Spartanburg School District Four has two exceptional students who have achieved the remarkable feat of completing 12 years of perfect attendance. Iyanna Norman and Kentrayveus Evans are shining examples of unwavering commitment to their education and dedication to academic excellence. These students have shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, injury, and the loss of a loved one, never wavering from their commitment to attend school and extracurricular activities every day.
Kentrayveus Evans excelled in the welding program at R.D. Anderson and was honored with the Mendel Scholarship. His inspiration to attend school every day came from his cousin, Quiasha Evans, who graduated from high school with perfect attendance for 12 years. Kentrayveus wanted to follow in her footsteps, and he has succeeded in doing so.
Iyanna Norman’s academic success and decision to attend an historical black college (HBCU) earned her The Landie Scholarship. Iyanna’s determination to have perfect attendance started in first grade, where she challenged herself to make it to school every day. Her mother, Samatha Norman, attests to her daughter’s drive, saying Iyanna never needed to be forced to go to school. She set her sights on perfect attendance and never wavered from that goal.
Both students faced difficult challenges, especially during the pandemic, but they persevered. They never fell behind in their coursework and didn’t have to rely on others to get class notes. Both love math and have very supportive mothers that helped them reach their goal.
Melissa Evans, Kentrayveus’ mother, said during his senior year, he drove himself to school. And although she had to “be at work two hours before his first class, she called him every day to make sure he was up and ready for school and checked the 360 Life App to make sure he made it to school.”
Kentrayveus played baseball throughout his school career. He almost missed school “when he fractured his knee bone,” said his mother. Kentrayveus said, “he was glad the injury happened over the weekend, so he didn’t have to miss school.”
Iyanna participated in basketball and track and did not have any physical injuries that almost made her miss school. Her biggest challenge was mental when she lost her Aunt Dot. Even though it was hard for her, she stayed committed to her goal and went to school.
Their perfect attendance record is a testament to their resilience and determination and will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavors. Kentrayveus plans to attend Spartanburg Community College in the fall and major in welding, while Iyanna intends to study sports management at Benedict College.
Congratulations to Iyanna and Kentrayveus on their impressive accomplishment as distinguished members of the WHS Class of 2023.
Author: Tracy Sanders
