Petersburg Graduates Earn High School Diploma and Richard Bland College Degree

Two students from Petersburg High School recently graduated from Richard Bland College of William & Mary, earning both their High School Advanced Diploma and their two-year Associate of Science Degree. Through the “Middle College Program” partnership between Richard Bland College and Petersburg City Public Schools, Antonio Duperior-White and Amaya Comvalius graduated from both high school and college this spring. The Middle College Program enrolls qualified juniors who qualify for college-level Math and English courses and are selected by designated administrators at Petersburg High School.

“Through clearly articulated educational pathways with partners like Petersburg High School, students like Mr. Duperior-White and Ms. Comvalius are able to secure an affordable, prestigious college degree that sets their course for future success,” said RBC President Debbie L. Sydow.

“Our ongoing partnership with Richard Bland demonstrates that Petersburg students can accomplish anything if we believe in them and provide opportunities and support as they work to achieve their dreams. We are proud of Antonio and Amaya and look forward to their continuing success,” said Dr. Marcus J. Newsome, Superintendent of Petersburg City Schools.

Duperior-White, who will transfer in the fall to VCU and major in Sociology, is the first of three siblings to attend college. “I wanted to get a head start on earning my bachelors degree; it was something that would make my mom happy. I saw the Middle College Program as a way to acquire time management skills and prepare me for where I needed to be at a four-year college. I am a more confident student for having been in the program, and the relationships with RBC professors was a fantastic experience.” He plans to earn his Master’s Degree in Forensic Science, and ultimately work for the FBI.

Comvalius, who will transfer in the fall to Hampton University and major in Psychology with a minor in Communications, said she was “building a bigger and better future” by attending RBC. “The program prepared me for everything needed to be a successful college student. The amount of homework, reading and deadlines couldn’t be replicated in high school. Not only have I learned to work in advance of coursework, but being on a college campus taught me how to socialize and acclimate myself to a new environment.”