Eight My Brother’s Workshop students received their high school diplomas, and 18 others received recognitions and certifications for their achievements at the 2026 MBW Graduation Ceremony held at the MBW Main Campus Stephenson Family Welcome Center on Saturday.
The Eljhaie Brathwaite Project played the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Kate Barrows, MBW Education and Communication Specialist, served as MC. Chef Ashley Allen welcomed the crowd, recognizing Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett for their letters of support and encouragement in the graduation program, as well as their ongoing support of MBW. Nellie Varlack from The Office of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was in attendance. Ty Troutman of The St. Thomas Reformed Church (STRC) and MBW board member delivered the Invocation, followed by the national anthems, played by The Eljhaie Brathwaite Project.
Keynote Speaker, DJ Cypha, is an entrepreneur, entertainer, and creative professional whose journey has been shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. His path reflects the power of leaning, adapting, and building opportunities through discipline, vision, and hard work. From hospitality to entertainment and business, he has continued to grow by turning experience into purpose and purpose into impact. Today, he represents what it means to create your own lane while inspiring others to move with confidence, resilience, and ambition. DJ Cypha addressed MBW graduates, saying, “Constantly innovate, and never stop learning.”
MBW High School Graduate Joseph gave remarks to her fellow graduates and attendees, stating, “I want to wish my fellow graduates great success in whatever they want to accomplish in their lives.”
MBW Executive Director, Jenny Hawkes, presented the “Outstanding Academic Award” to Joseph Wilson for obtaining the highest GPA of 3.82, the “Achievement Award” to Jerome Osborne in recognition of growth through hard work and determination. Hawkes welcomed STRC Consistery Member, Ty Troutman, to the podium to present the STRC “Love Thy Neighbor Award” to Kumane Williams for outstanding character and exemplary community service.
Following the presentation of certificates, MBW Alumni Romell Phillips offered his congratulations to the MBW class of 2026. Barrows delivered closing remarks, congratulating the graduates and inviting everyone in attendance to stay for cake and refreshments from MBW Café and Bakery following the service.
MBW graduates and honorees received the following diplomas and certifications:
High School Graduates
Soquoi Dawson – Penn Foster High School, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Shawn’Ae Callwood – Penn Foster High School
Wakeem Guishard – Penn Foster High School – Honors, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Walidson Petit-Louis – Penn Foster High School – Honors, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 1 MBW Culinary and Hospitality
Jerome Osborne – Penn Foster High School – Honors, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Jannicka Ramos – Penn Foster High School, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Kerwin Solomon – Penn Foster High School, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 5 MBW Carpentry
Joseph Wilson – Penn Foster High School – Honors, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Honorees
Kaylem Abbott – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 Culinary Arts and Hospitality
A’Sai Brathwaite – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 2 MBW Carpentry
Biblical Brathwaite – Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Dkhory Burke – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Bernard Canonier – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification
John Castillo – Level 1 MBW Carpentry
Djenica Edouard – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Ja’Meesha Gumbs – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 1 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Zhyaire Penn – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
DeJahnai Phillip – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Ramon Ramirez – ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid
Daijah Remy – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Brayan Rodriguez – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 1 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Jaelan Sibily – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Shauri Soto – ServSafe Allergens
O’Can Thomas – OSHA 10-Hour Construction training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Pepsynique Wilkins – Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Kumane Williams – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
