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Nevins, Chester & Johnson lead St. Mary’s Academy graduates
Sixty-seven students received diplomas from Sr. Eva Regina, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Holy Family and Sr. Jennie Jones, principal, in ceremonies marking the 123rd graduation of St. Mary’s Academy May 22 at St. James Major Church, New Orleans. Divine Word Father Alfred Ayem, Chaplain of St. Mary’s Academy, celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass that preceded the graduation ceremonies. Therese Mitchell Badon, regional director of the United Negro College Fund, Inc and SMA alumna, served as the Commencement speaker.
The school’s valedictorian was LaShawn Nevins and the salutatorians were Victoria Chester and Jessica Johnson.
Nevins is the daughter of Fred Nevins and the late Gisele Nevins. She will attend North Carolina A & T State University on a full academic scholarship and will major in industrial engineering. A TOPS Performance and Board of Regents Scholar, Nevins earned the highest average awards in mathematics, science and physical education. Throughout her years as a student at St. Mary’s Academy, she consistently maintained both Principal’s and Renaissance Star status. Additionally, she was actively involved in several extracurricular activities including, the SMA Geek Squad, French and Latin Clubs, basketball and softball teams. While a senior at SMA, Nevins also participated in the Southern University at New Orleans Dual Enrollment program, where she earned advance college credits. She earned the Knights of Columbus Leadership Award and was recently featured on WWL-TV as an A+ Athlete.
Chester is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marc Chester. She will attend Loyola University in New Orleans on an academic scholarship and will major in chemistry/pre-med. A TOPS Performance and Board of Regents Scholar, Chester consistently maintained Principal’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status throughout her years of study at SMA. She earned the highest average awards in science, social studies and computer science. Additionally, she was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations including the SMA Geek Squad, basketball and softball teams, Maryites for Maryites, Eucharistic Ministers, Academic Games, French and Latin Clubs and National Honor Society. While a senior at SMA, Chester also participated in the Southern University at New Orleans Dual Enrollment program, where she earned advance college credits.
Johnson is the daughter of Drs. Warren and Carolyn Johnson. She will attend Xavier University on a full academic scholarship, majoring in Mass Communications. A TOPS Performance and Board of Regents Scholar, Johnson consistently maintained Principal’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status throughout her years of study at SMA. She earned the highest average awards in religion, English, Latin and French. Additionally, she was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations including the Student Council, Academic Games, SMA Dance Team, journalism staff, Maryites for Maryites, Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers.
Honor graduates were Maya Galathe, ReJane Brooks, Isoke Davis, Ashley Conaway, Jonell Hall, Arianne Swanier, Nichelle Taylor, Bianca Williams, Kaila Hutchison, Christal Ford, Kristin Williams, Angelica Hudson, Brittany Robinson, Elisah Magee, Leanna Gray, Brandi Armant, Sydney Lockett, Chevelle Johnson, Alacia Honora and Railyn Williams.
Other graduates were Breland Adkins, Tory Ancar, Derrione Bentley, Robin Bolds, Ashley Brown, Jasmine Butler, Joneae' Champion, Makeda Charles, Nalani Chester, Laurianda Collins, Skyler Daniels, Simone Dejan, Courtney Dominguez, Miche'l Dominique, Casey Dupart, Tyreon Edmond, Sharell Ferrand, Kiara Flot, Keyonna Hayes, Denara Henderson, Nivea Holmes, Ashley James, Brittney Johnson, Kristine Jones, Chante' LeBlanc, Devan Lee, Sydney Lockett, Jancy Marshall, Ariane Moses, Lyntrell Ratleff, Christean Robichaux, Ashley Robinson, Brionne Ruth, Gloria Samuels, Brittany Sandifer, Lynell Simmons, Vineisha Smith, Chiane Spencer, Keirra Summers, Alana Thomas, Dominique Thomas, Morgan Walker, Bianca Williams, Catelyn Williams, Chareen Williams, and Ra’Shonda Williams.