SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Class of 2021 Graduates during Outdoor Ceremony
Shouts of jubilance and victory could clearly be heard through the masks of parents, family and friends as the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) Class of 2021 marched, socially distanced, down an outdoor red carpet and to their awaiting seats in the middle of the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus.
“Today is a miraculous day. We are here to witness and celebrate the class of 2021,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. “Families, this has been a year full of the unexpected. From the effects of COVID-19, especially on brown and Black communities, to learning remotely for more than a year, to racial injustices from Breonna Taylor to George Floyd, our CHS scholars have taken an unprecedented school year and persevered beyond all obstacles. Graduates, I could not be prouder of each and every one of you.”
Class 2021 Valedictorian Darweshi Amerson Jr., echoed Jeffries’ sentiments in his commencement address. “We can look at these challenges as unnecessary detours in our lives or as stepping stones for our future,” he advised. “Whether it be as small as a pebble or as big as a boulder, we have all pushed through and persevered.”
Jeffries also praised CHS instructors and staff, who she asked to stand and be acknowledged. “Our Charter team has gone above and beyond the call of duty for their scholars,” she enthused. “They have rocked out remote learning, virtual meetings, Zooms, school supply and Chromebook pickups, home visits, and special interventions. You name it, they’ve done it.”
To CHS parents, Jeffries added, “You made sure that in-between all of their jobs, that our scholars completed what they needed to do. You showed up for school supply pickups. You joined virtual meetings to help encourage your scholars. You had our backs. Thank you, parents.”
Special recognition was given to three students for achievements that earned accolades. Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEAM instructional coordinator, presented the following awards:
- F. Graebe Scholarship to Maliyah Brown and CHS Salutatorian Jai’Lyn Earvin
“This scholarship is for CHS students who have been accepted to SIUE, is renewable for four years and covers the cost of tuition,” said Cummings. “Students selected have an outstanding academic status and an interest in STEM.”
- Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Running Start Program Scholarship to Amerson
“The Running Start Program affords highly qualified high school juniors to get a running start on college,” explained Cummings. “The program allows students to earn a high school diploma, while simultaneously earning an associate’s from SWIC.”
CHS Board of Directors President Willis Young presented the scholarship that bears his name to Amerson. “This year’s scholarship winner has shown his commitment to education and excellence,” said Young, former CHS assistant director.
The commencement ceremony also included the school’s traditional “Hope Rope” presentation, with senior class sponsors and CHS instructors Bridget Nelson and Johnathan Tate presiding. The “Hope Rope” was initiated by Venessa A. Brown, PhD, associate athletics director for diversity, equity and inclusion and former SIUE East St. Louis Center interim executive director.
“You built a community of support with each other,” said Nelson. “This year has affected you in ways we never could have imagined. From attending class while working at a fast-food drive-through window, to presenting a senior class exit portfolio, via cell phone and outside, this class has juggled more than most senior classes. Some of you have experienced profound loss, and yet, you are here. You did it.
“As you move on in life and go your separate ways, remember this ceremony and the friends you made here. Remember how strong you are. Think about how much your experience has taught you, and how much you’ve grown because of it.”
“Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Hope Rope presentation looks different today,” informed Tate. “Imagine you are holding three long ribbons together – one black, one red and one white. Together, these three ribbons represent what you have accomplished, what you have today and what you hope to do in the future. Now, imagine Dr. Jeffries and (CHS Interim Assistant Director) Ms. (Pamela) Saffore cutting away the ribbons, leaving each of you with your own set of three ribbons.”
“The black ribbon is a reminder that you will always be a part of the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School community,” Nelson explained. “The red and white ribbons are your lifelines. Imagine giving your red and white ribbon to two CHS teachers, counselors or other faculty members. When you leave today, be sure and email those you selected.”
Other members of the CHS 2021 graduating class included:
- Leslie Brazier
- Deonte’ E. Curren
- Jylon Dudley
- Danisha A. Garrett-Gilmore
- Tyreese D. Gomiller
- Jabrion P. Hardin
- Kahn Key
- Kareem Miller
- Azhauria M. Milton
- Jordan Javon Neal
- Jairen Robinson
- Dezirae Frankie Spencer
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
Photos:
L-R: Maliyah Brown, recipient of the William F. Graebe Scholarship award, is shown with CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. CHS Board of Directors President Willis Young awarded Darweshi Amerson Jr. with the scholarship in his name.
The SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Class of 2021 participated in graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 14.
Also attending the CHS graduation ceremonies were (L-R): SIUE East St. Louis Executive Director Timothy Staples, Ed.D, and SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. In the background are CHS instructors.