In St. Croix’s First My Brother’s Workshop Graduation, Two Students Receive High School Diplomas

ST. CROIX — Two students graduated on Saturday with an accredited high school diploma from Penn Foster High School, through My Brother’s Workshop (MBW) Education, MBW has announced. The ceremony was held at the St. Croix Christian Church (SCCC).

This was the first ever graduation ceremony for MBW St. Croix. Family and friends of the graduates, volunteers and supporters, MBW board, committee and staff members and dignitaries including guest speaker, Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., Superior Court Judge, Honorable Douglas A. Brady, former Senator Nellie O’Reily, Education Commissioner Raquel Berry-Benjamin, representative of Congresswoman Stacy Plaskett’s office, Mae Williams, and VI Department of Labor Commissioner, Gary Molloy, attended the event.

Kevin Williams Jr. of Kev’s Pan Vibes played the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Dr. Suzanne Magras, MBW education manager, served as MC. Scott Bradley welcomed the crowd and thanked everyone for their support. Pastor Gary Moore of SCCC delivered the Invocation, followed by the national anthems, played by Williams.

Mr. Francis, a longtime MBW supporter, addressed the graduates with an encouraging message, stating, “Today is only a stepping stone to the greatness that lies ahead of you. There is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror, because we want you to always look forward. You are destined for greatness. You have our support,” he said.

Graduates addressed the audience with comments on their time at MBW and their plans after graduation. MBW St. Croix Lead Trainer, Derrick Venzen, shared his remarks and introduced a video honoring graduates’ MBW journey.

Following the presentation of diplomas, MBW Executive Director, Jenny Hawkes conferred the graduating class, asking them to turn their tassels to the left and throw their caps in the air. It was a moment of pure jubilation, according to the release.The class processed out to the sounds of Pressure BussPipe’s “Do it and Done” performed by Kevin Williams Jr. A reception and fellowship followed the service.

The following MBW graduates earned accredited high school diplomas from Penn Foster High School: Anselmo Jackson and Kaysten Norman.

MBW said its mission is to end youth crime and violence in the territory through mentoring, counseling, education, career and technical training, and job placement. To date, 40 students have graduated from the MBW Education program with their high school diploma.