Cumberland International Early College High School: Pioneering the Future

At Cumberland International Early College High School, Senior Class President O'Shea Shephard has been a cornerstone of resilience and leadership. From his junior year as the vice president to his senior year at the helm, O'Shea has orchestrated events that not only aim to alleviate the stress of his peers but also enhance their final high school experiences.

"In my position as senior class president, my eyes have definitely been opened to the struggles that not only students go through but the teachers and staff as well. Organizing events to keep morale high throughout the final push of the year has definitely been a trial, as everyone's scrambling around trying to get ready for graduation, and FAFSA and college," O'Shea stated. "Being there and being able to at least alleviate some of that stress through the events we have to offer, such as our senior trip or our upcoming senior week in May, for me, is the icing on the cake. I've enjoyed being there for my seniors, and I wouldn't change a thing."

The Class of 2024 at Cumberland International Early College High School embarked on their high school journey under extraordinary circumstances, navigating a landscape reshaped by the global pandemic from their very first day. "To start off strongly, our class, just like most if not every other senior class, spent our first year in quarantine. A lot of us say it was easy, a lot of us say it was hard, but it was an interesting start to the most pivotal years of our lives," O'Shea reflected. This resilience shone brightly. Despite the challenges, this class stood out, frequently taking center stage at awards ceremonies and actively contributing to the school community.

The strong bonds formed within the walls of Cumberland International are a testament to the close-knit community fostered by the staff and students alike. "Everyone has their own interpersonal connections, such as speech and debate kids being close with our English teacher Mrs. Freeman, or SGA kids being closer to our advisor, Mrs. Blackwell," O'Shea explained. "Mrs. Blackwell and our counselor, Ms. Watson, have been working out most things alongside each other, making sure that all of us are ready to graduate. Outside of them, there are many other staff members who light up all of our days, even when it's hard."

As they prepare for graduation and beyond, the seniors at Cumberland International are well-equipped for the future, many carrying forward significant college credits and real-world experiences. "We're in an early college; we've already been taking college classes, many of us already taking classes for our majors," O'Shea noted. "I think we're all well prepared, and we know what we want to do, we just have to do it now."

Reflecting on the crucial support provided by the school system, O'Shea expressed gratitude for the opportunities and resources that have shaped his and his classmates' educational journeys.  "Cumberland County Schools has given me and fellow students many opportunities and given us the equipment to work towards academic excellence," he said. "They've offered a well-rounded education and provided us with fresh Chromebooks for all of our homerooms."

As O'Shea Shephard and his classmates step into the next chapter of their lives, they leave behind a legacy of achievement, unity, and resilience, poised to make their mark on the world.