Ivanna Eudora Kean High School will hold commencement exercises for over 130 graduates on Saturday, June 9. Its keynote speaker and 20-year alum will be former Virgin Islands Daily News columnist, community activist and author, Devin “Dutchie” Robinson.
Twenty years ago in 1992, Kean was experiencing a high number of male delinquency including increased violence, truancy and other miscreant behavior. On the list of these delinquents was Devin “Dutchie” Robinson, who over recent years has served the community as an activist, written several books and more. As a senior at Kean he was expelled in his senior year several months before graduation only to be readmitted six weeks later after his parents made an emotional plea to the district’s superintendent. He was well-known for his role in creating disruption, one resulting in an on-campus arrest for aggravated assault, a felony he would face after he graduated.
He eventually went on to serve six years in the military, become a college professor and become an advocate for peace and self-development throughout the territory. He has worked closely with school administration and community organizations over the past eight years to keep young males on track. Some of the organizations include Stop the Bleeding, Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Lutheran Services and others.
When asked of his journey he said, “I never thought my life would’ve turned out to be this way. I was so entrenched into being mischievous that I eventually thought I was hard wired for a life of defiance. This is a very humbling experience. I am honored that the school administration chose me as the speaker. I have been a fan of Dr. McCollum ever since she took the helm at Kean.”
Kean’s commencement exercises will take place at 6 p.m. on June 9 on campus.
For more information, contact Ivanna Eudora Kean school administration at 775-6380.
For more information, contact Ivanna Eudora Kean school administration at 775-6380.
