Blackwell, Jones lead St. Mary’s Academy graduates

Fifty-eight 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 122 nd graduation of St. Mary’s Academy May 17 in St. James Major Church, New Orleans. Father John Raphael, SSJ, principal of St. Augustine High School, celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass that preceded the graduation ceremonies on May 16 and Sr. / Dr. Jamie T. Phelps, OP served as the Commencement speaker.

Dareion Blackwell, daughter of Wanda Blackwell and Darryl Clark, was valedictorian. She will attend Xavier University in New Orleans where she earned a full academic scholarship. She plans to major in pre-med. Blackwell, a Gates Millennium, Board of Regents and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholar, was a member of the National Honor Society, Science Club, Chorus, Friends of Henriette Delille and Pre-Alumnae. Additionally, Blackwell served as a Peer Minister and co-captain of the SMA Cheerleaders. While a senior at SMA, Blackwell also participated in Southern University at New Orleans Dual Enrollment program, where she earned advance college credits. She also performed numerous hours of community service, working with children who have special needs.

Gayla Jones, daughter of Gary and Avery Jones, was the salutatorian of the SMA Class of 2007. She will attend the University of Southern Mississippi on a full academic scholarship where she will major in Music Business. Jones, a National Achievement Finalist and TOPS Performance and Board of Regents Scholar, was Drum Major of the SMA Marching Band this year. A Renaissance Star, she also consistently maintained Principal’s Honor Roll status throughout her years of study at SMA. Additionally, Jones participated in Southern University at New Orleans Dual Enrollment Program during her entire senior year.

Honor graduates were Paige Brown, Precious Acker, Shantrese Davis, Jasmine Proctor, Quina Fortune’, Arianne Dupart, Tyralynn Wells, Darrielle Santiago, Brandi Rogers, Tawanna Matthews, Breana Patterson, Kaisha Thomas, D’Andrea Foy, Danielle Washington, and Kia Turner.

Other graduates were Xia Adkins, Jonique Alexis, Jalisa Allen, Roynesha Barconey-Fox, Brittanie Barnett, Derrinica Barra, Jade Brown, Krystal Burke, Treshon Clark,

Brittany Coleman, Ashley Cooley, Ariana Daniel, Brittany Dubuclet, Yachi Edwards,

Kennitra Freeman, Jelisa Greenwood, Christi Griffin, Elissa Joseph, Whitney Kennedy,

Jasmine LaCoste, Kimberly Lafayette, Breana Lewis, Chazmin Martin, Jelissa Martin, Shynice Mays, Analeshia McKissick, Jea'na Meyers, Robyn Murray, Swanica Nero, Celita Owens, Dejeanne Patterson, RoAnna Peguero, Trittany Saverin, Jade' Sennett, Adriana Ware, Tonya White, Jamyra Williams, Lakiesha Williams, Shantell Williams, Tivili Williams and Melanie Willoughby.