240 Complex High Students Recognized For Exceptional Academic Performance

ST. CROIX — The St. Croix Educational Complex (SCEC) High School recognized 240 high-achieving students who earned a GPA of 85 percent and above for the marking period at its Academic Honor Awards Program held Wednesday, May 9 in the school’s auditorium, the Department of Education announced Friday.

In all, 65 ninth grade students, 61 tenth grade students, 45 eleventh grade students, and 70 twelfth grade students were presented with certificates of achievement, according to D.O.E.

During her opening remarks, Principal Genitta Richards praised the students’ accomplishments.

“Two hundred and forty students are receiving this distinct honor of excellence awards. We are here to celebrate you, to recognize your accomplishments, your hard work, your persistence and dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout the year,” she said.

Tenth grade counselor, Ms. Sherma Ferdinand, introduced guest speaker and SCEC Class of 2007 graduate, Morisa V. Jagrup. Ms. Jagrup attended Florida Memorial University on a full scholarship and maintained a 3.75 GPA while attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She also received a Certificate in Spiritual, Psychology and Coaching, and is currently the Assistant Director of Leap and Learn Academy in St. Croix.

“It’s quite an honor and privilege to be here this morning, and I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for making it thus far and making an 85 percent or higher,” Ms. Jagrup said.

She went on to offer students tips on how to lead successful lives. “Focus on your goals; first of all, create goals. If you don’t have any goals, you don’t know what to focus on. So create some goals, create goals that are high enough that you can achieve,” she said.

Throughout her motivational remarks, Ms. Jagrup thanked students for their hard work and encouraged them to keep excelling. She also instructed students to give themselves a congratulatory pat on the back, as well as to congratulate each other.

“You all sitting here today are honor students, you are the future generation,” she said. “Rise up to the challenge, keep up the excellent work, be proud of yourself.”

To close the spirited ceremony, Assistant Principal Pedro Parilla reminded students that they achieved the academic milestone because of their persistence.

“A task of this magnitude does not happen overnight,” he said. “We thank everyone for coming and we always remember to say, it’s a great day to be a Barracuda!”

The Barracuda Battalion, commanded by Cadet Corporal Guadalupe, led the Color Guard. Senior Kishawn Hardy performed the National Anthem, and the Virgin Islands March was performed by students Sanaa Burke, Abigail Valery and Chelsea Valery.