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Twenty-eight graduates of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) Class of 2020 experienced their first virtual commencement ceremony Friday, May 26. View the ceremony at siue.edu/esl-charter-school.

CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, extolled the graduates’ virtues and acknowledged it was not the type of senior year they ever could have imagined because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Victory Class of 2020, take a bow and walk with the power that has been instilled in you,” she said. “You are ready to take on anything. Remember to give back to the community of believers who have walked this journey with you.”

Jeffries noted that the Class of 2020 has the second highest amount of scholarship offers in the school’s history with more than $3-million, with more to come. 

She thanked parents and guardians for their support and trust in educating their students, and quoted President Barack Obama, who said, “The Class of 2020 has the power to change anything.”

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook congratulated the class for its acceptance into 170 universities. “You will be successful in the future as you build upon your educational experiences,” he said. “Your success stems from the opportunities provided to you at the Charter High School – opportunities to consider new ideas, meet new people, think analytically and critically to work toward goals.”

Pembrook recalled the timeliness of the introduction of 1-to-1 technology this academic year, referring to one computer for each CHS student in the form of a laptop, tablet or iPad. “This allowed CHS students to continue their studies in the virtual realm as COVID-19 expanded to require stay-at-home measures,” he said. “Our students didn’t miss a beat.”

Pembrook quoted Albert Einstein, who said, “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or objects.”

“The CHS has had a significant, positive influence on your life as you considered your goals,” Pembrook said. “We are all proud of your success, and this University is a better place, because you were students at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School.”

CHS Board of Directors President Kim Durr complimented the students for their adaptability, creativity and grit. “Your determination and strength will continue to take you places,” she said. “Take your ability to persevere even in challenging times and use it to your advantage going forward.”

Valedictorian Lauren Edwards also earned an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College while dually enrolled at CHS. She referenced the class’ historical place in time. “Being born in the years of 9-11 and graduating during COVID-19, we were built for this,” she said. “We were built to overcome any obstacles, push any boundaries and make history. We’ve managed to stay strong and determined to make it this far. I’m so proud of how we have overcome unexpected life changes and challenges.

“On the positive side, look at what we’ve gained and accomplished. We have gained long-term friendships and stories to pass down to future generations. We’ve been the most successful class in academics and sports. There is no other class that has experienced this journey as we have.”

Salutatorian Mikayla James acknowledged that the pandemic only altered some things and events. “But we have our whole lives ahead of us,” she said. “Some will continue onto college, the military or go straight into the workforce. But we will come out as some of the greatest doctors, lawyers, teachers, artists, businessmen and businesswomen, and engineers.

“To the staff that teaches, I want to thank you for believing in us, getting to know us on a personal level, and never giving up on us when we slipped up even a little bit.

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. 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.