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Honoring Agents of Change: Alexandria City Public Schools Celebrates the Impact-Focused Graduating Class at 2024 Commencement Ceremony

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2024

Contact: Jasmine Washington-Price, jasmine.washington-price@acps.k12.va.us or 703-283-5567

Anticipation filled the air this morning for the 841 Alexandria City High School (ACHS) graduates and their families, Alexandria City Public Schools(ACPS) staff, leaders, School Board members, City Council members, dignitaries and community participants as ACHS Executive Principal Alexander Duncan commenced the ceremony and graduates turned their tassels during the Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony. This year, ACHS adopted the theme “Agents of Change,” highlighting the graduating classes’ shared interest in making an impact during their senior experience project. 

“I am extremely humbled, proud and overjoyed for our Class of 2024 graduates,” said Executive Principal Alexander Duncan. “I am also very excited for our Titans.” Seeing how much of an impact this group of students want to make, fills me with immense happiness. Witnessing their dedication to creating a positive change and their passion for making a difference is inspiring.” 

In addition to Mr. Duncan, the commencement ceremony included remarks from Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, King Street Campus Administrator Ashley Carter-Sinclair, Class of 2024 President Marwa Naqshbandi and Vice President Fayaz Naqshbandi, Class Secretary Noah Jennings, Student Government Association(SGA) President Henry Anderson, SGA Vice President Christina Comar and senior student speakers Hayat Abdurahman Ismael and Auborn Joseph Shepard III. The Titan Choir seniors sang the national anthem and in attendance were Alexandria City School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief and other School Board members, as well as Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson and City Council members. 

“Today we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our ACHS Class of 2024, whose remarkable dedication, vision, drive and passion have truly defined them,” said ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “I look forward to seeing how they shape the future and pursue their dreams as they become ACHS alumni.”

Alexandria City High School Class of 2024 Facts:

  • 622 members of this class have reported applying to a college or university (As of May 31, 2024).

  • They will attend 135 colleges and universities.

  • 30 Titan athletes signed letters of intent to compete in collegiate athletics in nine sports. 

  • 427 seniors (45% of the class) graduated with an Advanced Studies Diploma, the highest percentage of ACHS students to earn an Advanced Studies Diploma. 

  • They are receiving at least $2,000,000 in merit scholarships awarded, including from the following organizations: HBCU Week Foundation, Inc., Questbridge College Match, POSSE Foundation, Gates Foundation, Akerson Family Foundation, Beat the Odds Program (BTO), Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC, Navy ROTC, Alexandria Sportsman Club, Educational Opportunities for Alexandrians (EOA), United Fund (UNCF), Dell Scholars Program, Amazon Future Engineers, Harry F. Byrd Scholarship Foundation,  Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) Foundation, Cooley-Moore Scholarship, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), as well as many of the schools they will be attending.

  • 216 students received scholarships from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria totaling $644,800 for their first year of college, to be renewed throughout their four years of study, totaling $2,330,300 in value.

  • At this time, 19 students have indicated a commitment to serve in the U.S. military.

  • 21 seniors have planned gap years through the following organizations: Year Up, Americorps, employment/internships.

  • 19 students will attend trade schools to study technical, HVAC, dental assistant, electrical apprenticeship and automotive service trades.

  • Class diversity of the 841 graduates:

    • Asian (non-Hispanic): 6.1%

    • Black/African American (non-Hispanic): 26.38%

    • Hispanic all races: 36%

    • White/Non-Hispanic: 26.7%

    • Multi (non-Hispanic):2.7%

    • American Indian/Alaska Native (non-Hispanic): 2%

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2024!

About ACPS

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves more than 16,000 students who hail from more than 119 countries and speak 121 languages. ACPS has 18 schools, including two middle schools, two K-8 schools, one pre-K school and the internationally recognized Alexandria City High School. ACPS is committed to putting racial equity at the heart of all decisions and ensuring that each and every student succeeds.

 

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