June 18, 2009 – The Project Link Class of 2009 walked through commencement Wednesday like any graduating class, but the class is unlike other 2009 graduates on St. Croix. The 10 graduates who had been drop outs had to overcome more obstacles than the average high school student.
“It hasn't been easy — some still have the same struggles that kept them from graduating in the first place,” said Angela Hernandez, tutor at Project Link. “The class began in 2007 but some still dropped out and came back for one reason or another.”
Project Link is an alternative program sponsored by Women's Coalition and funded by the Department of Labor with no fee for students. Participants get real classroom and text book instruction and an actual high school diploma through the American School in Illinois.
During Wednesday's commencement ceremony Susan Diverio, program director, gave personal stories about the graduates' struggles and successes on their journey to completion of the program. The accounts brought tears, cheers and claps from the audience of almost 200 well wishers beaming with pride during the ceremony at Caribbean Community Theater.
One of those success stories was Maria Morales, age 47, who quit school 32 years ago and decided she needed her diploma to get ahead.
“I was on food stamps and welfare and I was sick of it,” said Morales. “If you don't have a high school diploma you don't have opportunities. This diploma will open doors for me. I'm proof it's never to late to go back. to school.”
Her 75-year-old mother, Anna Cirilo, said she was so happy to see Morales get her diploma after so many years and now she would like to see her go on to the University of the Virgin Islands.
Sayeeda Buffong is another success story that is pretty unusual. Diverio said Buffong beat up people at St. Croix Central High School and was asked to leave.
“Her attitude towards others has changed,” Diverio said. “She has become a role model for her family, encouraging two others in her family to enroll in the program.”
Her mother Sandra Buffong said all she ever wanted was for Sayeeda to finish school.
“She has made me so proud,” said Sandra Buffong. She added the she and Sayeeda are going to UVI in the fall together to study criminal justice.
The students read, wrote, studied and tested through health, family, and housing issues said Diverio.
Natalie Correa, who wants to be a doctor, struggled with health issues. Aurora Colon said she met a boy, left home and school at 16, and got pregnant. Jill Pierre worked at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and at one point her contract wasn't renewed because she didn't have enough education. Nakiah Rivera has two young boys and knew she had to get an education to make more money to support them.
“When I fall I have to pick myself up — there is no one else to pick me up,” says Rivera. “I had to make the change for me and my boys.”
Hernandez said the graduates have made contacts and connections through the program to find meaningful employment.
“Some are looking at college programs in nursing, going to UVI, American University in Puerto Rico, or trade school,” Hernandez says.
Hernandez gave out awards for outstanding achievement in subjects such as American and British literature, biology, algebra, geometry, business law, Spanish and food study. Correa read a poem entitled “Our Deepest Fear” and Rivera delivered the class address.
So that the students could have high school memories they got class rings, had field trips, and had a senior prom last week.
“This was a small nurturing and supportive class with no opportunity to fall through the cracks,” Diverio said. “They became successful with support and encouragement in the journey with fears, struggles and insecurities.”
The graduates were, Yvonne Andrews, Sayeeda Buffong, Aurora Colon, Natalie Correa, Johanna Eufracia, Nia Jackson, Andrew Loe, Maria Morales, Jill Pierre and Nakiah Rivera.
The program runs throughout the school year Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Women's Coalition Children's Center in Christiansted. Further information can be obtained by calling 773-9222.
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