More Than 2,000 Students Graduated From St. Petersburg College This Weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg College graduate Chikara Parks wanted to walk away from college, but she found the strength to keep going through the encouraging words from the SPC family.

“They saw something in me that I would have never seen in myself, ever,” Parks said.

On May 8, SPC held its 142nd commencement ceremony virtually. Parks was one of two student speakers at the event. She shared a personal story of overcoming adversity and preserving while grieving the loss of her unborn child at 4 months old. Parks turned her pain into purpose and crossed the graduation finish line.

“Although there were so many odds placed against me, I had a dream, a vision and I was determined to live it out in the wake of real life,” she said. “The best things in life are worth waiting, fighting, believing and never letting go.”

Graduate Christy-Lynne Lapine also spoke at the ceremony and shared how she embraced courage and found acceptance at SPC as a transgender woman.

“I was welcomed, encouraged and celebrated as I came out of my shell, and my mind shone with every new lesson and course,” she said.

Lapine also reminded her peers of their resilience as they all navigated a changing world.

“Even with the unexpected changes we all faced this last year, you rose to the challenge and earned your place here,” she said. “That kind of thinking, that kind of courage, will still be with your regardless the obstacles you find in your futures.”

A celebration to remember

For the Spring 2021 Term, SPC awarded 2,168 degrees and certificates. The youngest graduate was 17 years old, the oldest was 76 years old and 15 graduates are over the age of 60. With this graduating class, SPC will have awarded 185,204 degrees since the college – Florida’s first community college – was founded in 1927.

During the ceremony, SPC President Tonjua Williams thanked the college’s leadership, faculty and staff for their commitment to students. She also said SPC students are more than ordinary for overcoming obstacles to change their lives.

“You preserved through many challenges this year,” Williams said. “It is a testament to your resilience and determination that you are here to cross the finish line. You are a diverse group of students from all walks of life, who have turn obstacles into opportunities in order to succeed.”

Florida Sen. Ed Hooper joined the celebration too as a guest speaker and commended the virtual graduates on their accomplishments.

“You made it, you’re here and that’s the most important part of your journey,” Hooper said. “I hope this day brings opportunities to you and your family that you’ve always longed for.”

President Williams closed the special occasion and told graduates, “St Petersburg College is a special place, where opportunities are endless, hope is never deferred, and dreams come true.”

To watch the graduation ceremony, visit spcgraduation.com.

This press release was produced by the St Petersburg College News. The views expressed are the author's own.