St. Mary Community Action Agency’s Homebuyers and Business Development Graduation ceremony on June 8 garnered moments of jubilation and accomplishment when 27 participants received their certificates of completion.

The milestones were shared with friends and family in attendance.

“There was a sense of pride and excitement when they walked in the auditorium of Franklin High School knowing that they had finished something and stayed the course,” said Almetra Franklin, CAA chief executive officer. “There was sufficient attendance amongst the students and their families considering the rain was consistent, which would have kept most people at home.”

Certificates were administered by Franklin Board Chairperson Augustine Grogan and St. Mary Parish Councilmen Butch Middleton and Craig Mathews.

The 27 graduates celebrated matriculation through one of three programs — Homebuyer’s Education, Small Business Development Training or the Microenterprise Development Initiative.

“In the future we look forward to sharing the good news about the next group of future homeowners and business leaders,” Franklin said.