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Program Graduates 41 ACE and 4 GED Proud Students

Desha Poweel, deputy superintendent, delivers thanks and inspiration to graduates.

In celebration of second chances, determination and sacrifice, 41 Adult Continuing Education Program students and four GED Proud students received their high school diplomas and GED certificates, respectively, in a joint ceremony on Sunday, June 9, at the Charlotte Amalie High School Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium.

Students were praised for persevering through individual challenges — a testament to their determination and fortitude, according to outgoing principal, Desha Powell, who bid the class farewell to take on her new role as deputy superintendent in the St. Thomas-St. John District.

Jean Liberny, salutatorian, impressed upon his classmates the importance of using their education to become more active members of the community.

Class salutatorian Jean Liberny showcased his multi-lingual capabilities during his remarks by extending thanks in English, Spanish and his native tongue, French-creole (patois), to ACE Program teachers and support staff.

“We thank you for your love and support throughout the years we were enrolled in this program,” he said. “We express our joy and gratitude to the ACE family who has always been there for us.”

Graduates sing class song-
“Wherever I Go” byMiley Cyrus

Liberny then took a more serious tone as he impressed upon his classmates the importance of their using their education to become more active members of the community.

“We must now put into practice all that we have learned, we must take our places at universities and trade schools, and we must lend a helping hand and assist where necessary,” he said. “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Class valedictorian Julia Lapomarede echoed similar sentiments as she reflected on the unique challenges her class faced following the 2017 hurricanes.

“There were many reasons to give up, but we pushed through with hard work and determination,” she said. “For most of us, it has been three to four years of sacrifices, but it was truly worth it.”

Julia Lapomarede, Valedictorian thanks ACE staff and teachers for. their support

Lapomarede called for her classmates, especially the men, to step forward and be examples of integrity and good character for younger Virgin Islanders. She concluded her remarks with a quote from civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically,” she said. “Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of education.”

The Adult Continuing Education Program provides the opportunity for adult learners to earn credits toward their high school diploma. Registration for enrollment takes place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., September and October, at the Charlotte Amalie High School campus.

For more information on enrollment in the ACE Program, call 774-0780, ext. 4526 after 5 p.m.

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