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Hundreds crowded into the DeYor-Ford Recital Hall Sunday April 7 to watch the YEC Commencement
YOUNGSTOWN
The 54-member Youngstown Early College Class of 2017, 39 of whom received associate degrees at Youngstown State University’s commencement Saturday, were all smiles as they walked or danced across the stage Sunday to receive their hard-earned high-school diplomas.
Their parents, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins – and other extended family and friends who filled the Ford Family Recital Hall at DeYor Permorming Arts Center for the YEC Class of 2017 commencement – smiled through tears they couldn’t hold back.
They shed tears of joy and pride, but also perhaps tears of relief that their student had made it through the challenging four-year grind, and tears of gratitude that the program exists.
“I’m proud ... I’m ecstatic,” said Ruthila Jefferson of Youngstown, whose daughter Shydaria graduated Sunday. Jefferson, who has an associate degree in computer technology, said she has a second daughter, Tishae, enrolled in YEC starting in September.
“Oh my gosh. I’m very proud,” said DeBorah Graham of Youngstown, whose daughter Victoria is one of the Class of 2017’s co-valedictorians.
“I would highly recommend YEC to anyone. Its staff is the most supportive of students of any school I’ve ever seen,” Graham said.
Shaquanda Crump of Youngstown, whose daughter Dalaysha Oliver is a member of the National Honor Society, wiped away tears as the graduates marched onto the stage. Crump was joined by Dalaysha’s grandmother, great-grandmother, her cousin and uncle to witness the ceremony.
This is a great opportunity to celebrate these young people, said Krish Mohip, chief executive officer of the Youngstown City School District.
Speaking of YEC Dean Monica Jones, Mohip said: “What she has done at YEC is nothing short of remarkable.”
Looking at the graduates and the audience, Mohip challenged anyone to say Youngstown kids can’t learn, and he thanked the parents and families for everything they did to get their students to this point.
Keynote speaker Dr. Tiffany Anderson, director of Africana Studies and assistant professor of English at YSU, said education is important, but she urged the graduates to walk away with humble confidence.
“Yes, you did it and we congratulate you. But, you should know that no one is better than you and you are better than no one,” Anderson said.
Co-valedictorian Victoria Graham described YEC as an “eventful and testing four years. But, we made it thanks to the support of family and friends.
“Thanks to my mom for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. YEC has shaped us as students and prepared us for the future.”
Co-valedictorian Robert Soto Jr. said, “Never change who you are or believe just because someone doesn’t agree with you.”
“The class is small, so everyone knows everyone. The memories that we have of YEC will stay in our hearts forever. The teachers and staff are like second parents. Be proud of who you are and have no regrets because we made it,” said Jalyssa Stanford, co-salutatorian and class president.
Jones, recipient of many enthusiastic hugs from the graduates as she presented them their diplomas, called the Class of 2017 “exceptional.”
“Remember, you were born to lead ... settle for nothing less. Do it for the unborn generations who are meant to build off of your success,” Jones urged the graduates.