PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – As we celebrate our nation’s independence, Portsmouth Public Schools are celebrating the success of a distinguished graduate paving the way for the next generation of military members.
Stevie Gary made history as the first African American female from Wilson High School to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“It’s still unbelievable … honestly. All praise to God, without him, I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” Gary said. “I am happy that I had a great support system. My mom, my family, my siblings.”
Wilson High School was later renamed Manor High School in 2021. Ahead of her time at West Point, Gary was part of the basketball and track teams.
“There are many teachers that really pour into you, and they take their time and make sure that you understand the material. They also take the time to put little tidbits of life information in too so that was a really good experience for me,” Gary said.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment … it not only reflects her individual dedication and hard work but also serves as an inspiration to others, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.”
Dr. Timothy Johnson, Gary’s former principal and current Manor High School Principal
Now Gary is part of the 2024 class of cadets. President Joe Biden served as the commencement speaker on May 25.
“I’m very grateful to West Point for the rigorous academics [and] physical fitness. All of those things really have changed me for the better,” said Gary. “I had great teachers and mentors there. I ran into some great people at West Point … that is really what kept me going. Even from home, that support is what kept me going.”
During the ceremony, Gary was given a gift made up of one dollar from each of the 1,036 cadets. She then shook the President’s hand.
“It was definitely difficult. There were many long nights, many injuries, many mental battles that I had to overcome. However, that came with great people that were around me. Not just my family at home, but I got to meet a new tribe of people at West Point,” Gary said.
Gary was part of the gospel choir. She credits God and her family for helping her through her time at the academy.
“I birthed greatness,” said her mom, Michelle Hughes. “I’m extremely proud. I really am. I was just telling her, 23 years ago, you were just a baby. She never gave me any problems!”
Now Gary is a second lieutenant, and she will spend the next six months at Fort Moore, Georgia. From there she is off to Fort Bliss, Texas, for three years.
“To hopefully receive my first platoon as a second lieutenant,” said Gary. “I’ll be leading a good amount of people at the age of 23, so that’ll be exciting.”
Now she is encouraging the next generation to “take risks.”
“I hope and pray that someone that looks like me can continue thriving and striving,” Gary said. “Shoot beyond the stars. I don’t know what’s out there in the universe. There is so much. But just shoot for that. There’s nothing that you can’t attain.”