July 31, 2024 | Jeffrey Good
When Canaan Piercy’s mom was fighting breast cancer during his freshman year of high school, he didn’t have to think twice about his priorities.
“I’ve got to help her because she’s always helped me,” said Canaan. “I just didn’t like to see her laying in bed with nobody to help her.”
The hours Canaan spent changing his mother’s dressings, cleaning house and making meals were hours he couldn’t devote to high school studies. He fell behind, could not catch up and decided to drop out.
But Canaan didn’t want to give up, so he decided to give himself another chance at Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy (CSAA). As one of the first students at the Myrtle Beach public charter school when it opened in September 2023, he found educators who had the time to help him learn, who saw him as more than just another name on an attendance sheet.
“They treat me like I’m their son and not just a student,” says Canaan, citing in particular academy Director Dr. Deirdre Brasch and graduation candidate advocate Erica Mitchell. “They treat me like family. That’s the kind of teachers you need.”
Canaan has ADHD and has a hard time sitting in one place. At Carolina Shores, that wasn’t a problem. Day in and day out, he roamed around the academy, grabbing a snack when he was hungry, chatting with educators and classmates and stopping periodically to work his way through courses.
“I love being on the move,” Canaan said. “Nobody’s ever yelled at me for walking around, having my computer in hand. I love that about this school.”
Canaan has become an ambassador for the academy. “I’ve probably told 1,000 people I know that this is a great school.”
Canaan Piercy and his grandmother on graduation day.
With the academy’s support and his own perseverance, Canaan recently completed the requirements for his diploma. He will soon begin a program in welding at Horry Georgetown Technical College, where he’s earned nearly a full-ride scholarship.
But first, he invited his family to see him walk the stage at commencement as a new member of the Class of 2024. “Now, they get to see me graduated,” Canaan marveled. “I did it!”
Click here for an album of photos of Canaan and other members of the Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy’s graduating class. Photos by Andrew Whitaker.
Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy offers a blended learning model that allows students to work in person and at home, year-round. With extended on-site hours, students focus on one course at a time and can complete coursework around their schedule. When working from home, students can receive remote support to help keep them on track in their courses. Our unique approach meets each student where they are and provides them the support they need. Apply today →