‘Road to Graduation’ Showcases AHPS Student Voices
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Low Moor, VA (Nov. 12, 2026) - The journey to graduation begins long before students enter high school. It starts in elementary school and continues through middle school, shaped by teachers, classmates, families and experiences that help prepare students for the future.
That is the message behind Road to Graduation, a new Alleghany Highlands Public Schools video series featuring students from across the school division.
Through short, conversational interviews, students share what they enjoy about school, their goals, what they look forward to and the people who have made a difference in their lives. Younger students talk about what they imagine high school will be like, while high school students reflect on their experiences, discuss their plans and offer encouragement to younger students.
“Graduation is something we work toward from the time a child enters our schools,” said Alleghany High School Principal Derek Cantrell. “We want students to see themselves in that future, hear from one another and recognize the people and experiences helping them along the way.”
The series also includes the Cougar Challenge, a segment in which students answer questions about high school and graduation requirements. Questions include “What does GPA stand for?” “How many credits do you need to graduate?” and “How long is a high school class?”
Students' answers and guesses create lighthearted moments while providing an opportunity to explain high school expectations and graduation requirements in an approachable way.
Other segments feature finish-the-sentence prompts, questions about future plans, reflections on people who make a difference and lighthearted topics that allow students to share their personalities.
The first episode, posted Nov. 5 on the AHS Cougars Facebook page, featured students from Sharon Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, Clifton Middle School and Alleghany High School. Additional episodes will feature students from elementary, middle and high schools throughout AHPS.
The division hopes the series will strengthen connections among schools, build excitement about future opportunities and help students envision themselves reaching graduation. It also gives families and community members an opportunity to hear directly from students and see how each school contributes to their educational journey.
Superintendent Kim Halterman said the series reflects the division's commitment to supporting students throughout their education and recognizing the role schools, families and the community play in their success.
Through Road to Graduation, AHPS hopes to remind students that graduation is more than an accomplishment at the end of high school. It is the result of years of learning, encouragement and support from an entire school community, she said.
“Every student has a unique journey, but reaching graduation is a shared effort,” Halterman said. “Our teachers and staff work each day to help students discover their strengths, build confidence and prepare for the opportunities ahead. Families and community members are important partners in that work. We want every student to know they are supported, their goals matter and there are people throughout this community who believe in their future.”
To watch episodes, visit the AHS Cougars Facebook page. | | | | | |
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