First IGNITE DAVIE Students Recognized at Davie High Graduation

(L to R) Kaleb Thomas, Emberlyn Whitaker, Jessica Chavez, and Mallory Peck 

When Davie County High School seniors crossed the stage on June 6, they made history.

For the first time since the launch of the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise program, graduating seniors who have committed to continuing their education through IGNITE DAVIE were recognized with graduation cords. The recognition marks a significant milestone for a program that has helped hundreds of local students pursue higher education and workforce training opportunities without the burden of tuition costs.

Beginning with the Class of 2020, IGNITE DAVIE has provided eligible Davie County graduates with funding for tuition, required fees, and a stipend for books at Davidson-Davie Community College and, for select programs not offered at DDCC, Forsyth Technical Community College. Students can pursue certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and transfer pathways regardless of financial need or academic standing.

While IGNITE DAVIE has transformed opportunities for local students over the past six years, graduation recognition was not previously possible because program enrollment deadlines fell after graduation. With application deadlines now moved earlier in the year, students can be identified and celebrated alongside their classmates.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Emberlyn Whitaker. “I’m honored to be recognized. Hopefully, it will open more students’ eyes to how beneficial IGNITE DAVIE can be.”

Future Healthcare Professionals

Whitaker will enter DDCC’s highly competitive Radiography Program this fall.

Inspired by her grandmother’s experience with medical imaging after a stroke and automobile accident, Whitaker discovered a passion for radiology during her sophomore year. She worked strategically throughout high school, taking dual-enrollment college courses, completing prerequisites, and maximizing the program’s point-based admissions system.

The effort paid off. She will be the youngest of 15 students in the program.

“Healthcare students always worry about debt,” she said. “With IGNITE DAVIE, I can focus on being successful in a competitive program without worrying about how I’m going to pay for it.”

“I think every Davie County student should take a chance and go to community college through IGNITE DAVIE.”

Jessica Chavez will pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing at Davidson-Davie Community College with plans to eventually become an operating room nurse.

Her interest in healthcare began in middle school after her father had multiple surgeries and continued through Health Science courses at Davie High School. A job-shadowing experience in the operating room at Davie Medical Center confirmed her career goals.

“It was so cool to see how everything works — preparing the room, preparing the patient, doing the procedure, and taking care of the patient afterward,” she said. “It’s always fascinated me.”

Chavez credits counselor CJ Shepherd, who met with her almost every day to complete her college and IGNITE DAVIE forms, Health Sciences teacher Angela Reeves, and the counseling staff for helping her navigate the college admissions process.

“It feels so good that IGNITE DAVIE students are being recognized for the first time,” she said. “I feel like I accomplished something.”

Exploring Opportunities in Dental Hygiene

Mallory Peck will attend Forsyth Technical Community College to pursue Pre-Dental Hygiene studies.

After exploring several career interests through career assessments and research, she discovered dental hygiene and quickly became interested in the field. Her long-term goal is to continue her education beyond dental hygiene and eventually become a dentist.

The path won’t be easy. Dental hygiene is one of Forsyth Tech’s most competitive programs, requiring students to complete prerequisites and earn enough points for admission.

“That’s kind of the goal,” Peck said of eventually becoming a dentist.

Like many students, Peck, who first started hearing about IGNITE DAVIE in 8th grade, was attracted to the opportunity to reduce future college expenses through IGNITE DAVIE.

“I didn’t want to have to pay for college and multiple degrees,” she said. She’s grateful to Career Coach Jennifer Hanes, who guided her through the IGNITE DAVIE and Forsyth Tech application process and even tracked her down during a field trip to make sure she didn’t miss a deadline. 

Turning a Passion Into a Career

For Kaleb Thomas, the path was clear long before high school graduation.

A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Thomas will enroll in Davidson-Davie’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program while continuing to work at the Davie County Schools bus garage through a pre-apprenticeship opportunity.

“I’ve always been around cars,” he said. “I’ve always loved working with my hands.”

His ultimate goal is to work as a heavy equipment mechanic, potentially with a major equipment manufacturer such as Caterpillar.

Thomas credits Career Development Coordinator Alyse Wooldridge, who helped connect him with internship and apprenticeship opportunities that launched his career path before graduation.

“I’ll always be grateful because she helped get me the internship and then the pre-apprenticeship and helped me get on this path,” he said.

Building a Workforce for Davie County

According to Davie High School Counselor Erin Brown, the graduation cord recognition is about more than celebrating individual students.

She hopes it will raise awareness among both students and parents about opportunities available through IGNITE DAVIE.

“I think the more we raise recognition for the kids, the more it gives them a sense of pride to know they’re doing something special and unique,” Brown said.

“DDCC and Forsyth Tech are cheaper than a four-year school, but having IGNITE DAVIE pay for it is really life-changing for a lot of these kids. This gift allows them to start their careers and adult lives either debt-free or with less debt, and gives them opportunities like affording a home, renting a place, or setting up shop somewhere.”

As a Davidson-Davie Community College Career Coach embedded at Davie High School, Jennifer Hanes helps students navigate the application process, career planning, and enrollment requirements. She believes the program’s greatest impact is providing access to education and workforce training for all students.

“We want every child to understand that they have access to higher education thanks to their local community,” she said.

Hanes notes that many students and families are now embracing community college as a strategic first step rather than a fallback option. With college costs continuing to rise, the ability to complete two years of education tuition-free can significantly reduce student debt and allow graduates to begin their careers sooner.

A Community Investment

IGNITE DAVIE was created through a collaborative effort of local government, education, business, nonprofit, and community leaders who recognized the importance of increasing educational attainment and workforce readiness in Davie County. The community-funded program was designed to ensure that every eligible graduate has access to education and training opportunities beyond high school.

For the students receiving cords this year, the recognition represents both personal achievement and the support of a community that invested in their future.

Whether pursuing careers in radiography, nursing, dental hygiene, diesel technology, or countless other fields, these students are part of a growing group of graduates taking advantage of opportunities that did not exist before the Class of 2020.

And on graduation day, for the first time, everyone will be able to see that commitment represented by a cord worn with pride.

To learn more about IGNITE DAVIE College Promise, please visit Ignitedavie.com