PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Students at I.C. Norcom High School returned to class with excitement, nerves and a clear focus on what comes after graduation.
Junior Troy Elliott said he is ready for the challenges ahead.
"I am excited because junior year is like my most important year in high school," Elliott said.
Elliott is also a dual enrollment student and said he is preparing for the academic demands that come with his junior year.
"The SATs, my SOLs and all those tests so I'm kind of prepared because it's like I'm kind of entering adulthood like I'm ready for it plus I'm a dual enrollment student as well," Elliott said.
Seniors are feeling the pressure too. Sheilah Threadgill said she is determined to finish strong.
"This is my last year, I just don't want to slip up or anything like that," Threadgill said.
Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Elie Bracy III said the district is expanding its college and career programs to prepare students for multiple paths after high school, including going directly into the workforce.
"Some of them that we know are not gonna be college bound and they want to be able to go directly to work. So we want to be able to make sure they get the credentials and the certifications they need while they're in high school and they can be gainfully employed," Bracy said.
In January, Portsmouth Public Schools is set to open the Portsmouth Advanced Career Education Center, known as the PACE Center, with pathways including automotive technology, building trades, cybersecurity operations and welding. Students will also be able to explore culinary arts and education through new industry institutes at Manor High School.
Before the tests, the classes and the big decisions, students got some encouragement to start the year.
The I.C. Norcom Alumni Association welcomed students back with music and cheers to help ease first-day nerves.
"It is nice for them to have music and stuff to help us hype up for the school year," Threadgill said.
For IC Norcom students, the first day was just the beginning of a year that could help shape what comes next.
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