Mini-mester Means Summer Success for Students

A collage of graduates during the ceremony at Enka High School.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

Congratulations to the students who powered through the Graduation Initiative's Mini-mester summer program!

The Mini-mester, which started on June 16 and ended on Thursday, gave students an opportunity to earn credits in a small, one-on-one environment. The program benefits students who want to get ahead and graduate early and those who need to catch up because of various life circumstances. This year’s Mini-mester was virtual, with teachers leading synchronous online classes and holding one-on-one appointments with students.

“It was an adaptive environment for us,” said Graduation Initiative Director Kaye Lamb. “We did whatever we had to do to engage the students. Our teachers are awesome. They have a deep, abiding passion for helping students be successful. They welcome them all and work with them all where they’re at.”

The program ended with a small graduation ceremony Wednesday evening at Enka High School. With safety protocols in place, graduates donned their caps and gowns and received their diplomas at the gazebo in the school’s courtyard.

“Thanks for being there for me over the years,” Enka High School graduate Sintheahna Jaime-Green said to her teachers. “I’m forever grateful for all the support. I’m happy that I’m graduating, and I’m now thinking about what I want to do next. I think I want to continue with my education.”

“Many thanks for the help of the Graduation Initiative and Mini-mester for not giving up on me, encouraging me to stay in school, and helping me in so many ways so that I could attend school,” added Buncombe County Middle College graduate Jonathan Mertz. “I wouldn’t have graduated without your help.”

Consistent, evidence-based practices embodied in the Graduation Initiative, have led to a continuous rise in the Buncombe County Schools graduation rate over the last several years and a concurrent fall in the dropout rate.

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