'I feel accomplished': High school students graduate from James Madison Academic Campus

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Tuesday, May 30, more than 150 high school students graduated from James Madison Academic Campus.

The graduation ceremony commenced at noon at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

The graduates were cheered on by family, friends, and loved ones in the stands.

"I feel accomplished," said graduate Marissa Wade.

For some, the day served as a reminder of their past success.

"It was kind of a shock when they were handing me everything, I was like, 'oh, what's all this?' and they were like, 'yeah, you've done this,' and they started naming everything. I was kind of shocked, I was like, 'wow," said class valedictorian, Frederick Calhoun.

And before the ink dries on their high school diplomas, many of the young scholars have already started their journey into the real world.

"Most of our seniors have participated in internships, apprenticeships, job shadow experiences as well as college experiences," said Dr. Jennifer Smith, regional superintendent of the high school region, MPS.

The external opportunities, setting the graduates up for success.

For a full list of Milwaukee Public School graduations, click the link here.