Celebration of Achievement  ceremonies for the Progressive Education Program Inc. of New Iberia students came with bittersweet emotions as the proud moment for this year’s graduates also marked the end of the program for administration and a dedicated staff.

Seven of 14 PEPI graduates who attended celebrated the fact that they have now earned their HiSet, formerly known as the  GED .

“As of June 30 PEPI will be dissolved and South Louisiana Community College will take over the adult education program so we’re leaving it in good hands,” Sister Barbara Kraus, director of PEPI, said.

Kraus said she’s saddened by the idea of PEPI ending its program but she’s encouraged by the rich legacy it has left the community. 

“We have had over 600 graduates over the years,” Kraus said. “We think their lives have been changed and the lives of their families and the life of the community has been changed because these persons have gotten their HiSet/ GED.” 

The celebration of achievement ceremony was held on the Campus of SLCC New Iberia. Graduates receive their diplomas by mail from the state of Louisiana. Among the this year’s graduates was Traci Darby, who didn’t let failure stop her from accomplishing the goal she had set in her heart.

“I had dyslexia and I was in special education all during high school,” Darby said. 

“All they give you is a certificate, and I always wanted to go back to school so I started in 2013 and here I am,” she said.

Darby struggled with math and had to take the HiSet three times before passing. The stay-at-home mom’s journey was encouraging to her son Logan, who has joined the program himself.

“I’m really proud of her,” Logan said. 

“It’s been a year and a half since I quit high school, I’m in classes now to get my HiSet,” he said.

Students and their loved ones often sacrifice a lot to meet their goal, they all agreed. 

Graduate Jakari Davis attended night classes and worked during the day for The Bayou Companies as a yard crew coordinator. Now that he has his diploma he plans to pursue higher education.

“I want a degree in information technology from either UL Lafayette or SLCC Lafayette,” Davis said. 

The New Iberia native was out of high school for 12 years but had no problems getting reacquainted with the books. He brought his girlfriend, Tiffany Pierre and her son, Eron, with him for support. 

“I’m very excited and proud of him,” Pierre said.

The keynote speaker for Tuesday night’s ceremony was the Rev. Zack Mitchell with Word of Hope World Outreach Church.

PEPI GRADS AT A GLANCE

The PEPI Class of 2018:

• Christine Buteau

• Traci Darby

• Jakari Davis

• Allyce Good

• Bernard Leblanc

• Antionna Lewis 

• Carmond Linzer

• Nadia Malahmeh

• Sha’Keidra Marks

• Evan Morton

• Haley Proveaux

• Malajah Spencer

• Kyle Tauriac

• Exzile Vicknair