Photos: Youth Empowerment Project promotes largest graduating class to date
The Youth Empowerment Project saw its largest graduating class in its 20th year serving New Orleans promoting 84 graduates during a ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium on Loyola University's campus. The graduates were of a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and earned their diplomas after passing the High School Equivalency Test.
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The graduates walk in and find their seats during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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E'Damien Baines wears a decorated cap.
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Sarah Hunko welcomes everyone during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Graduates listen to speakers during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Youth Empowerment Project Co-Founder and CEO Melissa Sawyer speaks to the graduates during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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New Orleans Councilmember Freddie King III speaks to the graduates during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Graduates clap for a speaker during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Graduation caps with various designs during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Keynote speaker Sheila Webb addresses the graduates during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Litzy Moreno smiles at her child during the graduation ceremony.
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Alexander Thomas flashes a peace sign as he walks to stage to collect an award during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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Kendra Edwards speaks to her fellow graduates during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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A graduate accepts a hug after getting a diploma during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)
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A graduate excitedly shakes hands after receiving a diploma.
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Kendra Edwards is all smiles after receiving her diploma.
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Graduates move their tassels to the other side during a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony.
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Dilvia Moreno has her photo taken with the diploma.
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Dilvia Moreno shares an embrace after receiving her diploma after a Youth Empowerment Project graduation ceremony at Nunemaker Auditorium at Loyola University in New Orleans Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Staff photo by Matthew Perschall, The Times-Picayune)