The Titan Class of 2022 received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony on June 4, 2022, at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, returning to its pre-pandemic venue for the first time since 2019. Alexandria City High School’s (ACHS) 809 graduating seniors are the first to graduate from ACHS since its name change became official in July 2021 as part of The Identity Project.
“I am honored to share this special moment with you and congratulate you for reaching this milestone,” said ACHS Executive Principal Peter Balas. On a somber note, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. noted how only days ago as a nation we grappled with the shock of the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and how we mourn a loss closer to home with the untimely death of one of our very own Titans. “Today we honor Luis Mejía Hernández’s memory as part of this graduating class,” said Dr. Hutchings. Principal Balas added, “Graduation is a milestone that all families look forward to, and we are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss.” Hernández’s family attended the ceremony and accepted his diploma posthumously.
During the commencement ceremony, student remarks came from Student Government Association President Sabine Mead, student Ana Reyes Araujo and Class of 2022 President Grace Williams. Students Erin Burns and Caroline Davenport sang the national anthem and Class of 2022 Treasurer Margaret Irvine presented the class gift of its remaining funds to the Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025 to help make their senior years memorable. Dignitaries in attendance included Alexandria City School Board Chair Meagan L. Alderton and other Board members, as well as Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and City Council members.
Among the Class of 2022 Titan graduates:
- 403 seniors (43% of the class) graduated with an Advanced Studies Diploma, the highest percentage of ACHS students to earn an Advanced Studies Diploma.
- 562 of the graduates reported applying to a college or university, with plans that will see them attending 98 different institutions of higher learning.
- Merit scholarships awarded to 2022 Titan graduates from various organizations totaled $1,734,500.
- 205 students received scholarships from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria totaling $600,000 for their first year of college, to be renewed throughout their four years of study.
- 30 Titan athletes signed letters of intent to compete in collegiate athletics in nine sports.
- 22 graduates indicated a commitment to serve in the U.S. military.
- 30 seniors have planned gap years and will participate in Year Up, AmeriCorps and other opportunities.
- 15 ACHS graduates have plans to attend a trade school to study technical, HVAC, dental assistant, electrical apprenticeship and automotive service trades.
Class diversity of the 809 graduates:
- Asian (non-Hispanic): 5.7%
- Black/African American (non-Hispanic): 25.4%
- Hispanic all races: 37.8%
- White/Non-Hispanic: 28%
- Multi (non-Hispanic): 2.9%
- American Indian/Alaska Native (non-Hispanic): 0%
Congratulations to our ACHS Class of 2022! Our 2022 Titan graduates along with the entire ACPS community continues its work to remain committed to putting racial equity at the heart of all decisions, ensuring that each and every student has the opportunity to succeed. The full press release is available online.