How Kiana Aska's Graduation Season Went From Mundane to Memorable: 'It Was One of The Best Days of My Life.'

  • Staff Consortium
  • May 27, 2022
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St. Croix community members came together to bless the graduation season of Kiana Aska after she was bullied online. By. V.I. CONSORTIUM

Kiana Aska, a 2022 graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, celebrated in style for the past few days as members of the St. Croix community came together to make her experience an enthralling and extra special one following her encounter with online bullying.

Graduation is a special day for many individuals as it signifies a milestone of one’s life. The V.I. Department of Education posted hundreds of graduates celebrating their momentous achievement throughout the week, however, Kiana's pictures had many negative comments. As pictures circulated throughout Facebook, one individual decided to take matters into her own hands. Nyasha “Nuna” Morton, perturbed by the online bullying Kiana faced, stated on Facebook on May 18, “Everybody laughing , y’all know what she’s going thru?" Morton decided that she would help make Kiana's graduation season memorable, and hundreds of individuals commented on the post in support of her effort while others offered to assist.

On Sunday, May 22, Kiana’s Grad Bash occurred at the Frederiksted Beach. Fun filled the air and it was a well attended and successful affair. “This really means a lot to me. I look so pretty and I really feel special. Thank you to the community for your ongoing support," said Kiana. The bash was organized in partnership with VI Freak Nik and included a band, deejays and other entertainment. Among the entertainers were Rowdy Redz, Selecta Zero, Syndicate Sounds, Trinity Krew, Dem Dudes, AAK, MAB, and Toasty FTISB.

Events continued on Tuesday evening with Kiana's photo shoot. Local entrepreneurs assisted with the makeup and hair, clothing and accessories. Ms. Morton expressed gratitude for what was described as a community-involved undertaking. “The community was definitely involved. I knew I had to do something and I am proud to see the results," she stated. "I really want to thank every individual that helped in any way.”

Politician Senator Franklin Johnson reached out to Kiana and offered a summer job. He also paid for the dress Kiana wore Tuesday night.

The untimely death of Kiana’s mother bolstered her determination to graduate. Throughout her years in high school, she was a member of the J.R.O.T.C program. Though she was not awarded a scholarship from that program to advance her career in the military, Kiana says she has not lost determination to achieve great success. And while she is interested in attending college, her true passion is in photography.

Kiana was very emotional throughout the events. She was elated that individuals, especially those who she did not know, were able to help her celebrate. "To the St. Croix community and abroad, I would like to thank you all for making my day yesterday. It was one of the best days of my life. I really felt special and I want to thank everyone that made my grad bash a success. For everyone that gave me a gift or even showed up, thank you!!" she posted on Facebook May 23, a post that received over 1,200 reactions.

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