N.C. School of Science, Math graduates 324 students in Class of 2009
U.S. Senator Kay Hagan challenges class to lead U.S. toward a green economy

DURHAM, NC - The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) graduated its 28th class when NCSSM Board of Trustees Chairman William P.H. Cary accepted 324 members of the Class of 2009 on Saturday, June 6, 2009. U.S. Senator Kay Hagan gave the keynote address to a crowd of nearly 3,000 parents, alumni and friends gathered on Watt's Hall lawn on the NCSSM campus.

Sen. Hagan, a longtime supporter and champion of the School, spoke about the value of public and higher education. Over the course of her career in state politics, Hagan said she has fought for education and that she would continue to as a U.S. senator. She then challenged the Class of 2009 to help the United States become energy independent and to develop clean energy that reduces the need for fossil fuels. Hagan explained that if the brightest young minds set their sights on this goal, it is a problem that can be solved.

Also speaking during the ceremony was special guest University of North Carolina President Erskine Bowles and Board of Governors member Clarice Cato Goodyear. President Bowles took the opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2009 and to express his pleasure in having NCSSM as the University of North Carolina's 17th constituent institution.    

Nearly 75 percent of this year's graduating class, which includes students from 77 N.C. counties, plan to attend a University of North Carolina system school for undergraduate study, with more than 81 percent attending schools in-state. Other graduates plan to attend Duke University, MIT, Princeton University, Stanford University, West Point and Yale University, among others.

View a complete list of graduates by county.