More than 1,400 Hampton City Schools freshmen pledge to graduate in 2028

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Hampton City Schools hosted its eighth annual Commitment to Graduate Ceremony at the Hampton Coliseum. The Hampton community came together to pledge their support in ensuring that every member of the Class of 2028 will return to the Coliseum in just over three years—ready to walk across the stage as graduates. This commitment reflects a shared dedication to preparing students for success in their careers, lifelong learning, and life as they embody the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate.

Phoebus High School student and member of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Academy of the College Experience Robert Beach, gave the welcome.

 

More than 1,400 Hampton City Schools freshmen, along with over 400 parents and guardians, school faculty, and community leaders, gathered to be inspired and reaffirm the importance of earning a high school diploma. The ceremony emphasized a student-driven, career-focused future, encouraging each student to commit to achieving the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate milestones.

 

The Class of 2028 committed to dreaming big, taking their lives in bold directions, envisioning greatness in themselves, and seizing every opportunity. The students pledged to graduate in 2028 and received commitment pins.

 

Students heard from Hampton City Schools faculty, staff, and administrators, who pledged their commitment to supporting the Class of 2028 in demonstrating excellence and achieving academic success. Meanwhile, parents and guardians vowed to reinforce the value of education and remain actively involved in their child's learning journey.

Kaleb Lucas of Phoebus High School and the Virginia Peninsula Community College Academy of the College Experience introduced the speaker, Dr. Adolph Brown, III.

Students, families, faculty, and community members were inspired by the “real talk” of Dr. Adolph Brown, III. He elevated the attendees’ perception of school by encouraging students, faculty, families, and community members to embody the acronym of UPS – Show Up, Cheer Up, Level Up, Lift Up, Never Give Up.

The Hampton community, represented by Brandon Jones, director of Community Captains and Program Outreach for Christopher Newport University, pledged to be actively engaged in the Class of 2028's education and promised to help them become dedicated and invested citizens.

Melissa Spencer, Stephanie Pierre, Christy Harrington, and Jason Samuels, parents of Freshman Academy students from each of the four high schools, led the parent/guardian pledge where families pledged to emphasize the importance of education to their children; make positive behavior the expectation in their household; pledge to monitor their children’s academic growth; and stay involved in their children’s education. They also pledged to engage in consistent, collaborative communication with their children’s school and stay committed to helping their children graduate from high school in 2028.

Student ambassadors Danielle Spencer (Bethel), Maliyah Rodriguez (Hampton), Quinn Bartlett (Kecoughtan), and James Samuels (Phoebus), led the students in their pledge to do their personal best to achieve the attributes of the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate; understand that their education is very important to their future; and help them become successful and productive individuals. Their goal is to graduate from high school with a purpose, a plan, and ready for postsecondary education or a career. They pledged to be committed to graduating from high school in 2028.

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes shared in his speech to the students, “My charge to you this morning, and over the next several years, is this…

 

Make the commitment to graduate from Hampton City Schools college, career and life-ready…or stated another way, make the commitment to graduate from Hampton City Schools the Portrait of a Hampton City Schools graduate.

 

Make the commitment to create a positive sense of self.

 

Make the commitment to embrace the content knowledge and real-life applications that will prepare you for your next chapter in life.

 

Make the commitment to develop excellent communication skills.

 

And, make the commitment to sharpen your leadership abilities.”

The class of 2021 was the inaugural graduating class of the Academies of Hampton (AoH). Through the Academies of Hampton - 16 wall-to-wall academies and 44 pathways in Hampton’s four high schools - Hampton City Schools has transformed the traditional high school experience into an innovative model that prepares all students for careers, linking academic courses to college majors and career sectors. Students and teachers use experiential learning to make lessons come alive. With pathways designed and supported by community partners, students are exposed to a wide range of college and career opportunities, equipping them for success beyond graduation.

 

The Academies of Hampton (AoH) offer students a clear pathway to graduation while ensuring a seamless transition from high school to college and careers. Within the academies, students join a cohort of peers who take courses together, share common interests, and explore specific career fields. Each academy provides a highly personalized, small learning community where students learn English, science, math, social studies, and meet all graduation requirements within the theme of their academy. The academies also offer advanced placement courses, dual enrollment courses, and industry certification exams that may count as college credits depending on the college or apprentice program students attend and the major they pursue.