Columbia, SC—The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) today announced that it will host a statewide virtual celebration of graduating high school seniors and their postsecondary plans. The CHE’s announcement coincides with Governor Henry McMaster’s proclamation designating May as College and Career Decision Month. The CHE will stream congratulatory video messages to seniors from state leaders and prominent personalities, and encourage high school seniors to celebrate during the statewide Spirit Week by wearing their school colors or uniforms and showing their letters of acceptance for college, the military, or the workplace. Kerry Singleton is a graduating senior at C.E. Murray High School located in Williamsburg County School District in Greeleyville. He is excited about the event, noting “During these unfortunate times of an unpredicted pandemic, many planned senior events had to be cancelled. I could not be more elated … Seniors have worked extremely hard to achieve this goal, and I applaud … efforts to implement innovative ways to celebrate the Class of 2020’s success. On behalf of the Class of 2020, we are grateful for those … who care! “
May traditionally is an exciting time of year for high school seniors, as they prepare for the milestone of graduation and announce their transition to higher education, the workforce or military service. Because of the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many seniors may not receive the recognition they truly deserve for their successful completion of their K-12 education. In his Proclamation, Governor McMaster affirmed the value of high school graduation, and postsecondary education and training. “Students who pursue post-secondary education and training can improve their earnings potential over their working careers” Governor McMaster noted. Acknowledging the unparalleled challenges facing the Class of 2020, Governor McMaster said “the [CHE], multiple statewide partners, and high schools across our state are committed to celebrating our graduating high school seniors, who endured and conquered unprecedented challenges during their senior year.”
The CHE had originally planned a celebration on the steps of the Capitol, but the COVID-19 outbreak scuttled those plans. CHE President & Executive Director Rusty Monhollon said members of his staff suggested hosting a virtual celebration instead. “We need to celebrate and recognize every graduating class, but especially so this year. The Class of 2020 has had a senior year unlike any previous class, and they’ve endured the disruption with grace and wisdom. We want our seniors to know we are proud of them and what they’ve accomplished, and that we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next.” Inspired by the NCAA’s National Signing Day, CHE’s Virtual College and Career Decision Month reinforces the academic achievement of seniors and motivates younger students to think about their plans for life after high school.
During the month, CHE will lead a virtual celebration, with congratulatory video messages from higher education, government, and business leaders and media personalities. High school seniors can celebrate during the statewide Spirit Week, wearing their college school colors or uniforms and showing their letters of acceptance. Seniors can also share a story during “Thank an Educator Day” and their life plans during “Film Your Future Day.”
For more information about the event, follow CHE on Twitter at @SCCommHigherEd and @sccango. |
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