Some 140 students from all over North Carolina gathered in the gymnasium of NCSSM-Durham’s Charles R. Eilber Physical Education Center on Saturday, May 17, for the NCSSM Online Recognition Ceremony. More than 230 students representing 61 counties in total completed the program, making it the largest NCSSM Online class to date. 

The gym was a fitting setting for the celebration, for it was there that two years ago the NCSSM Online Class of 2025 gathered for the first time with family members for Welcome Day. On this day, though, the sneakers and jeans of Welcome Day were replaced by brightly colored academic regalia from each student’s local high school that painted a vivid picture of NCSSM’s statewide reach. Online students take advanced virtual courses from NCSSM alongside their local school’s in-person courses. 

Unlike some students from the eastern and western regions of North Carolina, Kelly Kim, the student speaker, did not have to travel far to receive her certificate. The Leesville Road High School student from Raleigh who was selected as the student speaker spent a few minutes sharing her thoughts with her fellow classmates. 

“Life is its own Sudoku puzzle in a way, full of empty pages waiting to be filled and the constant process of trial and error,” Kelly said. “All of these years, we’ve spent time figuring out what fits in our lives. What classes spark our curiosity? What passions light a drive and motivation within us? And what kind of people do we want to be surrounded and supported by as we navigate some of the most challenging and unfamiliar years of our lives?”

“NCSSM was one of those numbers in our puzzle that just fit, which is why our NCSSM experience will forever remain a part of our puzzle.”

In his remarks, NCSSM’s Chancellor, Dr. Todd Roberts, reassured students that the unique challenges of the past two years have positioned them for continued success as they move forward.

“As you turn the page to the next chapter in your education, know that while it may not be as linear as the path you’ve traveled thus far, you are so well prepared and ready for what you will make of it. You veered a little off the traditional path when you chose to take a risk, and accepted a new challenge in deciding to attend the NCSSM Online program two years ago. I want to encourage you to continue to choose your own path. The journey ahead of you is yours to fulfill your own potential and purpose, so take your steps ahead with confidence.”

Click here to watch the recorded livestream, and here to see photos from the day.