KIPP Bold City celebrates its first graduating class

Kriste-ana Smith wants to help people.

The valedictorian of the first KIPP Bold City High School graduating class says her years at the Westside charter school prepared her to be a physical therapist.

Thursday afternoon, Kriste-ana and scores of her classmates announced their post-secondary decisions during a signing day ceremony inside the school’s gymnasium.

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
The cheerleaders, the applauding classmates, the declaration of college plans — as well as the light refreshments served afterward — were reminiscent of what many high schools across the country do to celebrate varsity athletes who have signed scholarships.

KIPP Bold City High School was not the first local school to replicate that ceremony for its academic achievers. However, Thursday was the first time KIPP Bold City had the chance.

“Honestly, it feels like a huge accomplishment,” says Kriste-ana, who will graduate with a 4.3 weighted grade point average. “Over the past four years, it hasn’t been easy. It’s really given me a run for my money. It’s a huge accomplishment to me because its something I’ve been working toward for a long time and it feels good to finally be in the moment.”

Read the full article here.