It was a night to remember.
An army of proud Devil Rays marched into the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School gymnasium to receive their hard-earned high school diplomas. From start to finish, the ceremony was both a celebration and a showcase of the students' accomplishments, creativity and talents. When it was all said and done, Rays Nation added 187 proud graduates to its distinguished history during the 43rd Commencement Exercise of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on Saturday, June 18, 2016.
During his remarks, Principal Stefan Jurgen praised the Class of 2016 and highlighted their many accomplishments, including the school's recent territorial Moot Court Competition win. Additionally, he heralded the students' academic and musical talents, naming prolific saxophonist and honors student Sherwin Williams as Student of the Year. He also praised the administrative team for their hard work and shared a light moment with the audience when he asked team members to join him on stage for a series of selfies.
Valedictorian Micaiah A. Bully, who will attend UVI in the fall, touted "Kean Pride." He said, "Be the best you can be. Wherever you go from tonight, give it your best." Salutatorian Sherkquan A. Henry had a similar message for her classmates: "Go out into your world and commit to your success. Allow your experiences to guide you," she said.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to a number of rousing vocal and musical selections performed by students. Under the direction of Dionne Donadelle, Maroon Men performend "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The IEKHS Harmonic Rays Concert Choir performed "Ava Maria/I Believe" under the direction of Jeannette A. Rhymer, and the jazz combo and Concert Choir performed several selections, including a special tribute titled, "Thanks for the Music" that featured hits from top artists, such as the late Prince.
Keynote speaker Lucien Stephenson, '86, made an impassioned plea to students leaving for college to consider returning home to work and build their careers in the Virgin Islands. "There are more opportunities in the Caribbean than there in the States," he said. Then, speaking on the importance of entrepreneurship, he added, "Stay here in the islands and make a name for yourself. I want you to become someone that's big."
The Class of 2016 received approximately $4.1 million in grants and scholarships. Ninety nine graduates were females and 88 males; 66 graduated with honors; 102 will attend UVI and 45 will attend other colleges and universities; six have enrolled in the military; 20 will enter the workforce 13 received both an academic high school diploma and a certificate in a technical program; two students received college credit as part of their dual enrollment in UVI during the school year.
