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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) graduating class of 2016 was encouraged to experience life and not be afraid to make mistakes during their commencement ceremony held Friday, May 13 in SIUE’s Morris University Center. 

“It’s time to grow up. Step up. Mess up a little, but clean it up,” T’Yon Leach, CHS commencement speaker and valedictorian, told his classmates. “We may not always get it right the first time. But if we don’t give up, we will do better the next time.”

Leach was one of 30 CHS seniors graduating, and the first student to serve as a CHS commencement speaker, according to Willis Young, CHS assistant director.

School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Dean Curt Lox welcomed the many family and friends who packed the Meridian Ballroom. Other special guests on the program included Alison Reeves, PhD, board president and associate executive officer of the CHS and SIUE associate professor in educational leadership. Other board members present for the ceremonies included Kim Durr, chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor; and Wendy Brown, former CHS parent and Parent Teacher Organization member.

The night was a celebratory one because of all the accomplishments made by the 2016 graduating class, said CHS Director Gina Washington. “One hundred percent of the 2016 class plans to go on to higher education,” she said.

Leach was also accepted to 10 universities. He plans to attend Western Illinois University on a partial scholarship and is considering studying electrical engineering. Salutatorian Gaige Crowell was accepted to 10 universities. He plans to attend SIUE on a full tuition scholarship and major in civil engineering.

“The class of 2016 has also accumulated more than $300,000 in scholarships,” Washington added.

CHS for the second time, presented scholarships in the name of Young for his 17 years of service to the school. Receiving scholarships were Xavier Ellis, Mark Miles and Ronniesha McCoy.

Several CHS students were also selected to receive the Mary Ann Henry Trunk scholarship. Brown started the scholarship to honor her late aunt who was an advocate in helping further young people’s education. Five black trunks were each packed with school supplies, toiletries and other items needed for college. The winners were McCoy, Miles, Crowell, Joshua Latta and TaiJa Samuel.

“‘Philosophers have conceded, however, that man has two educators: that which is given to him,’” said Leach, quoting Carter G. Woodson in The Mis-Education of the Negro, “‘and the other that which he gives himself. Of the two kinds the latter is by far the most desirable. Indeed, all that is most worthy in man he must work out and conquer for himself.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed,’” Leach continued quoting.

Leach talked about his journey in education and how his mother, Trina Thomas of East St. Louis, set a standard of excellence for him at an early age.

“She said: ‘I don’t want any C’s in my house.’” 

“I’m so proud of him,” Thomas said, “but T’Yon has always been very focused and competitive.”

Leach ended his commencement speech with words that lifted the audience to its feet, questioning what the future holds for the school and the graduating class. “I leave you with this quote by Marilyn Nelson (American poet), ‘Miracles happen all the time. We’re still here, aren’t we?’”

The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior prepares students in a wide range of fields including community and public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region. 

The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students, who are career- and college- ready, upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photos:

Marching into the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom are Celeste Buford, Cameron Coleman and Gaige Crowell. 

L-R: T’Yon Leach, SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School valedictorian; and Gaige Crowell, salutatorian. 

The Class of 2016 pauses for a time of reflection before graduation ceremonies. 

L-R: Celebrating their big day are DeAmbra Parks-Loveless, DeMarco Neal, Maria Moore, Keithen Rice and Markel Griffin.