atkinson’s welcome message set the standards for the upcoming year and emphasized the vital role every Bladen County Schools employee has in the education and success of its students.
Keynote speaker Kenston Griffin was an inspiration. His enthusiasm and insightful words got the entire room off their feet and excited about the upcoming year. Echoing Atkinson’s remarks Griffin said, “You might not have the title of principal, but you still have the job of making sure no child is left behind.”
To close, Louie Boykin prayed over the school district and its staff as they prepare for the upcoming year and welcoming students back into the classroom.