34 Adult Education students from STX receive diplomas

The St. Croix Educational Complex was filled with excitement and pride as 34 members of the 2024 Adult Continuing Education class celebrated their graduation. These graduates had faced various challenges that prevented them from completing high school, but on Thursday night, they all walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Dressed in shiny emerald-green caps and gowns, the graduates were adorned with Virgin Islands madras stoles as they danced to a remix of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Friends, family, and well-wishers cheered them on, capturing every moment with cameras and cellphones.

Among the graduates was Ta’sha Bannis, the class salutatorian, who shared her journey of struggling with virtual learning during the pandemic in 2020. Despite the challenges, she persevered and enrolled in the continuing education program, eventually graduating with distinction.

Valedictorian Shinah Herbert also shared her story of overcoming obstacles, including an unexpected pregnancy at a young age. With the support of her family and determination to find her purpose, she returned to school and excelled, inspiring her fellow graduates to never give up on their dreams.

District Court Magistrate Judge Emile Henderson III delivered a powerful keynote speech, encouraging the graduates to continue setting goals and achieving them. Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington praised the graduates for their determination and resilience, emphasizing the importance of education at any stage of life.

The ceremony was not just a celebration of accomplishment, but a tribute to the journey that each graduate had taken to reach this milestone. As these graduates embark on new paths, they carry with them the lessons learned and the strength gained from their educational journey.