The 123 students of Whale Branch Early College High School's Class of 2012 graduated Thursday in a ceremony at the school. It was the school's first graduation ceremony.

Total amount of scholarship money earned by the graduates: More than $1.5 million

Speakers: Valedictorian and salutatorian

Valedictorian: Trey Jordan Polite earned a 4.334 grade-point average and plans to study business administration at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Polite is from Yemassee.

Salutatorian: Vanessa Danielle Scott earned a 4.309 grade-point average and plans to study biology at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg. Scott, who is from Seabrook, hopes to become a dermatologist.

From the principal: "As I reminisce on the past two years, I can't help but think of the amount of growth that I have seen in each of you. When we opened the doors for the first time you were full of hope and excitement about our new endeavor. This was all new territory; we had lots of new ground to break. The eyes of the entire community were watching and waiting to see what you would do with what you were handed. You have made me, your parents, teachers and the community proud of what you have accomplished. As the first graduating class of Whale Branch Early College High School you have left a legacy for others to follow; among you there are college graduates, students with as much as a year's worth of college credits, track and field state champs, as well as students with other noteworthy accomplishments. You have proven that you have the potential to become productive members of any community that you choose to call home. Continue to ponder the words of your class motto as you begin your transition into adulthood, 'They said we couldn't do it, but look at us now.' You are winners." -- principal Priscilla Drake

Class of 2012:

Larry Donniel Albany

Akina Kiara Andrews

Tyreeka Shacole Baniel

Monique Shaniel Bing

Tabitha Annette Bing

Quandaireal Leandrea Blue

Chanse Carter Breland

Devontae Marquis Brown

Ikeem Dayvon Brown

Jamelle Raynard Brown

Shakelle Otise Bryan

Brandon Devon Burbage

Adrian Jamal Byam

Andrew John Byam

Dominque Rashad Capers

LaDiamond Tiarra Coleman

Janai Kellsie Crawley

Anjhanee Chadasia Daise

Antwon Major Daley

Victoria Rae Dantzler

Ariana Renee Davis

Shakyhla Tramel Davis

Dominique Shaid Dillon

Mark Antonio Dorsey

Teenesia Rodnay Drayton

Dazon Deshara Duffy

Robert Javon Evans

Matthew Thomas Everly

Noriza Delos Santos Faustino

Blakely Shayla Fields

Joshua Javon Fields

Shantoria Deborah Fields

Tyshawn Xavier Fields

Zakiah Zhane Fields

Cameron James Fletcher

Eric Kyree Frazier

Jasmine Nicole Fripp

Nicole Lottah Fulton

Ashlei Cirocco Furlanetto

Elise Yuvnne Gadson

Mykayla Symone Garmon

Monaijha Denize Gary

Ryan Orlando Gibbs

Shanise Nickay Gilbert

Xavier Kadeem Graham

Rachel Griffin-Tankersley

Tanasia Monique Hamilton

Zachary David Harter

Junitor Alias Miquarius Haynes

Keith Da'mon Henderson

Zana Michelle Horton

Ajhia Monique Howard

Dominque Lamark Hugue

Mytae Jevon Jackson

Mytia Jevonte' Jackson

Stedmon Rashaad James

Ashlee Simone Johnson

Shavone Shantell Kelly

Joshua Shawn Knarr

Christopher Whain Lilly

John Edward Levon Little

Jerrell Lamar Lyle

Ana Karen Macias

Davon Rozell Mack

Parish Ahmaad Magwood

Fantasia Monique Major

Nikeria Mam're Cherkhaun Major

Daniel Joseph Makowski

Felicia Lashawn McCloud

Matthew Franklin McCray

Danielle Nicole Miles

Elizabeth Michelle Mitchell

Khadijah Atiana Muhammad

De'Quan Aquille Mulligan

Brandon Anthony Oree

Leroy Devonte Perry

Kiaira A'Jai Pierce

Trey Jordan Polite

Trey Ta'Quan Pringle

Brittney Ja'kel Pryor

Courtney Jeray Pryor

Priscilla Virigina Pryor

Anthony Nicholas Re

Sacha Andrea Reber

Adeshia Jenae Reed

Brinton Lee Roberts

Michaela Antionette Robinson

Joshua Anthony Salters

Christina Jeanne Saunders

Danielle Beatrice Scott

Vanessa Danielle Scott

Nykerria Janay Shuler

Ryan Travis Sibley

Erica Nicole Simmons

Travaris Taiyron Simmons

Kenneth Ryshawn Singleton

Chantel Simone Small

Kenny Bernard Smalls

Maya Davitra Smith

Rhashard Michael Jamal Spikes

Matthew Walker Sprouse

Troy Alan Stottlemyer

Gerard Lamont Sunkins

Anthony Jerome Timmons

Carl Patrick Toenniessen

Tiffany Nicole Vail

Chalynne Rose Wallace

Kenya Africa Margaret Q. Warner

Whitney Michelle Washington

Andre Ke'von Christopher Watson

Shontel Shavonia Watson

Carl Ronnie White

Michelle Nicole White

Tahj Laron Williams

Tinisha Latrell Williams

Darius Dashun Wright

James Corey Wright

Justin Devante Wright

Maurkess Delvin Wright

Tasheka Yvette Wright

Moses Joshua Young

Ebony Nakierra Rolle

Frank Jerome Washington

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• Whale Branch Early College High School prepares for first graduation; May 27, 2012