The Vandegrift Class of 2022 commencement ceremonies took place May 27 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park where 671 students walked across the stage, got their diplomas and turned their tassels.

“(The Vipers) achieved unprecedented success in academics, fine arts, community service, athletics and leadership,” shared VHS Principal Charlie Little during his speech at the ceremony.

Many students from band, choir, theatre, academics, robotics, Destination Imagination, dance and cheer advanced to regional, area, state, national or world competitions. Many athletes advanced to playoffs and some extended to regionals or state. 

“These graduates were also incredibly productive, taking the opportunity to load up on dual credit coursework through Austin Community College,” Little said.

The new graduates earned 5,742 college credit hours through ACC. This many credit hours is the equivalent of 191 students completing their initial freshmen year of 30 credit hours, Little said. 

Also these credits save their families money:  an estimated $2.3 million in tuition and fees for in-state, public institutions; or well over $6 million in tuition and fees for out-of-state public institutions. 

Some 368 Vipers or 54% of the senior class took at least one or more of the  Advanced Placement exams this year totaling 1,072 exams taken by these local students. In the course of their four years at Vandegrift while in two years of pandemic, these seniors have taken an impressive total of 3,161 AP Exams for potential college credit, Little shared. 

The College Board AP Capstone Diploma requirements were met by 22 of VHS seniors who invested in the two-year AP Capstone Diploma Program.   

Out of this group of seniors, 90 students were recognized by the National Merit Corporation: These awards included 17 National Merit Finalists, 27 National Hispanic Scholars, 5 National African American Scholars, 3 National Indigenous Scholars and 38 students are National Merit Commended Scholars.  

In addition, 21 Vipers earned the International Baccalaureate Diploma, one of the most distinguished diplomas available to high school students. 

“All of these seniors are the embodiment of excellence, juggling the rigors of extracurricular and academic life,” Little concluded his speech. “As a community, we gather here today to celebrate them, the class of 2022.”