While this past weekend saw hundreds graduate from Beaufort County’s High School, graduation ceremonies at Washington Montessori Public Charter School on Thursday were particularly significant.

With three graduates, the WMPCS Class of 2018 is the first group of seniors to complete their education at the school. Graduates honored during the ceremony were Jason Scott Fleming, Jr., Mia T’youna Moore and Michael Trenton Woolard.

“While there may only be three, their journey has impacted hundreds and hundreds of staff members, community members, friends and family during their time at Washington Montessori,” WMPCS Director of Administration and Finance Austin Smigel said.

Speakers for the occasion included WMPCS Board of Trustees Chairperson Lisa Lawless and State Board of Education Member Becky Taylor. Fleming spoke on behalf of the Class of 2018 as the senior representative.

“While you were here at Washington Montessori you learned about pioneers who transformed our country,” WMPCS Board of Trustees Chairperson Lisa Lawless told the graduates. “Today I am including Trent, Mia and Scott to the list of pioneers.”

Chartered in February of 2000, Washington Montessori served 425 students in grades K-12, as well as 12 preschool students during the 2017 school year.

“Next year we are planning for 20 graduates,” WMPCS Directress of Education and Academics Darla Prescott said. “Most of them will have been with our school since they entered our school in our Primary Program. While many people think our school is growing in size, our plan has always been to grow naturally from the lower levels rather than accepting students in the upper levels.”

“We are proud of our graduates’ accomplishments,” Smiegel added. “Their achievement is a milestone in our school’s history and a testament to the vision of our founders 18 years ago.”

For more information on Washington Montessori Public Charter School, click to www.wmpcs.org.