001His voice Okay, there we go. >> [laughter] >> All right, good afternoon. Good afternoon parents, esteemed guests, faculty, friends, and most importantly the students. I am Patrick Cheatham, principal of Richmond Success Academy. It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to our second commencement exercise of Richmond Success Academy. We are especially proud of all the graduates and would ask that you please help us honor them in an appropriate manner. If you If you are in need of language interpretation support, please feel free to move to the reserved section at this time. Please note that graduation is a dignified, formal, academic event. Although this is a joyous occasion, proper decorum at graduation will be the same behavior expected at a theatrical performance, church service, or wedding. Please help us make this a memorable and dignified celebration
002of achievement. Upon the announcement of names, appropriate acknowledgement with applause should be used to recognize the graduate. Please refrain from continued noise such as cat calls, yelling, and screaming. If this distracts greatly from from hearing the next graduate's name. We would appreciate it very much if you would take responsibility for each person in your party this afternoon as their behavior is a reflection upon you and your graduate. Thank you. >> Good afternoon, everyone. Before we begin today's graduation ceremony, I want to remind everyone that we offer free interpretation from English to Spanish for anyone that needs it. Our language support staff will be just outside the main doors if you need interpretation headsets. I will mount make the same announcement in Spanish. Thank you everyone. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Woo! >> [applause] [applause] >>
003Woo! Woo! >> Good afternoon parents, caregivers, family members, platform guests, and the graduating class of 2026. Please stand for the presentation of colors by our JROTC and the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the playing of Lift Every Voice and Sing. >> Oh, say can you see by [singing] the dawn's early light >> What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's [singing] last gleaming? >> Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous >> [singing] >> fight, O'er the ramparts we watched >> [singing] >> were so gallantly streaming? >> And the rockets' red glare, the bombs gave proof >> through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled [singing] >> [music] >> O'er the [singing] land of the free and the [singing] home of the brave. >> Lift [singing] every
004voice and sing till earth and heaven ring. >> Sing with the harmonies of liberty. >> Let our rejoicing >> [singing] >> rise high as >> [singing] >> Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. >> Sing a song full of the faith that the dark [singing] past [music] has taught us. >> Sing a >> [singing] >> song full of the hope that the present [music] has brought us. >> Face the rising of a new day begun. >> [singing and music] [applause] >> Please be seated. It is with great pleasure that we begin this a Oops. It is with great pleasure that we begin this afternoon with the presentation of our stage participants. I ask that you hold your applause until each section has been introduced. Each stage participant is asked to stand as his or
005her name is called and to remain standing until the entire section has been introduced. It is my great honor to welcome our superintendent Jason Kamras. He joins me to introduce the school board and division leadership team whose advocacy and dedication have ensured our graduates have every resource needed to succeed in their next chapter. >> Good afternoon everyone. It's very quiet in here. Good afternoon. Um the team left this wonderful gift for me. RPS is number one. You all are number one. Come on. I am thrilled to introduce our esteemed guests from the school board beginning with our chair representing the ninth district, Mrs. Shavondra Fernandez. Representing the 2nd District, Ms. Katie Riccard. Representing the 5th District, Ms. Stephanie Rizzi. And representing the 8th District, Mr. Emmett Jeffari. Can we please show our appreciation to the
006school board? >> [cheering] >> You may be seated. And behind them are members of the RPS leadership team beginning with Dr. Leslie Wiggins, Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Danielle Green Bell, Chief Engagement Officer. Dr. Willie Bell, Principal Director for High Schools. Ms. Courtney Ward, Director of Alternative Pathways. And Dr. Jennifer Blackwell, Director of Multilingual Learner Success. Can we please show our appreciation to them as well? Thank you. >> And now, continuing introductions on the left, seated on the first row to my far left are Ms. Rebecca Fox, Alternative Education Coordinator. Ms. Shanelle Lewis, Assistant Principal. Elder Velez Rodriguez, Valedictorian. Jacqueline DeShields Augustine, Salutatorian. Please recognize this row at the time. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Thank you, and you may be seated. Seated on the second row to my far left Ms. Julie O'Brien, School Counselor for
007Secondary Success Center, Cangemi and Test Taker Academy. Dr. Alene Lucas, Instructional Specialist, Secondary School Counseling. Dr. Melissa White, Assistant Principal. Ms. Jerisha Singh, Department chair, school counselor for RSA. And Ms. Davina Johnson, school counselor for Thrive and Aspire. Ms. Michelle Litwack, MLS, instructional coach. Please recognize us all at this time. >> [cheering] >> Thank you, and you may be seated. In the audience on the sides of our candidates for graduation are members of the faculty and staff of Richmond Success Academy. Now, will the faculty and staff stand at this time and be recognized? >> [applause] >> Please recognize them. Thank you, and you may be seated. Now, I would like to introduce Ms. Rebecca Fox, coordinator of alternative education. >> Good afternoon, everyone. What a powerful moment this is. Today, we gather for graduation 2026,
008celebrating another incredible year at the Richmond Success Academy. What began as a bold vision has grown into a thriving community of five dynamic programs united by one shared mission, student success. This ceremony is not just a celebration of completion, it's a celebration of transformation. To the families, friends, mentors, teachers, and community members here this afternoon, thank you. Your steady support, your patience, your encouragement, and your belief in these graduates helped carry them across this stage. No one earns a diploma alone, and your presence today is a testament to the power of partnership. And to our graduates, our class of 2026, I hope you truly understand what you've accomplished. Your journeys were not identical. Your paths were not always smooth. Some days required grit. Some required grace. Most Many required both. You showed up anyway. You
009pushed through. You kept going. To our students in the afternoon and evening programs, you already know how persistent we can be. There were reminders, check-ins, just making sure you're awake and messages, and more follow-ups than we can count. Let's just say our phone batteries worked overtime this year. But every call, every message, every nudge came from one place. We believe in you. And today you proved that belief was well placed. All of you are living examples of resilience. You are proof that growth is possible at any point in the journey. You represent determination, maturity, and strength. You embody opportunity, accountability, and excellence. As you move forward into careers, college classrooms, military service, training programs, or new ventures, remember this: success is not a straight line. It's built one decision at a time. It's built when
010you choose discipline over doubt, courage over comfort, and effort over excuses. Keep choosing forward. Class of 2026, this is your time. Walk confidently, dream boldly, work relentlessly, and wherever life takes you, carry the lessons you learned here with pride. Congratulations, graduates. Thank you, and enjoy this unforgettable afternoon. >> All right, good afternoon again, everyone. Today is a special day for Richmond Success Academy, but more importantly, it is a special day for every graduate sitting here before me. Today, we celebrate a group of young people whose journeys did not always follow the traditional path, but whose perseverance, resilience, and determination brought them to this very moment anyway. Some of you had to overcome the challenge of learning an entirely new language, while also trying to navigate school, friendships, and a life in a new environment. Some
011of you made mistakes early in your careers and found yourselves needing to recover credits while watching others move ahead. Some of you struggled to get that damn 400 in the SOL and wondered if you would ever have if it would ever happen. Some of you faced challenges outside of school that many adults will struggle to carry. Some of you had to care for your loved ones. Some of you had to work jobs to support yourselves and help support your families. Some of you battled disappointment, instability, self-doubt, anxiety, loss in situations nobody else in this room may ever fully understand. Yet despite every setback, every obstacle, every hard conversation, every difficult day, you are here today wearing a cap and gown. And that deserves to be celebrated. What makes this graduation so meaningful is not the
012is not that the journey was easy. It's that you refused to quit when it became hard. The truth is, perseverance built this moment, not perfection, not luck, perseverance. At Richmond Success Academy, we understand that success does not always happen in a straight line. Sometimes success looks like getting back up after falling behind. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes success looks like continuing to show up when life is fighting against you. And today, success looks like every graduate sitting here before me. I also want to be honest with you today. Graduation is not the end of the hardships. I promise you there will still be more trying days ahead. There will still be more disappointment. There will still be pain and setbacks and mistakes and moments where life tests you yet again. But what
013I hope you realize is this, you have already shown that you have what it takes to survive difficult seasons and turn your pain into progress. You have already proven that you can overcome adversity. You have already demonstrated strength that many people will never fully understand. The same perseverance that helped you cross the stage today will help you through the days ahead. Whether you go into the workforce, college, trade school, the military, or any other plan entirely, never forget the resilience you built here in RPS. The resilience is now part of who you are. Before I close, I want to recognize the people who helped make this day possible. Congratulations not only to the graduates, but also to the moms, the dads, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, teachers, counselors, mentors, and loved ones who supported
014these students along the way. No one reaches this moment alone, and at this time I would like for all the graduates to stand and give your village, your support system, a real a well-deserved round of applause. Graduates, as you as you leave here today, continue believing in yourselves when life becomes difficult. Continue pushing forward even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Carry yourselves with pride, confidence, and purpose. Never allow your past mistakes or circumstances to define your future. You are proof that success is still possible after setbacks. You are proof that growth is possible after failure. You are proof that perseverance changes lives. Congratulations, Richmond Success Academy Class of 2026. We are so proud of you, and we believe in you, and your story is just now beginning. And now I would like to introduce
015the honorable Shavonda Dixon-Fernandez, 9th District Chair, and after her remarks, the program will proceed as printed. >> Good afternoon, everyone. I'm joined today by my colleagues, Mr. Card, who represents Richmond Success Academy, Ms. Rizzi, and Mr. Emmet Jafari. We're here today, and it is truly an honor to stand before you on behalf of the Richmond Public School School Board as we celebrate the graduating class of 2026 of Richmond Success Academy. There's a powerful quote by Nelson Mandela that says, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall." Many people only celebrate the finish line, but today we celebrate your ability to rise. Some of you discovered strength you didn't know you had. Some of you learned how to keep going even when the journey wasn't so easy.
016Some of you grew in ways that could not even be measured by grades or diplomas. But through it all, you stayed committed to your future. And look at you now. Graduating, achieving, and stepping into this next chapter of your lives with strength, wisdom, and purpose. You rose. You persevered, and today you are walking into a future filled with endless possibilities. And that's not even the exciting part. Your story does not end with where you are and where you started. Your future is not limited by your past. If you ask anyone in this audience, they'd tell you our mistakes do not have the final say over our lives. So, today I speak success over you. I speak purpose over you. I speak confidence, healing, opportunity, and favor over your future. Some of you will be business
017owners, healthcare workers, artists, entrepreneurs, but all of you will change be change makers in your community. Some of you will break generational cycles, and some of you will build lives your younger selves only dreamed about. And the best part about that is you don't have to become perfect to become great. I'm going to say that one more time. You don't have to become perfect to become great. The resilience that carried you through difficult moments will also carry you into your destiny. Richmond Success Academy exists because someone believed that every student deserves an opportunity, a different pathway, another chance to succeed. So today, you are living proof that when people are supported, encouraged, and believed in, incredible things can really happen. As you leave here, please do not shrink yourselves. Do not let anyone convince you
018that your future is small. Walk boldly into every room knowing you survived things that were designed to potentially break you, and you are still standing strong. You are not behind, you are not disqualified, you are capable, and you are resilient. And you are needed in this world. Class of 2026, I believe your best chapters have not been written yet. Your future is bright, your possibilities are endless, and your resilience will continue to open doors that nobody, and I mean nobody, can close. Congratulations, graduates, and may greatness follow each and every last one of you. Congratulations. Thank you. >> Hey, Richmond Public Schools class of 2026, it's your mayor, Danny. I'm not just your mayor, but I'm also a proud Richmond Public Schools dad, and I am so excited and honored to be celebrating you today,
019RPS graduates. You did it. Graduation is a huge milestone, and I want you to know how proud I am, not just as your mayor, but as someone who believes deeply in the power of our young people. You've shown strength and determination and a whole lot of heart to get here. Through every challenge, every late night, every test, every new experience, you kept going. And today, you're walking across that stage as a graduate. That is no small thing. That is amazing work. Some of you have overcome big challenges, family struggles, health issues, school pressures, or just figuring out who you are and what's next. And yet, here you are. You didn't give up. You kept moving forward, and we see you. To the families, the teachers, the school staff, and everyone who supported you, thank you.
020It truly takes a village, and you have been that village for these incredible young people. Class of 2026, your future is bright. Richmond needs your energy, your creativity, your passion, and your voice. And whether you're headed to college, a career, the military, or something uniquely your own, I hope that you carry with you pride in who you are and where you come from. You are a part of the story of this city, and I believe in you with my whole heart. Congratulations, graduates. Go out and shine. Richmond is cheering you on. >> Buenas tardes. Good afternoon, faculty, parents, guardians, family members, and most importantly, the Richmond Success Academy graduates of 2026. It's an honor to stand before you today on this day of celebration. A day when we come together to recognize your accomplishments, your
021dedication, and the incredible resilience you've demonstrated to get to this moment. As staff members of KIPP Gannett's Richmond Success Academy, Secondary Success Center, Test Taker Academy, and Thrive, we stand before you with overwhelming pride as we've had the privilege to witness the remarkable efforts you've made to overcome obstacles, pursue your goals, and thrive in the face of adversity. The students in front of us today are not just high school graduates. They are warriors. Graduates, you are parents, full-time employees working upwards of 60 hours a week, and self-supporting individuals who have faced unique challenges that many others will never fully understand. You have balanced multiple responsibilities while pursuing your high school diploma in a non-traditional setting. And your accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. For 16 of our graduates, this moment represents more than earning a
022diploma. It marks the first high school graduation in their families history. >> [applause] >> Their achievement reflects the courage to change the trajectory of generations to come. Today, they do not just cross a stage. They open a door that will remain open for their families long after this ceremony ends. Behind every diploma is a story of sacrifice. And for Yesenia Lucas Vasquez, that story meant juggling the demands of work, school, and family. When Yesenia joined us in September of this school year, she had completed only half of the requirements needed for graduation. While balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and working 40 hours a week at Amazon, she set her sights on one goal, walking across the stage today. As a working parent, Yesenia has shown her child and all of us what perseverance truly looks
023like. As the first in her family to graduate high school, she is teaching her child that education matters, that hard work and sacrifice shape a better future, and that parenthood doesn't pause your dreams, it propels them. Yesenia, we are incredibly proud that you'll be continuing your education at Reynolds Community College. You are, without a doubt, a role model to your son and to working mothers everywhere. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Behind every diploma is a story of long days, late nights, and showing up even when life tells you it would be easier to quit. And that was Kevin Chavarria's reality. A rich Originally from Honduras, Kevin worked over 40 hours a week as an electrician all while completing classes and earning credits required for graduation. This past year, Kevin showed up every Tuesday and Thursday night
024after a full day's work with a smile on his face and worked tirelessly to earn the final verified credit needed for graduation. That kind of commitment isn't just admirable, it's extraordinary. And through it all, he carried himself with positivity, humility, and relentless drive. Kevin, your work ethic and spirit have left a lasting impression on all of us. It will undoubtedly serve you well as you enroll at the Richmond Adult Technical Center in the fall to add HVAC and plumbing certifications to your resume so that you can be a one-stop-shop business owner. Kevin, you are the definition of the American dream. Behind every diploma is a story of courage. And Jessica Hernandez Garcia's story is one of building a future without a roadmap. The Nope. Mhm. The youngest sibling from an indigenous town in Mexico where
025Mixteco is the spoken language, Jessica has faced the challenges of building a life and pursuing her education on her own. With strength and determination, she has supported herself financially while staying focused on her goals. She never lost sight of the fact that earning her high school diploma could open doors to a future she never imagined. Jessica, your resilience is nothing short of inspiring. Not only have you overcome hardship, but you've also achieved the key to unlock the door to a future without limits. Your story is living proof that with determination or con ganas, anything is possible. Behind every diploma is a story of resilience, and Tenesha Mitchell's story reminds us that setbacks do not define your ending. Some of you had to take a pause on your education when life was life-ing too hard, but
026never lost sight of the goal, just like Tenesha. She returned to evening programs after taking a break because it doesn't matter how you start, it only matters how you finish. And finish she has done. Not only did Tenesha finish her diploma requirements this spring, she is in her final class of the pharmacy technician program at Reynolds Community College and is already and is already working full-time as a pharmacy technician. Her life goals don't stop here though, as Tenisha is also pursuing her real estate license with the book with the goal of becoming the first homeowner in her family. Tenisha, Grandma Tanya would be proud. >> [applause] >> Behind every diploma is a story of creativity and MarkTavious Hawkins has turned ambition into artistry. A gifted entrepreneur and creative, MarkTavious pushed himself to complete his coursework
027early so he could fully invest in the dreams he's building for his future. From producing music and designing clothing to studying marketing and real estate, he has used every opportunity to grow his talents and sharpen his vision. His music is already gaining attention from artists at both the local and national level, proof that hard work and persistence create opportunities far beyond the classroom. MarkTavious, you are a reminder of why we love what we do as educators. We cannot wait to see where your creativity and determination take you next. >> [cheering and applause] >> The unique paths walked by students like Yesenia, Kevin, Jessica, Tanasia, and Mark Tavius and the Richmond Success Academy class of 2026 is nothing short of extraordinary. Together, they have completed over 700 Edgenuity courses and exceeded state testing requirements, but they
028didn't stop there. 18 of our graduates have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction a distinction that tells colleges and employers this student has the rare superpower of being bilingual. At this time, I would like to recognize three outstanding members of the Richmond Success Academy graduating class of 2026 for their academic achievements. Kenia Fuentes Castillo found a community at Conganas after needing to work full-time during the day. Through her achievement on CLEP exams, she has earned an impressive 15 college credits, and by the time she begins college this fall, she will already have a full semester of credits completed. >> [applause and cheering] >> Elda Veliz Rodriguez holds the highest academic standing a valedictorian with a cumulative GPA of 3.6. Her achievement reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and a drive that has inspired her
029classmates and teachers alike. Finally, I would like to turn over the podium to our salutatorian, Jacqueline Desticho Augustine, who is ranked second in the graduating class with a cumulative GPA of 3.3. She will then be followed by our valedictorian. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share accomplishments of our amazing students, and please help me welcome Jacqueline to the podium. >> [applause and cheering] >> Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Jacqueline Desticho Augustine, a senior in the Conganas program, and I am happy to be here in front of you representing the the Richmond Success Academy class of 2026. At this time, I will give my remarks in Spanish. The English translation can be found in your program. >> Congratulations RSA class of 2026. This achievement is ours. >> human resource. [applause and cheering] Good
030afternoon, esteemed teacher, family members, and classmates of my graduating class. My name is Elda V. Rodriguez. I'm a senior in the Secondary Success Program, and it's a pleasure pleasure to be here in front of everyone. At this time, I'm going to continue in in Spanish, which is my native language. The English translation will be will be in your program. The nights of exhaustion, the days the moments when life tested us and we kept going. Today, we don't just celebrate a diploma, we celebrate every tear that no one saw, every silent effort, every time we decided to get up even when we didn't have the strength. Personally, this moment has a very deep meaning because there are people who are not here physically with me, but they live in me and in every step I take.
031This achievement is also thanks to them. And it's also thanks to those who never let go of me, my sister. Thank you for being my support, my strength, and my refuge in the most difficult moments. >> [applause and cheering] >> Mr. Camera, honorable members of the school board, platform guests, parents, guardians, and to all who are assembled here this afternoon. We are at the portion of the program that we have patiently We have been patiently waiting for. I dare not stand between issuing diplomas to the class of 2026. Um superintendent, oh, that's for you, right? >> [laughter] >> Before I make this official, I just want to share how unbelievably inspiring each and every one of you is. I am truly humbled in your presence. What you have accomplished, what you have overcome, is nothing
032short of miraculous. And please know that we love you deeply and we are always here for you as you continue your journey in life. Now, shall we make it official? Yes. By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Richmond City School Board, I hereby certify that the class of 2026 of the Richmond Success Academy has met all of the requirements for a diploma and is now eligible to graduate. Congratulations. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Okay, go. >> Elva Veliz Rodriguez >> [cheering] >> Jacqueline Desticho Augustine Isis Douglas Takhira Jones Martavious Hawkins Imani Lee Tatiana Tyler Taylor Washington Areon Williams Joseph Ali Valverde Jacqueline Cruz Vasquez Soraya Diaz Rojas Darwin Gredis Escoto Brandon Alexander Lopez Garcia Jason Lopez Lopez >> [screaming] >> Yes Lopez Vasquez. Dania Marquez Trejo. Tanasia Monet Mitchell. Leonte
033Scott. Deshay Williams. Adelso Alonzo Luis. Aaron Butts de la Cruz. >> [cheering] >> Alex Chach Lopez. Kevin Chavarria Gomez. >> [cheering] >> Yober Torio Noguera. >> [cheering] >> Zaira Cordova Ortiz. Giovanni Damian Antonio. Alexis Enamorado Paz. Christina Flores Alvarado. Kenia Fuentes Castillo. Swanny Garcia Ramirez. Darlin Guerrero Villa. Veronoci Gonzalez de Leon. Jessica Hernandez Garcia. Jose Expectacis. Sara Lopez Chacon. Andrew Omar Moniz Yefri Ortiz Ramos Joanna Pacheco Mayorga Amy Rodriguez Ocampo >> [cheering] >> William Tato Perez >> [cheering] >> Jose Zacarias Lopez >> [cheering] >> Valeria Zepeda Cordova >> Please stay standing. 2026 Richmond Success Academy grads, please move your tassel from the right to the left at this time, indicating the transition from student [cheering] to graduate. Congratulations! >> Mhm.