After Being Barred From Graduation, A’Shari Hobbs Gets Her Moment

*A’Shari Hobbs, the St. Mary’s Academy senior whose removal from prom, graduation activities and postseason track competition sparked outrage across Inglewood, will receive a special community graduation ceremony after supporters rallied to ensure she would not miss one of life’s most important milestones. For Hobbs, the controversy was never just about school discipline. It was […] The post After Being Barred From Graduation, A’Shari Hobbs Gets Her Moment appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.

Jun 3, 2026 - 03:15 Updated: Jun 3, 2026 - 06:16

After Being Barred From Graduation, A’Shari Hobbs Gets Her Moment

A’Shari Hobbs - via Instagram — A’Shari Hobbs – via Instagram

*A’Shari Hobbs, the St. Mary’s Academy senior whose removal from prom, graduation activities and postseason track competition sparked outrage across Inglewood, will receive a special community graduation ceremony after supporters rallied to ensure she would not miss one of life’s most important milestones.

For Hobbs, the controversy was never just about school discipline. It was about losing the moments many students spend years anticipating.

“I’ve been here for four years,” Hobbs said during a May community gathering. “At least let me graduate with my class.”

That plea resonated throughout the community as supporters questioned why the accomplished student-athlete was being prevented from participating in events she had spent years working toward.

Now, thanks to a coalition of community leaders, activists and supporters, Hobbs will have a graduation celebration of her own.

A Senior Year Overshadowed by Controversy

Hobbs became the center of a growing dispute after St. Mary’s Academy imposed disciplinary measures following an April incident involving parents and students on campus. School officials later acknowledged that Hobbs herself was not accused of misconduct related to the altercation.

Despite that distinction, Hobbs said she was barred from several senior-year activities, including prom, Grad Nite, championship track competition and graduation-related events.

The situation drew criticism from community members who argued that a student should not lose once-in-a-lifetime opportunities because of actions attributed to a parent.

Her mother, Elvira McBride, publicly apologized and expressed regret for the circumstances that led to the controversy, while supporters continued urging school leaders to reconsider the punishment.

A'Shari Hobbs (graduation) — A’Shari Hobbs (graduation)

A Community Refuses to Let Her Achievements Be Forgotten

As it became clear that Hobbs would not be reinstated in time to participate in traditional graduation activities, community leaders began organizing an alternative celebration.

Supporters say the goal is not only to honor Hobbs’ accomplishments but also to send a message about fairness, compassion and the importance of recognizing young people’s achievements.

For many students, prom and graduation are once-in-a-lifetime milestones. Supporters say that reality is what made Hobbs’ situation resonate so deeply throughout Inglewood and beyond.

Najee Ali, senior organizer for the Los Angeles National Action Network, said the community felt compelled to act after learning Hobbs would miss key senior-year events.

“A’Shari’s senior year, her accomplishments, and the priceless memories connected to graduation are not expendable,” Ali said.

Ali also praised community members who stepped forward to support Hobbs and her family during a difficult period, saying the response demonstrated the power of collective action when a young person’s future and dignity are at stake.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the controversy, Hobbs’ future remains filled with promise.

The standout athlete is headed to Chicago State University on a track scholarship, a significant achievement that reflects years of dedication both in the classroom and on the track.

Former U.S. Olympian and Olympic medalist Johnny Gray, who has publicly supported Hobbs throughout the controversy, is scheduled to serve as commencement speaker for the community ceremony.

Supporters say the event is intended to shift the focus away from conflict and back to Hobbs’ accomplishments, perseverance and future opportunities.

Graduation Celebration Details

The public is invited to attend A’Shari Hobbs’ community graduation ceremony.

Date: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center
4305 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008

On Wednesday night, Hobbs won’t walk across the stage with her classmates. But thanks to a community that refused to let her accomplishments be overlooked, she will still get a graduation celebration of her own—one that supporters hope reminds her just how many people are cheering for her success.