Congratulations to the "Impeccable, Trendsetting" CHS Class of 2016!

A total of 211 excited graduates making up the St. Croix Central High School "Impeccable, Trendsetting" Class of 2016 received high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 15 in a ceremony filled with pomp at the school's gymnasium.

For as far as the eye could see, family members, friends, dignitaries and well-wishers packed the gymnasium to send off the Class of 2016 in grand style. The spirited ceremony was filled with spontaneous cheers, laughter and praise of the graduates. During her remarks, Salutatorian McCathie Eugene praised her classmates for their many achievements and accomplishments. In relating a story she read of a young man who opted to pursue his dreams in the face of opposition, McCathie said the young man told his teacher of a failing grade he received, "You can take your 'F' and give me my dreams." Valedictorian Hazel Acosta offered this advice to her peers, "Nothing is impossible with God" and "God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers."

Keynote Speaker Nikoia Fredericksen, assistant director at Lincoln University and an '07 CHS graduate, said, "Failure happens. Appreciate the successes along the way and never give up your dreams."

The CHS Class of 2016 is the recipient of more than $8 million in financial aid, including scholarships and grants. Sixty-two are attending college; 65 received both an academic diploma and a certificate in a technical program; 30 will attend vocational or technical schools; 15 are enrolled in the military; one will attend West Point Military Academy; and 10 will enter the workforce.