One by one, the seniors stood in front of the room and announced where they were headed next.
Old Dominion University.
Virginia Tech.
James Madison University.
Virginia State University…
Then came the surprise prompt:
“Give one piece of advice.”
The answers came quickly, but not lightly.
“Never give up and always ask for help.”
“We are not in a competition with anyone but ourselves, so always try and be the best version of you at all times.”
“Don’t be afraid to rely on other people. It’s a lot harder to do it yourself.”
“Stay curious and don’t allow people to make you feel bad for exploring your curiosity.”
“Always be yourself and always advocate for yourself.”
“Say yes to opportunities.”
“Be adventurous.”
“Engage with your community.”
For the underclassmen sitting in the room, the advice sounded like encouragement. But for those who have spent the last four years alongside these students, it sounded like something more familiar: reflection.
Over time, these seniors have learned much more than how to navigate rigorous academics, college applications, and long commutes across Richmond. They have learned how to advocate for themselves. How to ask for help. How to recover from disappointment. How to trust their own voice. How to stay curious. How to keep showing up.
In many ways, the advice they offered younger students reflected the exact habits they spent years building themselves.
The Senior Send-Off and Pinning Ceremony was designed to celebrate that growth.
An evening to remember
The evening began at UP RVA’s after-school program, where all high school students gathered together one final time for the annual hat ceremony. Seniors revealed their college choices, fully stepping into the role of being the older students everyone else was looking toward.
Later that evening, families, staff, board members, and younger students gathered for the pinning ceremony itself. Each senior was introduced through a reflection written and delivered by a staff member who had walked closely alongside them throughout high school. Freshmen then stepped forward to pin each senior, symbolizing both how far the seniors had come and where the younger students’ own journeys may someday lead.
More Than Accomplishments
The reflections did not focus primarily on accomplishments or accolades. Instead, they revealed something deeper: character.
Students were celebrated for their humor, resilience, honesty, curiosity, leadership, discipline, flexibility, kindness, and growth.
One senior was described as someone who “makes spaces better.” Another as a “quiet but undeniably mighty leader.” Another as “a quiet force to be reckoned with.” Another as someone whose “steady personal determination and team spirit” transformed disappointment into leadership and redemption.
The stories stretched far beyond grades or college acceptances.
There were stories about learning differences and self-advocacy. Stories about recovering from injuries. Stories about students who slowly found their confidence and voice over time. Stories about students becoming mentors to younger peers. Stories about students who learned how to “sit with the suck” long enough to grow through difficult moments instead of walking away from them.
And throughout the evening, one theme remained constant: unlimited potential.
Not as an abstract phrase, but as something visible in the students themselves.
In Naiim’s leadership and joyful presence.
In Tyra’s humor, resilience, and self-assurance.
In Ny’Keila’s extraordinary growth and determination.
In Tae’Veon’s quiet discipline and intellectual curiosity.
In Dae’Zarriah’s honesty and artistic voice.
In Rocquel’s independence and mentorship.
In Nacere’s character and thoughtfulness.
In Tavon’s humanity and commitment to community.
The Power of Being Known
The ceremony also reflected something equally important: the intentionality of the support surrounding these students.
Every reflection made clear just how deeply UP RVA staff know and care for the students they serve. Over four years, staff members have become mentors, advocates, chauffeurs, tutors, coaches, counselors, listeners, and stabilizing forces in students’ lives. The ceremony was not simply a celebration of outcomes. It was a reflection of years of steady investment, relationship-building, and belief.
And perhaps that is what made the evening feel so meaningful.
Ready for What’s Next
For one night, these students were fully seen—not just for where they are going next, but for who they have become.
At the close of the ceremony, the seniors stood together, locked arms, and repeated their final commitment:
“I honor who I am,
and remain committed to who I am becoming.”
The line captured the spirit of the entire evening.
This was not the end of their journey. UP RVA will continue supporting each of these students through college and beyond. But the Class of 2026 left the evening having crossed an important threshold. Surrounded by younger students, families, and the people who have spent years walking beside them, they stepped fully into what comes next—confident, supported, and ready for the leap ahead.
