The LCPS CAMPUS program – College Achievement and Multicultural Program for Unique Students – held its 2024 Senior Celebration, honoring the 151 CAMPUS seniors, on Tuesday, June 4 at Stone Bridge High School. CAMPUS is an academic and college preparatory program that is designed to remove barriers to higher education for students who will be the first in their families to attend college.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS superintendent, commended the students for their achievements: “As you enter this new chapter in your lives, know that you have the full support of our school division. We believe in you and are confident that you will go on to achieve great things. We cannot wait to see the impact you will make.”
Tedra Richardson, assistant superintendent of the Department of Student Services, said that the CAMPUS graduates are pioneers, blazing a trail to higher education. “Today, we celebrate more than your academic achievement, we celebrate the fact that you are breaking barriers. You are the first in your families to embark on the journey of higher education and with that comes a profound sense of responsibility and pride. You carry with you the hopes and dreams of those who came before you, and you are paving the way for those who come after you.”
Carla Martinez-Borja, a 2021 CAMPUS graduate from Heritage High School, who recently completed a bachelor's degree in public health from George Mason University shared words of wisdom with the soon-to-be graduates. She advised the seniors to stay curious and always seek to learn and grow while not being afraid of taking risks or making mistakes. Most of all she advised the seniors to stay true to their values.
The highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of CAMPUS seniors. CAMPUS facilitators and counselors from each LCPS high school announced the seniors' names. The seniors came forward in the caps and gowns of their home high school to receive a cord that will be worn at graduation.
Following the recognition of CAMPUS seniors, the Loudoun Laurels Foundation, represented by Loudoun Laurels Board members the Honorable Joe T. May, former LCPS superintendent Dr. Edgar Hatrick, and Nikki Daruwala presented the annual Loudoun Laurels scholarship to Diego Chavez of Potomac Falls High School. Loudoun Laurels Foundation is dedicated to developing future civic leaders through scholarships and mentorships and annually provides scholarships to CAMPUS and Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) students. Jordon Grandison of Tuscarora High School and a member of the AVID program, also received a Loudoun Laurels scholarship. Each scholarship award is $40,000 and is dispersed in $5,000 semi-annual increments over the course of the student’s undergraduate study. Since its establishment in 2013, the Loudoun Laurels Foundation has awarded 29 scholarships to LCPS students totaling nearly $1.2 million.
Published June 18, 2024