<48HD>Titanic Celebration

ACHS Class of 2023 graduates.

 

By Jeanne Theismann

Gazette Packet

 

A sea of red, white and blue filled George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena June 3 as nearly 900 Alexandria City High School students and their families celebrated the graduation of the class of 2023.

“It fills me with joy to see the Titan Class of 2023 receive their diplomas and celebrate their achievements,” said Executive Principal Peter Balas. “We admired their resiliency and creativity as they learned, explored life and contributed to our community.”

The commencement ceremony for the Titan Class of 2023 celebrated the achievement of the 898 graduating seniors, the support of their families and Alexandria City community members. Stories were shared about the students’ leadership and contributions to the community.

“Our Titan Class of 2023 is an impressive group with many accomplishments to celebrate.”

— ACPS Interim Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt

A blacksmith, a bagel company founder, an international dancer, an advanced mathematician, a Futsal World Cup goalkeeper and the creators of ACHS’s first Women of the Future Club were among the graduates. Four graduates were on the ACHS state champion volleyball team in 2022, with two of them also winning the state championship in 2020.

“Our Titan Class of 2023 is an impressive group with many accomplishments to 

celebrate,” said Interim Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “Their hard work and dedication helped them reach this exciting milestone, and they each have the ability to fulfill their personal dreams. My wish for them is to return to ACPS in the future and share with us the impact they have made on their lives, their community and the world.”

Also in attendance were Alexandria City School Board Chair Meagan Alderton, School Board members, ACPS leadership, Mayor Justin Wilson and members of City Council.

The 2023 ACHS graduates plan to attend more than 145 universities, serve in the military, work at a job, take gap years or learn a technical vocation. More than 600 graduates reported applying to a college or university (either a two-year or four-year program) and 16 graduates will serve in the U.S. military.

The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria awarded scholarships to 208 students totaling $627,000, many of which are renewable throughout four years of study. Ten students have been awarded an Akerson Scholarship of $10,000 per year, renewable for four years. Four students won a Project Discovery Scholarship, each receiving $5,000, and 20 Titan athletes have signed letters of intent to compete in collegiate athletics in 10 sports.

“I am so proud of them,” Balas said. “As they enter a world overflowing with challenges and infinite opportunities, I encourage them to remember our Titan community and embrace their potential and their courage to make their mark on this world.”