News

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

July 8, 2024

Graduation season is one of the most exciting times of the year for all of us at the Emily K Center. It is a culmination of all the hard work done by our students, families, volunteers, and staff. We are overjoyed to congratulate 42 high school and college graduates in the class of 2024 and celebrate all the students and families who participated in Emily K Center programs this year.  

Learn more about just a few graduates, and please join us in congratulating our entire Class of 2024!

Melvin graduated from Jordan High School and will attend NC State University in the fall, studying Mechanical Engineering. He completed the Scholars to College program with the Emily K Center and plans to continue with Scholars on Campus. While in high school, he was involved with FFA, Jordan High School LISTOS (Latinos in Stride to Obtain Success), and the National Engineering League.

“My favorite memory at the Center was definitely sophomore year career exploration night, where I met my mentor and found out more about my passion – engineering,” Melvin said. “The overall environment at the Emily K Center is welcoming and supportive.”

Fredricka graduated from NC Central University with an Art B.A. and a concentration in graphic design. She started coming to the Emily K Center in 5th grade as a Pioneer Scholars student and continued with our programs through college. Fredricka has enjoyed getting to know other students in the NCCU art department and the tight-knit community on campus. She received a job as an art teacher at a Durham Public Schools elementary school right after graduating.

When asked what advice she would give to incoming college students, Fredricka shared “Stay on top of your academics and allow yourself to open your mind up. And don’t forget to have fun along the way and make memories!”

Angelina graduated from the City of Medicine Academy and was a part of the Scholars to College program. She plans to attend UNC Greensboro in the fall and enroll in the Center’s Scholars on Campus program. During high school, Angelina was involved with HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the garden club.

Her advice to future graduating seniors is to “come prepared, live your dream, and find your happiness!”

Juan has been involved with the Emily K Center since the 8th grade and recently graduated from Rice University with an Electrical Engineering degree. He is planning to pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering in the fall and work for a startup specializing in designing chips for Artificial Intelligence. He’s spending his summer in California working as a silicon design intern with Microsoft.

“My favorite memories are when I would come to the Center, be greeted by everyone, and then have weekly 1:1 meetings with my mentor in high school,” Juan said. “If it wasn’t for the Center, I would not have reached my potential and be where I am now.”