By Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
Last Thursday, the Southeast Raleigh High School class of 2025 was able to Connect The Dots. Connect The Dots organization hosted its 3rd annual Southeast Raleigh Senior Day. The energy was high as graduating seniors engaged in a day brimming with insightful panels, valuable networking opportunities, and exciting prizes that included a $1,000 scholarship, gift cards, stylish sneakers, and even laptops!
The event, true to Connect The Dots’ mission of “empowering young people through focused programs and vital resources,” delivered precisely that. Students were treated to a diverse range of perspectives and guidance on navigating the transition from high school to their next chapter. Following these informative sessions, the gymnasium transformed into a hub of connection, where a multitude of professionals and organizations eagerly shared their expertise and opportunities from the military, to medicine, to the personal care industry, and everything in between.
What truly set this event apart was the prominent presence and invaluable contributions of alumni. For graduating seniors standing on the cusp of a new beginning, hearing directly from those who have walked a similar path is incredibly impactful. Alumni, having navigated the very challenges and excitement these students are now facing, offered relatable advice, shared their personal journeys, and provided tangible insights into various career paths and post-secondary options. By bridging the gap between current students and accomplished alumni, the organization fosters a sense of possibility and provides roadmaps for success. Hearing firsthand accounts of triumphs and even navigating setbacks from individuals who once sat in the same classrooms can be profoundly motivating and demystifying for graduating seniors.
Connect The Dots continues to be a vital force in the Southeast Raleigh community, living up to its dedication to “closing the divide between potential and opportunity.” By creating initiatives like the Senior Day, Khalya Swain and her team are not only providing immediate resources but also creating lasting positive memories by connecting young people with the wisdom and experience of those who have come before them. The 3rd annual Southeast Raleigh Senior Day was a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the bright futures that lie ahead for these graduating seniors and decorated alumni.
