Detroit Public School’s city-wide commencement awarded more than a hundred high school graduates with diplomas this week.
“We want to bring unity to the celebration of 12 to 13 years of effort from our young people,” said Martin Luther King Jr. High School science teacher, Shedrick Ward. “We do this in a uniform way by having all the students report to one location to celebrate their accomplishment.”
The two-hour ceremony was held at Martin Luther King Jr. High School for the second straight year. In years past, local venues such as Fox Theater and the Fisher Building were home to the celebration.
The master of ceremony was Communication and Media Arts High School graduate Jeremiah Walker. During his remarks, Walker continuously thanked parents and those who supported this year’s class to the finish.
“I think this moment here is one to remember. It took a lot to get here for us all,” said Walker. “I mean, we have spent so much time in school so to get here to this point is an accomplishment that should and will be celebrated.”
Graduates and attendees were treated to musical selections from Detroit School of Arts alum, Jeffrey Trent, throughout the ceremony.
Words of encouragement were expressed by East English Village Preparatory Academy principal, Patricia A. Murray, who served as the keynote speaker for Wednesday’s ceremony.
“This is only the beginning for you graduates,” she said in addressing the class of 2015 graduates. “Go home and make a 30-day plan, then a 60-day plan and keep going until you reach 90.”
The summer graduation ceremony, since its inception, has been proven to help increase graduation rates throughout DPS.
Visit detroitk12.org for more information on upcoming events and news specific to the district.
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