Class of 2026: Celebrating Cabarrus Health Science Institute and Performance Learning Center
CHSI graduates display their diplomas.
Some of the members of the first graduating class of the Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute pose for a picture.
Time for a selfie with fellow graduates.
Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute graduates get ready to march into graduation.
Graduation was a time of celebration.
One of the graduates admires her diploma.
Cabarrus County students have been graduating from various high schools across the county over the past several days. The Independent Tribune is sharing photos from Cabarrus County Schools and highlights from the ceremonies. We will continue over the next several issues.
First class of Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute
The Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute celebrated a milestone on May 16 as the school’s inaugural graduating class crossed the stage, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the new Cabarrus County high school.
School leaders, faculty and students reflected on the significance of the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies, emphasizing the role the graduates played in shaping the school’s identity and traditions.
Graduate Dipannita Priyadarshini challenges her classmates to continue their achievements into the future.
“Today is not just a graduation ceremony. It is the beginning of a legacy,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. John LeGrand told graduates. “Future CHSI students will walk through these doors because you went first.”
The Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute (CHSI) was created to prepare students for careers in healthcare and related fields. As the school’s first graduating class, students experienced a unique journey — helping establish customs, expectations and culture without upperclassmen to guide them.
Oviya Murugan said she and her classmates created traditions for the new school.
Senior speaker Oviya Murugan reflected on that pioneering experience during the ceremony.
“As the first graduating class, we created traditions because there weren’t any to follow,” Murugan said. “We asked questions no one had answers to yet. We set the standard without realizing it.”
Principal Ashley Short said the Class of 2026 didn't just attend CHSI, they built it.
Principal Ashley Short praised the graduates for helping shape the school from its earliest days.
“You didn’t just attend CHSI … you built it,” Short said.
Class speaker Dipannita Priyadarshini encouraged classmates to embrace the future while cherishing the memories they created together.
“High school ends today, but this isn’t goodbye — it’s the start of everything else,” Priyadarshini said.
School officials said the Class of 2026 leaves behind a foundation of excellence, service and leadership that future students will build upon for years to come.
The Performance Learning Center
The Performance Learning Center Class of 2026 celebrated graduation with a message centered on perseverance, resilience and determination, as school leaders encouraged students to continue striving for success despite challenges along the way.
The Performance Learning Center Class of 2026 takes a picture before the ceremony.
Principal Dr. Tyrone Corlew praised graduates for their hard work and commitment to reaching the milestone.
“Your effort will determine the outcome of your life. Great effort will contribute to great outcomes. Once you start something, don’t ever quit,” Corlew told the graduating class.
From a baby to a high school graduate.
School officials said the ceremony highlighted the unique journeys of each student and recognized the persistence required to complete their education.
Two PLC graduates proudly display their diplomas.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. John LeGrand reminded graduates that their experiences and obstacles do not define them.
The dream of walking across the graduation stage is achieved.
“Your story is not defined by the road you took to get here,” LeGrand said. “It’s defined by the fact that you kept moving forward.”
LeGrand said the Class of 2026 demonstrated that resilience, determination and personal growth matter more than having a perfect path to success.
The ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement but also the perseverance each graduate showed in overcoming challenges and continuing toward their goals.
Related
These are photos from the graduation ceremonies for the Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute and Performance Learning Center. Cabarrus County Sc…
