Graduates

Tikaiya Boyd

Tikaiya experienced a lot of personal challenges during her high school years, but she did not allow these experiences to define her or to get her off the track to graduation. She has connected with individuals who helped her to grow in spite of her struggles. Her strong work ethic and determination allowed her to fill in the educational gaps that emerged during some traumatic times. Tikaiya learned the importance of advocacy through her connection to her CIS team at Dudley High School and began to understand the power she possessed to stay in school, to learn successfully, and to prepare for life after high school. Tikaiya has entered the world of work which has become a safe haven for her. She has balanced her school and work schedule and will graduate having navigated both worlds. Upon graduation, she plans to continue working. She realizes the option for furthering her education is within reach, but for now, the world of work will be her classroom.

Muziq Boykin

The traditional high school setting has not always been an environment in which Muziq thrived. However, she stayed the course and found that remote instruction gave her the flexibility she needed to finish. For Muziq, remote instruction removed some of the distractions she encountered at school and she was able to maintain and sustain her workload, recover credits and work. The work experience has helped to nurture her work ethic and she feels prepared for the responsibilities of the workforce. Muziq plans to continue to work but has not ruled out enrollment at a community college.

Markese Ellis

Markese is a twin. He and his brother, Tyrese, share a special bond of being siblings but also classmates from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. Markese is very easy going and does not gravitate to the spotlight. He is happy to blend in with others and to be a part of a team. Dudley has offered him a place to grow and mature. As a senior, he had the confidence to pursue a job and works part-time at UPS. He has expressed interest in attending a community college but plans to stay in the comfort zone of work for a while. Markese has a bright future ahead, as he has been prepared for life beyond the walls of Dudley High.

Tyrese Ellis

Tyrese is the twin brother of Markese. Together, they have crafted their pathway to graduation, supporting and encouraging each other to the finish line. He believes that education is important and can be a gateway to future opportunities. He worked to earn all of the required credits to graduate with his cohort group. Like his brother, Tyrese decided to hone the skills acquired over the years by applying what he has learned to the real world. He currently works at UPS and sees this as a way to network while he explores other options, including community college.

Christopher Pitts

Christopher is an early graduate. He had a well-rounded high school experience that included honors coursework, Weaver classes and his all time favorite, wrestling. Christopher is a hard worker and has a very calming personality. He experienced the tragic loss of a coach who was dear to him his junior year. Despite this trauma, Chris continued to advance academically. Due to COVID, he was unable to wrestle his senior year. However, he moved on. Chris is an overcomer. He has taken his wrestling mindset forward and understands that “Being Challenged in Life is Inevitable, being Defeated is Optional.” In the fall, Chris will attend GTCC.

Erica Lattimore

Erica capitalized on the opportunity to interview for the DeJoy-Wos scholarship, a four-year, $146,000 scholarship to Elon University sponsored by Louis DeJoy and Aldona Wos. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage the development of future business leaders. Chosen by Mr. DeJoy, this multi-year program has and will continue to provide Erica with a unique blend of mentoring, educational and professional experiences. Erica has worked hard to maintain her high academic standing in the Early College Academy. She has a superior work ethic and the drive to make a very promising future.

Durya Morton

Durya has a very endearing personality and a beautiful smile. She has met the challenges she faced in high school and is ready for the next chapter in her life. She loves to dance and used it as an avenue of self-expression. Durya is a relationship-builder. She has learned the value of customer service through her part-time job at McDonald’s where she has worked during her sophomore and junior years. The marketable skills she has learned through her business classes and job experience will easily transfer into the world of work. Durya has a good foundation on which she will continue to build in a work setting after high school. She is destined to use her business sense, creativity and interpersonal skills to discover a job that will allow her to positively impact others and to be an inspiration of hope.

Taye Poteat

Taye is a quiet, easy-going young man. He is very respectful and has demonstrated respect in the classroom and through his interactions with others. Over the years, his confidence in his abilities has grown; however, he understands that he needs to continue to develop his skill set. Taye is cautiously exploring his options after high school. He is an astute "gamer". His well-developed gross motor skills, visual perception and precise timing are assets that will make him a valuable “commodity” in the marketplace beyond high school. Gaming has taught Taye an unwavering sense of fortitude and there is no challenge too great for him. Taye is well on his way to developing his pathway to success.

Charnasia Webb

Charnasia has described herself as “A Rose who Grew from Concrete.” She represents growth, strength, transformation and resilience. Charnasia has lived beyond a very difficult chapter in her life and has chosen not to allow her past to define who she is or who she can become. She understands that her future is bright and full of possibilities. She has learned to take the restraints off her future and understands her future is bright and full of possibilities. Due to her phenomenal work ethic and laser like focus, she will graduate with her cohort group. Charnasia was nominated and selected for the Summit Rotary Club Student of the Month for February and received a gift card in the amount of $100 and a plaque. Her story was so inspiring, Summit Rotary selected her as one of two students recognized as Student of the Year. She received a $1,000 gift card for this honor!!! Charnasia plans to attend GTCC in the fall. Her goal is to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

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