From left: Breanna Elie, Valedictorian at Eudora Kean High, Mila Carty, Valedictorian at Charlotte Amalie High, Djamel Boucenna, Valedictorian, at Complex High on St. Croix, and Amira Claxton, Valedictorian at St. Croix Central High. By. THE USVI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Virgin Islands Department of Education said Saturday it will present inaugural virtual graduation ceremonies May 26-29 for its four public high schools. The prerecorded ceremonies will stream on the Department’s Facebook page at 3 p.m. daily and broadcast on Viya’s Channels 26 and 27, according to the department.
- May 26 – St. Croix Central High School
- May 27 – St. Croix Educational Complex High School
- May 28 – Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
- May 29 – Charlotte Amalie High School
The 3 p.m. ceremonies will feature video messages from the top students at each high school, prominent Virgin Islanders and inspiring guest speakers. Schools will also present musical selections and other special highlights, D.O.E. said.
Pre and post-graduation activities are also planned online each day. At 1:30 p.m. on the Department’s Facebook page, a Pre-Graduation Zoom Meet Up will be held for the public to interact live with members of the Class of 2020. At 7 p.m. nightly, virtual graduation parties will be streamed live on the department’s Facebook, featuring top Virgin Islands’ artists, including Pressure, Rock City and DJ Benny D, Big Band, DJ Avalanche, Shaw HP The Band, and more.
D.O.E. Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin said the activities are designed to offer graduates and their families a safe, but well-rounded graduation experience in the age of COVID-19.
“I’d like to first congratulate the members of the Class of 2020 on a job well done. Our virtual graduations are a three-part online experience for students, their families and the community as the Department endeavors to do its part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” she said. “Graduation committee members have worked tirelessly to capture many elements of an in-person graduation and blend those with special features that can only take place online. There will be many exciting surprises for our graduates. We encourage everyone to tune in and celebrate the Class of 2020.”
