St. James High student builds bridge to college, one grade at a time

Spring in Horry County brings fresh flowers, incoming tourists and graduation caps topped with tassels.

About 3,000 people packed into the Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach to see their sons, daughters, grandchildren and cousins walk across the stage. A little more than 300 St. James High School students graduated Friday, marking the final Horry County Schools graduation ceremonies this season.

For Jelin Bellamy, graduation is just the beginning.

Bellamy is the first of eight grandchildren in his family to graduate high school. He’s also the first person in his family to attend a four-year college, and he has big plans for his future.

“I just want to own my own business,” Bellamy said.

He’ll be attending Coastal Carolina University in the fall to major in economics, with a possible minor in finance or management. He’s earned a spot on the college’s track team as well, and said his four years at St. James helped motivate him toward a future of success. Teachers, his parents and school staff have always drilled one main point: academics before athletics.

Grades determine his ability to play defensive end for the St. James Sharks, and grades also determine if he could run track every year. Without those activities – and a good academic record – college would be a harder goal, he said.

“I know if I didn’t get good grades, I wouldn’t get to go to college and play sports,” Bellamy said.

Varachakka Chestnut, Bellamy’s mother, said watching her son walk across the stage draped in Shark blue and gold was a “very special feeling.” For years, Bellamy’s strong will made Chestnut hope his high school graduation would come quickly.

But on Friday, she wished she could turn back time.

“He excelled in school, he set records, and my other kids look up to him,” Chestnut said. “I’m so glad he got here, but it’s emotional.”

Chestnut spoke to the crowd at the ceremony’s beginning, asking for silence throughout the process so every parent has a chance to hear their kid’s name clearly. She said that though everyone is excited – she wanted “to do cartwheels across the stage” – it’s important to respect all graduates.

Bellamy and his mother both credited part of his success to the faculty and staff of St. James High. No matter what, teachers always pushed Bellamy to his best and never let him turn down a challenge, Chestnut said.

Sara Kane, history teacher and mentor to Bellamy, said the secret to producing successful graduates is all in the relationships.

“The main thing I try to do is have a personal relationship with the kids, so they feel comfortable,” Kane said.

“It’s in the small things; saying hello in the hallways, asking about their days, inviting them into your rooms. That’s what matters,” she added.

It mattered to Bellamy, for sure.

“I’m just glad to be here,” he said.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 5:23 PM with the headline "St. James High student builds bridge to college, one grade at a time."