Two hundred and nine seniors at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School earned high school diplomas at the school's 21st Commencement Exercise held Thursday, June 16 at the Island Center for the Performing Arts.
The Class of 2016 chose as its theme: "Poised for Success: The Bold, Brilliant and Luminous Class of 2016."
During her valedictory address, Cariece Browne declared that she was "proud to be a product of the Virgin Islands public educational system." Additionally, she implored her classmates to think critically, stating, "What our minds have gained, no man can take away." Salutatorian Shideya Parrilla spoke about her experiences on an educational trip to Denmark with other students. In a fiery speech, she encouraged her classmates to be "fierce" and stated that the Class of 2016 was a "force to be reckoned with."
Keynote speaker Tashima Lambert, MD, '06, offered words of wisdom to the graduating seniors. She encouraged students to be friendly and approachable as they mature, adding, "People go the extra mile for people they like."
The ceremony included selections by the school choir and concert band, along with remarks from Education officals and dignitaries in attendance.
In the SCEC Class of 2016, 117 will attend college; 74 have enrolled in the military; 18 will join the workforce; and the class received close to $3 million in grants and scholarships.
| Salutatorian Shideya Parrilla addresses the Class of 2016 |
| Valedictorian Cariece Browne gives remarks during SCEC 21st Commencement Exercise |
| Keynote speaker Dr. Tashima Lambert, '06, gives remarks |
