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Nine girls graduated as the first class of Prima Girls during a graduation program at Grace Fellowship Church on Nov. 15.

Prima Girl is a six-month faith-based mentorship program designed to teach young ladies – ages 12-21 – how to become empowered, independent and successful women, according to Advance archives.

The program is taught by mental health and guidance counselors with more than 35 years of experience combined.

Those who graduated included Xamiria English, Imari Lemon, Aajenay Tillman, Charm Brown, Ariyana Young, Kayla Bynum, Katia Salter and Zion Salter.

During the program, the girls learned about leadership, basic living skills, navigating life, setting future goals and creating vision boards, to name a few.

Each graduate was pinned and a couple gave speeches reflecting their time during the program. Additionally, a video presentation was shown of their activities.

City Councilwoman Eunice Johnson gave the commencement speech.

She based her speech on Psalm 139:14.

“God took time out and fearfully made you,” Johnson said, adding that each graduate has an identity. “You all are beautiful in God’s site.”

Johnson said each of the nine are shining stars.

“There are so much potential in y’all,” she said. “Delight yourself in the Lord; he will give you new life.”