Chester High School Graduation

Chester High School held its 137^th Commencement Ceremony this evening June 10, 2011 at the Athletic Field. This is my second year participating and third if you count my graduation years ago at the Sun Center in Aston. Of course, graduations are so memorable. Just as I have memories of my graduation so will this graduating class. Superintendent Dr. Joyce Well message for the graduating class included, “The next stage of your journey through life is ready to commence. You have collected wonderful memories from elementary, middle and high school, from the prom, to class day, to clash day, these are the memories that will preserve your C-PRIDE. Memories you will cherish forever.” 

The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Sanya Springfield, Director of National Cancer Institute Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Dr. Springfield received her Ph.D. degree from Howard University. She is a native of Chester and the graduating class of 1970. She still has family living in Chester. She grew up in the Bennett Homes Project. She expressed these words to the graduating class: “No matter where you come from you can achieve beyond your wildest dream…write your own future…don’t define yourselves by where you come from but let it motivate you.” She further encouraged them to “Remember to celebrate your accomplishments” by patting themselves on the back and their classmates. 

Here are some highlights from the graduation:

Principal Dr. Darla Hammond: "As you encounter barriers, naysayers, or fears, you must always take the high road in an effort to thrive to be and become a productive citizen. You are heirs of a great heritage, and you must believe in yourselves. I believe in you and I know you will make a positive mark in the world."

Valedictorian Havana Dixon: "Stop being the cause of our own demise because united we will thrive."

2011 Graduating Class

Class Officers (Tears of Joy)

From the Superintendent: "My ultimate wish is that your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest point of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. Congratulation graduates of 2011 and all the best in your endeavors.
Peace and Happiness,
Dr. Joyce A. Wells"